Police hunt alleged woman killer who uses the name of John

Gauteng police are searching for a man who uses the name John (pseudonym), believed to be linked to the murder of a 30-year-old Johannesburg woman.

According to police, Olorato Mongale was last seen on Monday went she went on a date with her “alleged killer” who picked her up from her residential complex driving a white VW polo with cloned number plate that belong to a Toyota Hilux.

Deadly date

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said during investigations it emerged that the vehicle is fitted with fake registration number plates.

The fake registration number plate is: LT 57 JG GP.

“The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at around 3 pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He drove with the victim in the township of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew and between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg, this man allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body”.

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Grim discovery

Mathe said some of Mongale’s belongings, including a phone and a handbag, were found abandoned on 9th Road in Kew, Johannesburg.

“Her body was found in less than two hours at around 4:50 pm in Lombardy West on Sunday afternoon by the Saps with the assistance of community members.

“Gauteng police are investigating the possibility that ‘John’ was with another male suspect when they allegedly murdered Olorato,” Mathe said.

Other cases

Mathe added that Gauteng police are also investigating a similar case after a 39-year-old woman was also found dumped in Catherine Street in Sandown, Sandton on 8 May 2025.

“Just last week, police pounced on a man who was targeting women on Facebook using a fake profile and identity. The 24-year-old man is still in custody and has already appeared before the Bolobedu Magistrates court on a charge of kidnapping and rape.

“He had lured a 28-year-old female to Limpopo under false pretences and raped her repeatedly. She was later rescued by police at a filling station in Giyani,” Mathe said.

GBV

Mathe stressed that while police investigating teams are on the ground in the Mongale case and several other GBV cases, “we are urging women to be extra vigilant and look out for the VW Polo”.

“Women are also urged to always report their whereabouts to friends and family when meeting new friends or going out on dates. Avoid meeting strangers in secluded areas and only in public spaces”.

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