Lombardy West honours murdered woman as the police continue their search for the murder suspects
Loved ones gathered in Lombardy West on the evening of May 28 to remember Olorato Mongale, as police continue with efforts to arrest suspects linked to her killing.
Candle light filled the street where the body of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale was found, after she was brutally murdered. Her body was found on May 25 after she went on a date with her alleged killer, known only as John.
The Lombardy West community held a candle lighting ceremony for Mongale on May 28, at 34 Cambridge Road in Lombardy West, the exact spot where she was dumped, sparking national outrage and an intensive search for her killers.
Read more: Police launch an investigation into the ‘premeditated’ murder of Olorato Mongale
Family, friends, and the community gathered to grieve and honour the life of a woman described as hardworking, driven, and full of promise.
Family spokesperson Criselda Kananda, described Mongale as a bookworm and bubbly person who knew how to lighten up the mood when she was around people. “Olorato had a beautiful soul. It’s a pity that the criminals didn’t get to know the person they violated. She had respect for young and old. Everyone will tell you about her kindness.
“She had a signature hug that, when she gave you, you would feel loved, you would feel recognised and appreciated. Her laughter was infectious and she loved reading. She was a nerd.”
Mongale obtained her journalism degree from Rhodes University in 2016 and did her internship with Media24 after completing her studies.
“She also lectured at Rosebank College, but when Covid-19 happened, she lost her job and went back to Bloemfontein,” Kananda said. In 2022, Mongale returned to Johannesburg, working for a communications company. She enrolled for a Master’s programme at Wits University, specialising in ICT policies and regulations.
Kananda said the family has been left shaken by the death. “We are devastated by this tragic loss and we ask that you continue to keep the family in your prayers. When Olorato met her friends they decided that whenever you go somewhere, whether it’s a party or a funeral, you must always send a location every 30 minutes. If you don’t send in 30 minutes it means you are lost, or you might be in trouble.
“Her friends began to worry after two hours passed without Olorato sending them a location. They activated Find My Location, and it led them to a house in Kew. The friends found her bag and cellphone outside the house.”
Also read: UPDATE: Suspects arrested in connection with the murder of JMPD officer
One of the community members said: “We did not know. It was an innocent Sunday when I left my home, at approximately 14:00, to go to a meeting. But, when I got to my destination I received a call from my wife saying: ‘Baba buya ekhaya [Dad come back home] something terrible just happened’.
“I asked: ‘What do you mean by terrible?’, She said: ‘Check the community WhatsApp group, we have a dead body on our street’. I had to leave everything and go home. When I arrived, I saw the young lady, lying there, lifeless. The community members also came out in numbers and we called the police.”
Timeline of the case:
• May 25: Olorato is picked up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, by a man driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate (LT57JGGP).
– The man allegedly took her through Alexandra and Kew, before she was murdered, allegedly between Alexandra and Lombardy West.
– Later that afternoon, her body is found with the assistance of community members.
– Her phone and handbag are recovered nearby in Kew.
– SAPS initially launch a manhunt to find the VW Polo, as well as the suspect, known only as John.
• May 29: Police find the white VW Polo at a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban. Traces of blood are discovered inside, and the registered owner of the vehicle, an elderly man, is arrested.
– Police then continue with the search for three suspects: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu (recently added to the wanted list). According to the police, all three are believed to have played a role in Olorato’s murder.
• May 29 (later that day): Police detain the mother and father of one of the suspects who are on the run. The father is the owner of the VW polo, while the mother is believed to have tipped off the son that police are at the parent’s house looking for him. “This action, by the mother, enabled the son to evade arrest on Wednesday evening. When police arrived in Inanda where he stays, he had already left,” National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
• May 30: The main suspect in the murder case is found by SAPS, hiding at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. “When police announced their arrival, he shot at police, who returned fire and he was fatally wounded,” said Mathe.
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