Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, 38, vanished on 9 September 2026 during an afternoon run in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm after she did not return. Five days later, on 14 September, her body was confirmed at the Germiston mortuary by family members, as part of a series of similar killings of women in the Kempton Park area.
Gauteng police intensified their search efforts after Moselakgomo’s disappearance, checking hospitals and mortuaries. Authorities are investigating several women found dead around Ekurhuleni in recent weeks, though no official confirmation links these cases or identifies a common perpetrator.
Dr Shaheeda Omar, Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic, highlighted the invisible victims of such violence: the children left behind. “For a child, this is certainly confusing. Confusion lends itself to trauma. So, children become traumatised and they see the world as a dangerous place,” Omar said during a SABC media briefing.
These children face long-term psychological and emotional consequences, with a heightened sense of fear and insecurity. The trauma can affect their development, relationships, and well-being well into adulthood.
Relatives of victims voice anguish and uncertainty about coping. Nokwanda Matshikiza, related to another victim, Dineo Motapane, said: “What we are going to do, I have no idea.” This sentiment reflects the deep distress rippling through affected communities.
The United Nations has issued a warning underscoring that the killings in Ekurhuleni are part of a broader crisis of violence against women and girls across South Africa. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged urgent action, stating, “South Africa’s declaration of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster must now be matched by urgent action.” The UN emphasises the need for comprehensive strategies to address underlying causes and support victims and their families.
Femicide and gender-based violence remain significant challenges in South Africa, with recent incidents in the East Rand shining a spotlight on community safety and the vital importance of protecting vulnerable women and children.
While the police continue to investigate the cluster of deaths in Ekurhuleni, they caution against speculation about serial offenders until evidence is confirmed. This leaves many questions unanswered about motives and connections within the cases.
CapeFlats.co.za will monitor developments closely and provide further updates on investigations, community responses, and support mechanisms available to children and families affected by femicide.