KEY POINTS
- A 30 year old Olorato Mongale was murdered after going on a date
- She was last seen alive on May 25 after she was picked from her residence by a man.
- Mongale’s tragic death has reignited national calls for accountability, systemic reform, and the protection of women from violence.
Many South Africans are shocked by the death of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a journalism graduate who was last seen alive on May 25.
This crime has sparked widespread anger which has focused people’s minds on the continuous GBV crisis in the country.
SAPS has released details about the events leading her death
SAPS said Mongale was abducted from her residence by a man in a white VW Polo with a false licence number (LT 57 JG GP) for an arranged date.
Mongale had agreed to contact a friend each half hour, so her long silence set off a concern. Friends went back over her last steps to remember what had happened.
Mathe said, “This man allegedly picked up the victim in Alexandra before driving to Kew and he dumped Olorato’s body between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg.” People all over are shocked by the details surrounding these cases.
Outpouring of sadness and anger on social media
People on social media platform X (nee Twitter) reacted with horror. She pointed out, “Olorato Mongale’s story is upsetting because tomorrow, it could be you. Awful times like these keep happening.”
EFF Youth Command agrees with the demand for justice for Olorato Mongale
EFF Gauteng Youth Command said they oppose the killing and stand in solidarity with Mongale’s family. They reiterated in their statement: “We will fight at demonstrations and on the picket lines for Olorato.”
People who blame the Olorato Mongale often start a counter-narrative
While many trolled Mongale online, author Naledi Mashisi stood up for the girls to keep a normal life. Having a date with someone you haven’t known long is perfectly regular. I really dislike the notion that women should turn into John Wick to handle themselves in the world.
Because of Mongale’s death, people across the nation are demanding the government to address the problem, reform and protect women from violence.
