Olorato Mongale's family says it won't find peace until all suspects in her murder brought to justice
Mongale was killed more than a week ago, after she left her Johannesburg home, believing that she was going on a date with a man she had recently met.
The funeral service of slain Olorato Mongale at the Bloemfontein City Hall on 1 June 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
BLOEMFONTEIN - The family of slain Olorato Mongale said it cannot find peace until all the suspects in her murder have been brought to justice.
Mongale was killed more than a week ago, after she left her Johannesburg home, believing that she was going on a date with a man she had recently met.
KwaZulu-Natal police shot and killed the prime suspect in a confrontation, while another man believed to be his accomplice remains on the run.
The 30-year-old Mongale was laid to rest on Sunday.
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The funeral service, held at the Bloemfontein City Hall, drew more than 100 people, friends, family, neighbours, united in grief and outrage.
Her mother, Basetsana Mongale, sat silently holding a photo of her only daughter, who was described by many as a bright, trusting young woman who loved deeply.
Speaker after speaker called Olorato's killing a national wound and her absence an unforgivable loss.
After the service, the family said they could not begin to heal until the other suspect was found, not just to face the law, but to answer the one question that haunted them.
Family spokesperson, Criselda Kananda: "I'm hoping that soon we capture the one that is still at large, in order for us to have an opportunity to ask questions, because we just want to know why."
For now, the family begins the hard journey of life without Olorato.