Family of Kempton Park runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo confirms identification of body as investigation into series of women’s deaths continues
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The family of 38-year-old Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, known to relatives and friends as Tsontso, has positively identified her body at the Germiston state mortuary on 14 September 2026. The identification ended days of uncertainty following her disappearance from the Rhodesfield area of Kempton Park, Gauteng.
Moselakgomo left her home for a routine afternoon or early evening run on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, and did not return. She left her eight-year-old daughter at the residence. The child, familiar with her mother’s regular jogging schedule, noticed that Moselakgomo had not come home by approximately 18:30 and alerted family members. Relatives then reported her missing to the Kempton Park police station. Search efforts involved the South African Police Service and Renegades Search and Rescue. Police conducted inquiries at hospitals and mortuaries and followed available leads while appealing publicly for information that could assist in locating her.
A woman’s body was discovered on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in the Rhodesfield area, reported in the vicinity of York Street or behind a hotel. The body was partially clothed and wearing sports attire, with visible injuries. Family members who viewed the remains were initially unable to make a positive identification because of the extent of facial injuries. Formal identification took place at the Germiston mortuary on Monday, 14 September 2026. The body will be released only after police complete the post-mortem examination and related investigative processes. Funeral arrangements remain on hold pending that release.
Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter has been placed under the care of a psychosocial support team deployed since the disappearance was reported. Family representatives have confirmed that the child is receiving emotional and psychological assistance.
The case forms part of a broader police investigation into the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in and around Kempton Park and the wider Ekurhuleni area over approximately two months. According to police information:
- On 15 July 2026, the body of a 37-year-old woman was found near the R21 highway. She was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later and remains in custody.
- On 24 August 2026, the body of a 32-year-old woman was found near the R21. She was partially clothed.
- On 10 September 2026, the body of an unidentified woman was found. She was naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. Formal identification has not yet been completed.
- On 12 September 2026, Moselakgomo’s body was discovered in Rhodesfield.
- On 14 September 2026, a fifth woman’s body was found in the Olifantsfontein or Clayville Extension 26 area, partially naked.
Police have noted concerning similarities among some of the cases, including that bodies were found half-naked or partially clothed with visible bruising, and that discovery sites were in the same general vicinity. A multidisciplinary task team comprising detectives, forensic specialists, investigative psychology experts and other units has been established to examine the cases, analyse evidence and determine whether links exist. Authorities have not confirmed that the deaths are the work of a single serial killer or that all cases are connected. One suspect remains in custody in connection with the July discovery.
The South African Police Service has urged women in and around Kempton Park, particularly the Rhodesfield area, to exercise extreme caution. Women have been advised not to walk or run alone, especially in isolated areas, to avoid secluded spaces, to remain vigilant and, where possible, to exercise or travel in groups.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane expressed condolences to Moselakgomo’s family and stated that police would do everything within their powers to establish the circumstances of her death and hold those responsible accountable. Family representatives have indicated confidence in the police investigation while requesting that the public refrain from circulating unverified information. The investigation remains active.
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