Moselakgomo’s relatives have declined to speculate publicly about whether her death is connected to the other cases under investigation. Moraka said the family would allow police to establish the facts and asked the public to refrain from spreading rumours
The family of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has broken its silence after formally identifying the missing Kempton Park runner’s body. Moselakgomo’s relatives identified the 38-year-old at the Germiston mortuary on Monday, bringing an end to the search that began after she left her Rhodesfield home for a run and did not return. Her family described the loss as devastating and said relatives were receiving ongoing support from the local community, including neighbours, faith leaders and community groups who have offered practical help and emotional comfort. Family members also expressed confidence in the police investigation and urged the public to allow detectives to do their work.
Tsontso’s uncle, Andries Moraka, said SAPS had kept the family informed about developments. “The information is to our satisfaction because there’s something that is being done behind the scenes,” he said. “They are constantly updating me.” Family spokesperson Andries Matlaila said 38-year-old Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, whose body has now been positively identified, was the glue that held them together — a central figure in family life whose loss is deeply felt.
Police confirm Elizabeth was fourth woman found
SAPS confirmed that Moselakgomo was the fourth woman found dead in the Kempton Park area. Officers discovered her body behind a hotel in Rhodesfield on 12 September. Investigators previously said the woman was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed; authorities withheld her identity until her family could complete the formal mortuary identification process, a step families often take to ensure accurate and respectful identification before public naming.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane sent condolences to the family and vowed to establish what happened to Moselakgomo. Dimpane said SAPS would “leave no stone unturned” — a phrase signalling a full, methodical probe that typically includes forensic examinations, witness interviews, analysis of CCTV footage and other investigative lines where available — to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
SAPS intensifies investigation
Police are now investigating five women’s deaths across the broader Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein area. Authorities found a fifth woman dead in Olifantsfontein on Monday, the same day Moselakgomo’s family completed the mortuary identification. In response, Dimpane has instructed a multidisciplinary team to intensify its work. That team includes detectives, specialised police units and forensic experts who are examining the circumstances surrounding each death, analysing physical and digital evidence, and looking for possible links where the evidence supports such connections. SAPS has been careful to note that it has not confirmed all five deaths are connected, stressing that investigators are treating each case seriously while exploring any potential overlaps.
Police have made one arrest in connection with the first woman found dead in July. That suspect remains in custody, but authorities have not linked that person to Moselakgomo’s death or to the other recent cases. Investigators say they will continue to follow leads and gather evidence, working around the clock where necessary to establish timelines, motives and any relationships between victims and suspects.
Family refuses to speculate
Moselakgomo’s relatives have declined to speculate publicly about whether her death is connected to the other cases under investigation. Moraka said the family would allow police to establish the facts and asked the public to refrain from spreading rumours while the inquiry continues. The family had previously urged the public not to circulate unverified information while they waited for formal identification, a plea echoed by officials who warn that speculation can hinder investigations and cause further distress to grieving relatives.
Investigators say they will persist in their efforts to determine what happened to each of the women and to pursue those responsible. In the meantime, Moselakgomo’s family continues to grieve and lean on community support as they seek answers and justice. #KemptonPark #Justice
