Olo became a victim of the very brutality she stood against: Friend

May 29, 2025 170

University friend, Sphumelele Ndlovu, says it is deeply disheartening that Olorato Mongale became a victim of the same brutality she so passionately fought against.

Ndlovu, who studied with Mongale at Rhodes University, recalled her as a towering presence, always at the forefront of the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Mongale was a key figure in the #RUReferenceList movement at Rhodes University, which emerged in 2016 after students released a list naming alleged sexual offenders on campus.

The release of the list sparked widespread protests and called attention to the university’s handling of sexual violence.

The 30-year-old’s body was found dumped on the side of the road in Lombardy East on Sunday, less than two hours after she left her apartment in Sandton to go on a date with a potential suitor.

It is understood that Mongale met the guy at a mall and exchanged numbers, prior to the date that led to her demise.

Ndlovu, who spent several years alongside Mongale at university before they both moved to Johannesburg to pursue their careers, says the news of her death sent chills down her spine.

“She was a force, bold, unwavering, and determined to bring change. To lose her in this way is not only devastating but a tragic reminder of the very crisis she fought so hard against,” she said.

Ndlovu says the conversation and questions we should be asking ourselves is, why do perpetrators feel so safe in society? What systems are enabling them, and what are we doing to dismantle them?

“Perpetrators feel safe in society because we don’t hold each other accountable. There is so much individualism right now; you’ve got your high walls, your razor fence, electric fence, your remote controlled safe and you feel like you are safe, but reality is, we need to come together as a community and be each other’s keeper.”

Ndlovu commended the community of Lombardy East for their swift action to the discovery of Mongale’s body.

Family and friends gathered at the Mahube Tumelo Hall in Bloemfontein in memory of the young lady.

Mongale’s chosen mom, Mam’Tumi, has urged the 30-year-old’s friends and peers to celebrate Mongale’s life, saying she lived to the fullest.

“Olo lived a life ahead of her peers as if she is making up for the time that she will not be amongst us in this world. She lived a life and accomplished so much, her passport had stamps from countries that even me and many of us have never been to.”

She says it was like Mongale knew that God would call her home sooner than they all expected.

Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects believed to have killed Mongale.

The white VW polo alleged to have been the one that picked her up from her Sandton apartment was also seized from a panel beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban, on Wednesday.

National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says investigations are continuing and the search for all suspects has reached a critical and sensitive stage.

“The suspect’s vehicle was later found at this panel beater workshop. Upon inspection by SAPS forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle. An elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested.”

Mathe says the suspects are part of a syndicate targeting women at malls.

Two of the suspects were linked to another case in Brakpan, east of Johannesburg, where they robbed a woman they had lured into the bushes.

In the murder case of #OloratoMongale the SAPS are looking for these two men. Let us join hands South Africa and provide every information possible to help in their speedy apprehension. There must be no place for them to run to or hide! Help find these men. pic.twitter.com/NNSYQFX5K7

— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 29, 2025

Olerato Mongale was a fiercely independent woman—she owned her own car, for heaven’s sake. By the age of 25, she had accomplished so much, a testament to her determination and resilience. She was a kind, compassionate soul, full of love and warmth. #JusticeForOloratoMongale pic.twitter.com/qGYlutqfHV

— Julani Serutla (@JULANI_S) May 27, 2025

#Olorato #JusticeForOloratoMongale

u wonder why there is so many WOMEN empowerment programmes. U don’t want a date as a woman u are called names.
You go on a date, and follow all the safety precautions u end up dead and still get blamed 💔 pic.twitter.com/7y1WXDoRKP

— THE GIFTED WINE ENTHUSIAST🇿🇦🇯🇵 (@DebbieBloodmoon) May 27, 2025