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Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a smooth-talking mystery man who goes by the name John (yes, that’s his pseudonym), who’s now the prime suspect in the brutal murder of a 30-year-old Johannesburg woman, Olorato Mongale.
Now, this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Tinder flop. According to police, Mongale was last seen on Monday, heading off on what was meant to be a simple date, per The Citizen. Instead, she ended up in a white VW Polo with fake plates, not knowing it would be the last ride of her life.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed what many already feared, the date turned deadly. Apparently, the Polo had number plates cloned from a Toyota Hilux. If that doesn’t scream dodgy, nothing does.
“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.”
The fake registration number? LT 57 JG GP. Commit that to memory.
Not long after, pieces of Mongale’s life were scattered like breadcrumbs, her handbag and phone dumped on 9th Road in Kew. Less than two hours later, cops, with help from sharp-eyed community members, stumbled on her body in Lombardy West.
“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.”
The investigation now has a chilling twist: John might not have been flying solo.
“Gauteng police are investigating the possibility that ‘John’ was with another male suspect when they allegedly murdered Olorato,” Mathe said.
If you thought this was a one-off, think again. Just weeks earlier, a 39-year-old woman was also found dumped in Sandown, Sandton – same story, different street.
“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.
What do these cases have in common? Fake identities, social media, and men who think GBV is a sport.
Mathe said the police are knee-deep in GBV investigations, but they can’t do it alone. “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.”
The bottom line? Murderous creeps like “John” are out there, and they’re playing a long game. Trust your gut, protect your peace, and never underestimate the power of a dodgy number plate and other red flags.
[Source: Citizen]
