Olorato Mongale's family says they never sought revenge, only justice
At a prayer session held in Bloemfontein on Friday, Olorato Mongale's family said while her suspected killer is dead, they hope the truth will still be uncovered.
A prayer session held on Friday, 30 May 2025 in Bloemfontein’s Bayswater community, in honour of slain Olorato Mongale. Picture: Katlego Jiyane / Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The family of Olorato Mongale says the death of the man suspected of killing her does not bring them joy, but his choice to open fire on police left authorities with no other option.
Mongale, a 30-year-old journalist, was murdered last week after telling friends she was going on a date with a man she had recently met.
Her body was discovered hours later, sparking an intense search for her killer.
The suspect was later tracked down to an apartment in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where he was killed in a shootout with police.
READ: SAPS tracing IDs of more than 20 women found with main suspect linked to Olorato Mongale's murder
A prayer session held on Friday in Bloemfontein’s Bayswater community was heavy with pain, but also filled with unity.
Neighbours and loved ones shared words of comfort and support, wrapping the Mongale family in a show of solidarity and care.
Family spokesperson Chriselda Kananda said, “When you are commanded to stand down and you want to fight back, I mean you get what’s coming to you.”
On Friday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed that a second suspect had since handed himself over to authorities and that investigations were ongoing.
The Mongale family said they never sought revenge, only justice, and that while her suspected killer’s death offers some closure, they hope the truth will still be uncovered.
Olorato will be buried on Sunday.