Authorities are on high alert following the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, with a suspect identified as "John" driving a cloned vehicle linked to the crime.
Image: Social media
Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a man known only as John, following the brutal murder of a 30-year-old woman.
The suspect is wanted for the alleged murder and is believed to be driving a white VW Polo bearing a cloned number plate — LT 57 JG GP — which is registered to a Toyota Hilux.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Olorato Mongale was last seen on May 25 after being picked up from her residential complex by a man driving a white VW Polo, with whom she had planned a date. That same vehicle is now linked to her murder, and a search is underway for the suspect, known only as John.
“The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at around 3:00 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.”
Mathe said that several of Mongale’s items, such as her phone and handbag, were found discarded on 9th Road in Kew, Johannesburg. Her body was discovered shortly afterwards in the vicinity.
“Her body was found in less than two hours at around 16:50 in Lombardy West on Monday afternoon by the SAPS with the assistance of community members,” she added.
She further said police are probing whether a second man was involved in Olerato Mongale’s alleged murder.
“Gauteng police are investigating the possibility that 'John' was with another male suspect when they allegedly murdered Olorato,” said Mathe.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police were investigating similar cases in the area, following the discovery of a 39-year-old woman’s body dumped on the side of Catherine Street in Sandown, Sandton, on May 8. A month earlier, another lifeless body was found under similar circumstances.
“Our investigators are analysing all these cases to see if we have one perpetrator for these particular incidents,” she added.
Meanwhile, police have apprehended a 24-year-old suspect in a separate case accused of luring women on Facebook using a false identity.
He remains in custody and has already made a court appearance at the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and rape.
“He had lured a 28-year-old female to Limpopo under pretenses and raped her repeatedly. She was later rescued by police at a filling station in Giyani.”
Authorities have raised the alarm following the murder of Olorato Mongale and several other gender-based violence cases, urging the public to stay alert, particularly about a white VW Polo reportedly linked to the crime.
Police are appealing to women to take extra precautions when meeting new people. This includes informing loved ones about their plans, avoiding isolated locations, and prioritising public venues for their safety.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za