By Malebo Pheme
On Sunday, 1 June 2025, the Bloemfontein City Hall became a sanctuary of remembrance and sorrow as hundreds gathered to bid farewell to 30-year-old Olorato Mongale. The young journalist’s life was tragically cut short after she went missing on 25 May, following what she believed was a date with a man she had recently met. Her body was discovered hours later in Lombardy West, Johannesburg.
A Mother’s heartfelt tribute
At the funeral of Olorato Mongale, her mother, Basetsana Mongale, shared a deeply emotional account of the moment she realised something was terribly wrong. She received a call from Olorato’s friend, who asked when she had last spoken to her daughter. Basetsana’s heart sank as she sensed the gravity of the situation. Driven by an unshakable feeling, she immediately drove through the night from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg. Upon arriving at the government mortuary, she was confronted with the painful reality that her daughter had passed away. Basetsana described Olorato as a fighter who never begged for mercy, noting that her nails were broken, a testament to her struggle for life.
A community in mourning
Family, friends, and dignitaries, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo, attended the funeral service. Speakers described Olorato as ambitious, loving, and determined, with a radiant presence that left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her aunt, Kealogetswe Mongale, expressed gratitude for the progress made by the police in the investigation, though one suspect remains at large.
Legal developments
In the days leading up to the funeral, significant developments occurred in the case. On 30 May, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that one of the suspects voluntarily handed himself to the police. Fezile Ngubane, initially thought to be involved, was cleared upon further investigation and released from custody. Authorities are still searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu, the third suspect wanted in connection with Mongale’s murder.
A call for justice
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae attended the funeral and spoke out against the scourge of gender-based violence. She emphasised that women in the country are under attack and live in fear, urging for the protection of women and children to be prioritised.
As the service concluded, Olorato Mongale was laid to rest at the Bainsvlei Private Cemetery in Bloemfontein. Her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and the need for justice and protection for all women.
