MBOMBELA — Mpumalanga MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza has conveyed her condolences to the family of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, whose death has shocked her family, community and the running fraternity.
Moselakgomo, who is originally from Mpumalanga, went missing after leaving her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, for an afternoon run on 09 September 2026. Her body was later found and positively identified by her family at the Germiston Mortuary.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 17 September, Mabuza said she was shocked and saddened by Moselakgomo’s death and extended her sympathies to her family, particularly her young daughter.
“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of our daughter, Elizabeth Moselakgomo. This is a devastating loss, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with her daughter, family and all those who knew and loved her. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” Mabuza said.
Mabuza condemned the killing of women and violence against women and children, saying more needed to be done to ensure women could move freely without fear.
“We strongly condemn the senseless killing of women and all forms of violence against women and children. The loss of Elizabeth is a painful reminder that we must do more as government and society to create environments where women can live, work, exercise and move freely without fear of violence. There can be no justification for taking an innocent life,” she said.
Moselakgomo was a fitness enthusiast and a member of Team Vitality. Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm after Moselakgomo failed to return home following her run.
Her death comes as police investigate the deaths of several women whose bodies have been found in and around Kempton Park and surrounding areas in recent months.
Police have established a multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases and determine whether there are links between them. Authorities have not confirmed that the deaths were committed by a single perpetrator.
Mabuza said she was confident that the investigation into Moselakgomo’s death would be pursued with urgency and urged communities to provide information that could assist law-enforcement agencies.
She also called for support for families affected by gender-based violence and femicide.
Team Vitality also paid tribute to Moselakgomo, describing her as an avid runner and valued member of its community.
The organisation said she had participated in Vitality events, including the Vitality Run Series, where she recently completed the Wanderers 21km.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Elizabeth’s family, her child, friends, loved ones and everyone whose lives she touched. We cannot begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing, and we stand with them during this incredibly difficult time,” Team Vitality said.
“We ask the running community and the public to keep Elizabeth’s family and loved ones in their thoughts during this time. Elizabeth, you will not be forgotten.”
Moselakgomo is expected to be laid to rest in her home village of Phake, in Dr JS Moroka Municipality, on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
