By Priya Ranchod
Growing frustration over the murder of Eldorado Park resident Laurelle Mario has seen community members gather outside the Eldorado Park Police Station, demanding urgent action and answers from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mario, described as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend, was allegedly hijacked in Eldorado Park on 24 August 2026. Her body was subsequently discovered in Nancefield, while her vehicle and cellphone were reportedly traced back to Eldorado Park.
The circumstances surrounding her death have raised concern among her family and community activists, particularly over the alleged lack of progress in the investigation.
SAPS Johannesburg District spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane confirmed on 11 September that a murder and carjacking case had been opened following the discovery of a woman’s body on 24 August. Police said the vehicle she was allegedly driving had also been reported missing. At that stage, no arrests had been made and investigations were continuing.
Community activist Cheryl Pillay said Mario’s family had been contacting the investigating officer daily but were allegedly told to be patient.
“It’s been three weeks,” Pillay said, expressing concern that critical time could be lost in a murder investigation.
She said the Section 205 process had also been a major concern. According to Pillay, after pressure was placed on SAPS and provincial structures, the Section 205 process was eventually conducted on the Sunday before the community action.
Pillay claimed that leads, witnesses and witness statements had been provided, but alleged that the investigating officer had not acted swiftly.
The community is now calling for the case to be moved beyond Eldorado Park SAPS and for a provincial investigator to be appointed to take over or oversee the investigation.
“We want the province to deal with the case. We want a provincial investigator to be appointed,” Pillay said.
Questions have also been raised about potential evidence, including cellphone information, vehicle tracking and other investigative leads.
Residents gathered outside the police station holding placards reading “Justice for Laurelle Mario”, “We demand action” and “We hold the South African Police accountable”.
City of Johannesburg Speaker and Eldorado Park activist Margaret Arnold was also associated with the community’s call for action.
In seeking answers, questions were initially sent to SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who referred the enquiry to the Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokespersons.
The detailed questions asked whether the case would be urgently reviewed, whether a senior provincial or specialised investigator would be appointed, what action would be taken if investigative failures were established, and whether potential evidence could have been compromised by alleged delays.
Further questions sought clarity on the Section 205 process, communication with the family, public tip-offs, provincial monitoring and concrete steps to ensure justice.
However, SAPS Gauteng Provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi and Brigadier Brenda Muridili refused to answer the questions individually.
Instead, they responded: “The case is still under investigation and that is the official response for now. Should there be any update to be communicated with the public, it will be done so accordingly.”
The response did not address the specific questions submitted by the newspaper.
SAPS has appealed to anyone with information to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS application to provide information anonymously.
With no arrests publicly confirmed, Mario’s family and the Eldorado Park community continue to demand urgency, accountability and justice for Laurelle.
