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 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.
“Our parole and bail approaches need to be urgently reconsidered. Men like these do what they want and don’t care because they know even if they are caught, they will be back,” family spokesperson Criselda Kananda told the Sunday Times this week.
‘I miss your voice. I miss hearing you sing’
On Friday, a prayer service for her family was held in Bloemfontein’s Bayswater community. Community members reflected on her life and offered strength to those she loved.
Motheo Mongale told EWN that it had been a difficult time for the family, but they hoped to find closure soon.
“I miss your voice. I miss hearing you sing,” he said in a message to his cousin.
