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The 30-year-old was killed, and her body dumped, after she went on a date last Sunday in Johannesburg.
Friends, family and community members have gathered at the Bloemfontein City Hall in the Free State on Sunday to pay their final respects to Olorato Mongale.
The 30-year-old was killed, and her body dumped, after she went on a date last Sunday in Johannesburg.
She had met her alleged killer a short time earlier in Bloemfontein, before he convinced her to let him take her out.
She was careful, sending her live location to friends, but still fell victim to a heinous crime.
Police began a manhunt for Phila Makhanya, Fezile Ngubane and Bongani Mthimkhulu in the days after the death. Makhanya was killed in a police shootout on Friday, and police cleared Ngubane on Saturday. Mthimkhulu is currently on the run and was reportedly heading to the border.
Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were out on bail for kidnapping and robbery in Johannesburg, but were released on bail in April. Makhanya was also set to appear in court on Monday for a pending case in Brakpan and was a person of interest in a kidnapping case in KwaMashu.
The Mongale family have questioned how a “broken” justice system had allowed the men accused of kidnapping to be set free into society.
‘A light extinguished too soon’
Her body was transported to the funeral service and her final burial place in a white and gold coffin.
Olorato Mongale was brought to her final resting place this morning. pic.twitter.com/0VSpTdgiRz
— Crime Alerts SA (@SA_CrimeAlerts) June 1, 2025
At the service, Mongale was described as an adventurous young woman who shone brightly in all she did.
“She was not just talented but also a beacon of energy and promise
“Her light was extinguished far too soon. Her life was filled with dreams, laughter and love. Let us carry her memory forward. She has gone home,” family spokesperson Criselda Kananda told mourners.
A childhood friend said she spent the hours after her death “paralysed in bed”.
“I turned to God because I had so many questions.”
She recounted how Mongale had a troubling, recurring dream about writing a final exam.
“We didn’t think you would face a final trial so brutal and so soon. It shook me, it felt like you were saying goodbye and didn’t even realise it”.
Another friend said she was grateful that Mongale spent her last few days with friends who were dear to her.
WATCH: Mongale’s mother and grandmother speak at her funeral
[WATCH] Tributes from Olorato Mongale’s mother at the funeral highlight the pain of her loss and the cherished memories she leaves behind. pic.twitter.com/FTzmsjFfMs
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 1, 2025
[WATCH] Olorato Mongale’s grandmother recounts fond memories of her granddaughter during the funeral service in Bloemfontein. pic.twitter.com/S0SlCjBmk7
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 1, 2025
A voice against GBV
A university friend from her time at Rhodes University, Khanyi Mlambo, told mourners that Mongale was “beautiful in every way imaginable” and a leader who spoke out on gender-based violence.
“She led a protest against GBV. It was her voice that was leading us in song. It was her voice leading us in protest. It was her taking a stand.
“Thank you for loving us and showing us how to love.”
ALSO READ: ‘The system is broken’: Olorato Mongale’s family outraged ahead of funeral
‘We are left with silence filled with heartbreak and sadness’
Her former colleagues said she was filled with life and laughter.
“We are left with silence filled with heartbreak and sadness.
“She had the ability to bring the best out of people. She lit up every room, made everyone feel seen, and connected with people in a way that was truly rare.
“To Olorato; thank you for every cupcake, every call, and every fight you fought. Thank you for every light you lit. We carry with us always”.
ALSO READ: New development in Olorato Mongale murder case
Violence robbed us
Dean of Student Affairs at Wits University, Jerome September, said her absence was noticed and missed on Monday.
“We are troubled because Olorato’s death reminds us of the struggles our students face beyond the lecture halls. It reminds us that there is an urgent need to address the violence that continues to rob our nation of its youth and excellent young women like Olorato.
“Her life mattered. Her voice mattered. Her dreams mattered. Her memory will not be forgotten.”
Police vow to capture man linked to murder
Deputy Minister of Police Shela Polly Boshielo said the Mongale family could take some comfort in Makhanya now being “in permanent custody” after his death. She vowed that law enforcement would not rest until Mthimkhulu had been found.
“We want him, whether dead or alive.”
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities of South Africa, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said SA had failed Mongale.
“You deserve to live in a country where your safety is guaranteed, not debated. Where your rights are upheld, not negotiated.
“The responsibility to end gender-based violence is with all of us. It is not merely a government plan but a national effort. A call to action against the scourge that continues to wage war against our women.”
“We are very sorry, Olorato. We wish SA did not have to lose you, not in the manner you left us.
“May your memory firm our resolve and may your name never be spoken without purpose. Your light lives in our hearts and will always be in our national conscience.”
NOW READ: WATCH: How Olorato Mongale murder suspect ‘confessed’ [VIDEO]
