Friday, 30 May 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the significant progress made in tracking and apprehending those responsible for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 29-year-old Wits postgraduate student, Olorato Mongale.

Olorato’s life was cut short in a senseless and horrific act of gender-based violence, a plague that continues to haunt the women of South Africa daily. She was last seen on Sunday afternoon, leaving her residential complex to meet a man known only as “John” for a date. This man murdered her within two hours of meeting her and dumped her body in Lombardy West in Johannesburg. Due to her family and friends being proactive, her body was discovered quickly, although too late. That the life of a young woman could end so cruelly when she had a bright future ahead of her is disheartening.

Olorato’s murder is not an isolated case, it is part of a terrifying epidemic that we have been highlighting for a long time.  Gender-based violence statistics in South Africa reveal a grim reality: women live in constant fear, and too often, that fear is realised through assault, rape, and murder. According to available data, an average of 146 sexual offenses are reported every day by women and girls, with the majority being cases of rape. The horror does not stop there as almost 11 women are murdered daily.

This is a war on women.

The EFF therefore welcomes the swift response of law enforcement in pursuing Olorato’s killers. One of the suspects, identified as the main perpetrator, was fatally shot in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, after opening fire on police. He had been hiding in a residential complex, where he is said to have confessed to the murder.

We commend KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his relentless efforts in this case. Under his leadership, crucial breakthroughs have occurred: the white VW Polo used to abduct Olorato was recovered in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, and suspects Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu— both out on bail for previous kidnapping and robbery charges—have been named as persons of interest. That they were granted bail, despite their criminal histories, is a damning indictment of our justice system’s failure to prioritise the safety of women.

The EFF demands that all those involved in the murder and cover-up of Olorato be captured and face the full might of the law. We stand behind Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and urge him to ensure that every suspect is captured—dead or alive—by the end of today. The women of this country cannot continue to be sacrificed while the wheels of justice turn slowly, or not at all.

However, we caution that arrests alone are not enough. We call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to rise above its recent track record of incompetence and failure. Too many high-profile cases have collapsed due to poor prosecution, weak evidence handling, or lack of preparation. Most recently we had to watch Pastor Timothy Omotoso walk away from several accusations of rape, assault, coercion, grooming and more of young girls and women simply because the NPA were inefficient, a fact mentioned by the judge herself.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Olorato Mongale. May you find the answers and justice you deserve, and may her killers find no peace, no refuge, and no mercy.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581