Olorato Mongale's family at memorial service: 'She was a light, a force, a joy to know'
Her body was found in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, on Sunday, hours after she reportedly left her home.
Olorato Mongale's memorial service in Bloemfontein. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN
BLOEMFONTEIN - Mourners have gathered on Thursday at the Hamilton Hall in Bloemfontein to celebrate the life of Olorato Mongale.
It's alleged she was murdered after going on a date with a man she had recently met.
Her body was found in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, on Sunday, hours after she reportedly left her home.
The discovery sparked a national outcry and a police manhunt that has since led to one arrest in KwaZulu-Natal. Three other suspects are still on the run.
Mongale’s family said that nothing could have prepared them for the grief they were not dealing with, but the love and presence of those who knew her had brought them moments of peace.
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She’d moved to Gauteng to further her studies and pursue a career in journalism, and was just weeks away from receiving her Master’s Degree.
A scripture from Psalm 34 was read aloud: "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
"She was a light, a force, a joy to know and an honour to love. We will deeply miss her, we will constantly hear her voice."
As her laughter, determination and gentle heart are being remembered through song, tributes and tears, Mongale’s loved ones say they won’t rest until those responsible for her murder are brought to justice.