Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a jogger, was found dead east of Johannesburg after disappearing during a routine run; relatives identified her body on Monday. She is among five women discovered half-naked and bruised in the Kempton Park area, prompting a police warning and the formation of a dedicated task team. One person has been arrested in connection with the first body, while investigators urge the public to report any information. The cases have renewed national outrage over gender-based violence, which UN Women says kills women in South Africa at a rate about five times the global average.
Body Of Missing Runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo Found Near Johannesburg; Cluster Of Female Deaths Sparks Alarm
[South Africa Police Service]
South African police have confirmed the death of Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a jogger who went missing during a routine run last week, after relatives identified her body on Monday. Her remains were discovered on Saturday night east of Johannesburg in the Kempton Park area and were reported to be partially clothed and badly bruised.
What Happened
Moselakgomo is one of five women whose half-naked, bruised bodies have been found in and around Kempton Park in recent days. Police said they are not yet linking the deaths to a serial killer but noted that the "similarities are sufficiently concerning… to issue a public warning." Another woman's body was found roughly 25km (15 miles) away just hours earlier, discovered by a passer-by on his way to work.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities have made one arrest in connection with the discovery of the first body; the suspect remains in custody. Police have formed a dedicated task team to investigate the cluster of deaths and have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone, especially in isolated locations, while the probe continues.
Voices From The Community
Fellow runners and community members have expressed shock and fear. Keamo Sefularo, who knew Moselakgomo through their running club, described the situation as "very scary," and warned that many women no longer feel safe doing everyday activities.
[BBC]
"It's sad to know that every woman in South Africa… can't just go outside. You can't just go to the shop and buy flowers… because you are always in danger," said Sefularo.
Tributes poured in for the avid runner, affectionately known as "Tsontso." Moselakgomo's family thanked the public for their support during the search and praised her eight-year-old daughter for raising the alarm about her disappearance.
Broader Context
South Africa continues to face alarmingly high levels of gender-based violence. According to UN Women, the rate at which women are killed in the country is around five times the global average, a statistic that has intensified public outrage and demands for more effective protections and enforcement.
Calls For Action
Advocacy groups urged stronger implementation of existing laws and greater public pressure to hold authorities accountable. Merlize Jogiat of Women For Change asked why citizens must take extra precautions when protective services should ensure their safety.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and some of the victims remain unidentified. The police task team has appealed to anyone with information to come forward to assist with the probe.
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