A memorial service is being held today in Bloemfontein for 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, whose brutal murder in Gauteng has sparked national outrage and a growing search for her alleged killers.

According to Bloemfontein Courant, the service takes place at Mahube Tumelo Hall in Hamilton and started at 12:00, where family, friends, and community members are gathered to honour the life of a woman described as hardworking, driven, and full of promise.

Olorato was originally from Bloemfontein and previously worked as a communications officer at the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism between 2020 and 2022. She had relocated to Johannesburg for work opportunities, but her roots remained deeply tied to the province.

Her tragic death has not only devastated those who knew her personally, but has also reignited public calls for urgent action to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.

Timeline of the case:

• Sunday: Olorato was picked up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, by a man driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate (LT 57 JG GP).
• The man took her through Alexandra and Kew, before she was murdered, allegedly between Alexandra and Lombardy West.
• Later that afternoon, her body was found with the assistance of community members.
• Her phone and handbag were recovered nearby on 9th Road in Kew.

SAPS initially warned the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle and a suspect known only as ‘John’.

Vehicle recovered in Durban

This week, a breakthrough came when police found the white VW Polo at a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban. Traces of blood were discovered inside, and the registered owner of the vehicle – an elderly man – was arrested.

Police are now searching 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.

“They are considered to be dangerous and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Brigadier Nama on 082 778 9035.

Premier condemns murder

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed her condolences to the Mongale family and condemned the killing in the strongest terms.

“We are deeply hurt by what is happening to our women and girl children,” she said. “We will not give up the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and ensure that justice is served to the victims and survivors.”

She described Mongale as a dedicated public servant and called for ‘all hands on deck’ in fighting the GBVF pandemic.

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