Police assembled a comprehensive task force immediately after receiving the Mongale case on Sunday.
The team included the Crime Intelligence Unit, the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Durban Metro K9 Unit, and the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit.
The investigation traced the suspects’ movements following the alleged murder. It was found that they had booked a room at a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, but never used it.
“We know that after the incident, after allegedly murdering Olorato and dumping her body in Lombardy West, they then drove back to KwaZulu-Natal,” said police spokesperson Mathe.
Vehicle Recovery and Forensic Evidence
After receiving information that the suspects might be hiding in Guamachu, KZN, where they originated, the investigation team traveled to the province on Wednesday morning.
Their efforts led to the identification of one suspect’s house, which subsequently led to the discovery of the wanted VW Polo at a panel beating workshop in Phoenix.
“The team immediately mobilized forensic science experts to examine the vehicle. That is when they discovered traces of blood inside the Polo,” Mathe revealed.
Forensic analysis confirmed the vehicle’s connection to the crime.
“When we compare the VW Polo we have been looking for to the one that was found, it has been positively identified as the same vehicle used in the commission of the crime, particularly in the murder case,” she said.
Owner of Car Used in Alleged Murder in Custody
The registered owner of the VW Polo, identified as the father of one of the suspects still at large, has been taken into police custody. Mathe confirmed he is cooperating with the investigation.
“At this stage, the owner of the vehicle is the father of one of the suspects who is on the run. He is in police custody and cooperating. Our teams are interviewing him, raising concerns that the vehicle is registered under his name. He needs to account for where his vehicle has been,” she explained.
Investigators are questioning whether the vehicle owner was aware of his car’s involvement in the crime.
The investigation into Olorato’s death and the manhunt for the three suspects continues.
Mathe encouraged more women to come forward with any information about their experiences with the suspects.
The suspects in the murder case remain at large.
