Olorato Mogale's family gather in prayer ahead of her funeral on Sunday

BLOEMFONTEIN - Hours after the main suspect in Olorato Mongale’s murder case was killed in a shootout with police, her loved ones are gathering in prayer at her family home in Bloemfontein to remember her.

The 30-year-old was found dead last week after she left for a date with a man she had recently met and never returned.

Mongale was honoured at a memorial on Thursday, and on Friday evening, her community will continue to celebrate her life.

Under a white tent surrounded by chairs and flowers, Olorato’s family is deep in preparation for her funeral this weekend.

ALSO READ:

• Olorato Mongale murder: Cops receive almost 100 calls about cases likely linked to main suspect
• Olorato Mongale's family says her alleged killer's death offers some closure
• KZN police have shot and killed main suspect in Olorato Mongale murder case
• 2 more suspects linked to Olorato Mongale's murder case arrested
• SAPS tracing IDs of more than 20 women found with main suspect linked to Olorato Mongale's murder

But on Friday night, a prayer session will be held at the family home as mourners begin to arrive and offer a helping hand. 

Her family members - still tender and emotional - say they’ll be praying for strength, peace and for her light to stay with them.

The Mongale family’s spokesperson, Chriselda Kananda, has reiterated a call for help as police continue investigating the matter

“And we humbly request once again for the communities to identify all these criminals and report them as soon as possible, that we rid our communities of such criminals. Thank-you South Africa for all your support.”

The family says gatherings of this nature offer them the much-needed comfort.

Mongale will be laid to rest on Sunday.