'She was magic': Family and friends pay their last respects to slain Olorato Mongale

BLOEMFONTEIN - Family and friends have described slain Olorato Mongale as magical and full of energy.

On Sunday, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Bloemfontein City Hall to pay their final respects.

The 30-year-old was murdered last Sunday after leaving her Johannesburg home to meet a man she’d recently been dating. Her body was found hours later in Lombardy East, sparking a multi-provincial manhunt for suspects.

The main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed during a shootout with police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Friday morning. 

A second man, initially thought to be involved, was cleared on Saturday.

Authorities are still searching for a third suspect.

Sunday’s service was filled with emotion as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to remember a young woman whose life was full of promise.

Family spokesperson, Criselda Kananda, who directed the programme, described Mongale as a radiant presence who left a mark wherever she went.

“We gather today to honour the life of Olorato Mongale, a young woman whose brilliance shone brightly in all she did. Olorato was not just a talented individual; she was a beacon of energy, beauty, and promise.”

Her colleagues echoed Kananda, describing her as magical, welcoming and a woman who had a fearless energy about her.

Olorato was laid to rest at the Bainsvlei Private Cemetery.