Family of murdered journalist, Olorato Mongale, believes she fought until her last breath

BLOEMFONTEIN - The family of slain journalist, Olorato Mongale, believes she fought till her last breath as they prepare to lay her to rest.

The 30-year-old was honoured on Thursday at a memorial service at the Hamilton Hall in Bloemfontein, where mourners gathered to celebrate her life and legacy.

Her body was discovered on Sunday, hours after she left home for a date with a man she had recently met at a mall.

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Police have arrested one suspect and are still searching for three others linked to her murder.

A sombre mood filled Hamilton Hall, as messages of kindness, courage and purpose were shared in memory of Olorato Mongale.

But beneath the tributes, the grief over how she died remains raw.

The stage, lined with white candles, posters, and photos, became a platform for mourners to honour the life she lived, rather than the horror she endured.

One of them, Don Nkoenyane, said that Mongale fought to the very end.

"She was killed, probably because she put up a strong fight. And the kidnapper realised, 'Hey! This is a hard nut to crack.'"

For now, Mongale’s family is preparing to say their final goodbyes.