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Olorato Mongale being remembered by friends, family including lecturers from both Rhodes university and Wits university, June 1, 2025.
Fellow students and colleagues say Olorato Mongale took a stand against gender-based violence. Speaking at her funeral service underway at the City Hall in Bloemfontein, they say Mongale was a born leader, with a strong voice and was passionate about storytelling.
Mongale’s body was found in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, on Monday, a day after she went on a date.
Mongale held an Honours Degree in Journalism from Rhodes University and was enrolled for her Master’s Degree at Wits University.
Wits University’s representative Jerome Sethemba has wished peace and closure for the family.
“Olorato was beautiful in so many ways, in every way possible that you can imagine; in the way that you can meet her by the cafe near the library and she would already know who you are; in the way that, not only her voice would annouce her in every lecture hall but so would her spirit. Olorato was with us for a very short time, but she had everything that a Witsie is; excellence, determination.”
Meanwhile, police say they are still searching for Bongani Mthimkulu in their investigation into Mongale’s killing and have called on him to hand himself over at the nearest police station.
One of the wanted people, Fezile Ngubane, has been cleared. Ngubane was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, but investigations indicate he was a victim and not a suspect.
Livestream: Olorato Mongale’s funeral service:
