DATE NIGHT TURNS DEADLY: Manhunt for ‘John’ after woman found murdered, dumped in Joburg

DATE NIGHT TURNS DEADLY: Manhunt for 'John' after woman found murdered, dumped in Joburg

Johannesburg – Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a suspect wanted in connection with the brutal murder of a 30-year-old woman who was last seen alive on a date with a man driving a car with fake registration plates.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has activated specialised teams to track down the suspect, an African male using the pseudonym “John,” who was last seen driving a white VW Polo with cloned number plates.

The vehicle was fitted with registration number LT 57 JG GP, which is registered to a Toyota Hilux.

The victim, Olorato Mongale, was picked up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, around 15:00 on Sunday, 25 May.

“Olorato Mongale went on a date with her alleged killer who picked her up from her residential complex driving a white vw polo. During investigations it emerged that   the vehicle is fitted with fake registration number plates. The fake registration number plate is: LT 57 JG GP,” Mathe said.

“The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg at around 15:00 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.

“Some of the belongings of the victim which include a phone and a handbag were found abandoned on 9th rd in Kew, Johannesburg.”

Police say they are investigating the possibility that “John” may have acted with an accomplice.

In a disturbing development, authorities are probing a possible link between Mongale’s murder and another case in which a 39-year-old woman was found dead and dumped on Catherine Street in Sandown, Sandton on 8 May.

The cases form part of an escalating pattern of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) that police are working urgently to contain.

Just last week, a 24-year-old man was arrested in Limpopo after luring a woman through a fake Facebook profile. The suspect allegedly kidnapped and repeatedly raped the 28-year-old victim, who was later rescued by police at a filling station in Giyani. He remains in custody and has appeared before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court.

In response to the spate of violence, Brigadier Mathe has urged women to be extra vigilant when meeting new people.

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

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