Elizabeth Moselakgomo family thanks police for support

A tragic disappearance that shocked a community

Last week, the quiet suburb of Mamelodi was jolted when 32‑year‑old runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo failed to return from her usual morning jog. Known locally as “Tsontso”, she was a familiar face on the streets, often seen with her eight‑year‑old daughter, who would accompany her on shorter routes. When she didn’t appear at home, her daughter sensed something was wrong and raised the alarm, prompting the family to report her missing to the South African National Police Service (SAPS).

Within hours, a coordinated search operation was launched, involving police units, local volunteers, and nearby residents who spread the word via social media platforms. The case quickly attracted national attention, not only because of Elizabeth’s popularity as a local athlete but also due to a disturbing pattern of similar incidents in the area.

Community involvement and the child’s alert

The first clue came from Elizabeth’s daughter, who told her mother’s brother that her mother had not returned from her run. The child’s quick thinking and clear recollection of the morning’s events helped the family narrow down the time window for the search. Neighbours reported seeing a lone runner pass by a quiet park at approximately 6 a.m., a detail that later proved crucial.

Social media played a pivotal role. A tweet posted by SABC News, accompanied by a still image of the family’s grieving uncle, Lt. Col. Andries Matlaila, went viral, prompting dozens of residents to check nearby waterways, abandoned lots, and even private property with the owner’s permission. This grassroots effort exemplifies how digital platforms can amplify traditional policing methods, especially in emergencies.

Police response and psychosocial support

When the body was finally located, the SAPS deployed its specialised psychosocial team to the scene. These professionals, trained in trauma counseling, assisted the Moselakgomo family throughout the identification process, ensuring that the experience, though harrowing, was handled with dignity and sensitivity. Lt. Col. Matlaila recounted how the team “guided us step‑by‑step, helping us cope with the shock of confirming the body”.

The presence of the psychosocial unit is part of a broader SAPS initiative introduced in 2022 to provide mental‑health support to victims’ families during violent crime investigations. According to SAPS statistics, over 1,200 families have benefited from this service in the past year alone, reflecting a growing recognition that the emotional toll of crime extends beyond the immediate incident.

Wider safety concerns in the region

Elizabeth’s case is not isolated. In the past two months, authorities have uncovered the bodies of four other women in the same vicinity, raising alarm bells about a possible serial offender or a series of unrelated but equally tragic incidents. Crime analysts point to a combination of factors – limited street lighting, inadequate surveillance cameras, and a surge in gender‑based violence – that create a perilous environment for women who travel alone, even for routine activities like jogging.

Local NGOs, such as the Women’s Safety Network, have called for urgent municipal action, urging the City of Tshwane to improve lighting along popular running routes and to install more CCTV units. They also advocate for community‑run safety patrols, a model that has shown success in other South African towns by fostering a sense of shared responsibility and deterrence.

Meanwhile, the SAPS has announced an intensified focus on cold‑case reviews in the area, allocating additional detectives and forensic resources to re‑examine evidence from the four previously discovered bodies. The goal is to determine whether a single perpetrator is responsible, which could lead to a coordinated arrest and prevent further loss of life.

Family gratitude and a call for continued vigilance

Amid the sorrow, the Moselakgomo family has publicly thanked the police officers, the psychosocial counselors, and every citizen who participated in the search. Their message, shared on both traditional media and social platforms, underscores the importance of community solidarity during crises.

“It was an incredibly painful moment for us, but the support we received made a difference,” said Lt. Col. Matlaila. “We urge everyone to stay alert, look out for one another, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”

As the investigation continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by South African women and the critical role that coordinated police work, mental‑health services, and community vigilance play in safeguarding lives.