Suspect Arrested After Item Belonging to Slain Kempton Park Runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo Is Recovered

Lerato Mrali Published 14 hours ago

4 min read

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A suspect has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of an item belonging to murdered Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, with the case expected to come before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the arrest on Monday, 12 October 2026. The suspect is expected to appear in court in connection with the alleged possession of stolen property.

Police have not announced a murder charge against the suspect in relation to Moselakgomo’s death. The arrest concerns the recovery of an item reportedly belonging to the 38-year-old woman, and investigators must still establish the circumstances surrounding the case.

Suspect Expected in Court

The arrest represents a development in the investigation into Moselakgomo’s death, which drew widespread concern after she disappeared during her routine afternoon run in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, in September.

According to the information released about the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of an item linked to the deceased. The suspected offence relates to possession of stolen property.

However, possession of an item belonging to a murder victim does not, by itself, establish that the person possessing it was involved in the killing.

The circumstances under which the item came into the suspect’s possession, as well as any evidence connecting the suspect to Moselakgomo’s death, remain important questions for investigators.

No murder charge against this suspect has been confirmed in the information available about the arrest.

How Elizabeth Moselakgomo Disappeared

Moselakgomo was reported missing after leaving her home in Rhodesfield on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, for her usual afternoon run.

When she failed to return, her family became concerned and efforts were made to establish her whereabouts. Her disappearance prompted a search, with information about the missing runner circulated as relatives and others sought answers.

Police investigations continued until a woman’s body was discovered in the Rhodesfield area on Saturday, 12 September.

The discovery was made in a bushy area behind a hotel, near the R21 highway and opposite OR Tambo International Airport.

The body was subsequently identified as that of Moselakgomo, bringing the search for the missing 38-year-old to a tragic end.

Family Identifies Her Body

On Monday, 14 September, Moselakgomo’s family positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary.

The identification confirmed that the missing runner had died, while police continued investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Reports at the time indicated that she had been found partially clothed and had visible bruising. The circumstances in which her body was discovered formed part of the broader investigation.

Police subsequently intensified efforts to investigate the deaths of women whose bodies had been discovered in and around Kempton Park and neighbouring areas.

Investigation Into Other Women’s Deaths

Moselakgomo’s death occurred amid a series of investigations into the discovery of women’s bodies in the wider Kempton Park area.

The separate cases prompted police to examine possible connections between the deaths and determine whether evidence pointed to common suspects or other links.

In a statement published on 14 September, SAPS said acting national commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane had directed a multidisciplinary team of detectives and specialised policing resources to intensify investigations into the cases.

The team was tasked with examining available evidence, establishing the circumstances surrounding each death, identifying possible links and following leads that could help bring those responsible to justice.

Police had not confirmed that all the cases were connected.

The latest arrest involving an item reportedly belonging to Moselakgomo must therefore be considered within the specific circumstances of that investigation. It does not establish a connection between the arrested suspect and other cases involving women found dead in the area.

What Happens Next?

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in connection with the alleged possession of stolen property.

The court process is expected to address the allegation against the suspect, while police continue their investigation.

At this stage, no murder charge against the suspect has been confirmed in connection with Moselakgomo’s death. Further evidence would be required to establish whether the suspect had any involvement in the killing.

The recovery of an item linked to the deceased may form part of the evidence being examined by investigators, but its significance will depend on the circumstances surrounding its recovery and any additional evidence obtained.

The investigation into Moselakgomo’s death remains ongoing, and further developments will depend on the evidence gathered by police and the progress of the court proceedings.