‘Tell at least one person when going out with a stranger,’ urges Olorato Mongale’s family

The family of murdered, Olorato Mongale, has urged young people to alert someone of their whereabouts, especially when going on dates for the first time.

Their appeal comes after the battered body of the Rhodes University graduate, who was reported missing on Sunday, was found in Lombardy West.

She was covered in a black refuse bag.

Eyewitnesses had last seen her taking a ride in a white polo with two men.

Family spokesperson, Dr Criselda Kananda, has appealed young people to be cautious in a bid to avoid a repeat of such a tragedy.

She has also appealed to South Africans to refrain from sharing the picture that’s alleged to be that of the 30-year-old murder victim.

The picture in question has gone viral on social media, with some claiming it is Olorato’s body.

A potential suitor is suspected to have murdered the Rhodes University graduate.

Dr Kananda is appealing for Ubuntu as Mongale’s family grapples with its loss.

The family spokesperson has described the 30-year-old’s murder as a huge blow.

She hails her as a beautiful, loving soul who had a warm smile and a bright future ahead of her.

The police in Gauteng are asking members of the public to assist with information that could help them nab those behind Mongale’s murder.

“No one has been arrested and the police request anyone who may have information that can assist with the investigations to contact the Crime Stop Line 08600 10111 or anonymously report tip-offs on MySapsApp which can be downloaded on any smartphone,” the SAPS say in a statement.

This tragedy has exacerbated South Africans’ frustration and anger over the disregard for human life that’s pervasive in society.

According to the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, South Africa’s murder rate of 45 per 100 000 (2023/24) is the second highest for countries that publish crime data.