Key Takeaways
- Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, a 38‑year‑old runner from Kempton Park, vanished after a Wednesday afternoon run and has not been seen since.
- A body discovered on Saturday evening in the same area could not be visually identified because the face was severely battered; formal confirmation will await mortuary examination on Monday.
- Over roughly two months, four women’s bodies—half‑naked and showing visible bruising—have been found within a confined vicinity around Rhodesfield, prompting police to issue a public safety warning.
- Although investigators note “concerning similarities” among the cases, they have not yet confirmed a serial‑killer link; a multidisciplinary task team has been mandated to determine any connections.
- Police advise women to avoid running or walking alone, stay vigilant, travel in groups, and report any suspicious activity to the designated tip line or via the MySAPS app.
Disappearance of Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo
Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, affectionately known as “Tsontso,” left her home in Kempton Park on Wednesday afternoon for a routine run. She was last seen between 17:30 and 18:30 on Mustang Street in the Rhodesfield suburb. When she failed to return, her eight‑year‑old daughter contacted family members, raising the alarm that something was amiss. The runner’s sudden absence prompted an immediate search by relatives and later involvement of law enforcement, as concerns grew for her safety in a neighborhood already unsettled by recent discoveries of female bodies.
Family’s Inability to Identify the Body
On Saturday evening, a body was found in the same general area where Moselakgomo had been running. Family spokesperson Genavieve Beukes informed News24 that relatives could not recognize any features on the remains because the face had been “battered in,” rendering visual identification impossible. Beukes explained that the body was being transferred to the Germiston mortuary, where a formal identification process—likely involving dental records, DNA, or other forensic methods—could only be completed on Monday. Until then, the family remains in agonizing limbo, awaiting definitive confirmation.
Timeline and Last Known Movements
According to the Kempton Express, Moselakgomo was last observed on Mustang Street in Rhodesfield sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Her route presumably took her through residential streets that are popular with local joggers, but the exact path she intended to follow remains unknown. The timeframe between her last sighting and the discovery of the body on Saturday spans roughly three days, during which no credible sightings or communications from her were reported, intensifying fears that she may have encountered foul play shortly after her run.
Police Statement and Public Safety Warning
In response to the accumulating evidence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) released a statement on Saturday urging women in and around Kempton Park—particularly the Rhodesfield area—to exercise extreme caution. The warning came after the discovery of four women’s bodies over approximately two months, all located within a tight geographic cluster. Police highlighted that the victims were found half‑naked with evident bruising, suggesting a pattern of violence that warranted heightened vigilance. While investigators stopped short of declaring a serial‑killer scenario, they described the similarities as “sufficiently concerning” to merit a public alert and the deployment of additional resources.
Similarities Among the Recovered Bodies
Detectives have noted several troubling parallels among the four deceased women: each was discovered in a secluded spot, partially clothed, and displayed signs of physical trauma, particularly bruising. The locations of the finds are all within a few kilometers of each other, centered around Rhodesfield and adjoining neighborhoods. Although the police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and no definitive link has been established, the recurring nature of these characteristics has prompted authorities to treat the cases as potentially connected and to prioritize a thorough, coordinated inquiry.
Formation of a Multidisciplinary Task Team
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has ordered the establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to examine the deaths and determine whether they are linked. The team will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Mbuso Khumalo and will incorporate specialists from the Murder and Robbery Unit, the Investigative Psychology Unit, and other relevant forensic and investigative branches. By pooling expertise, the task team aims to piece together behavioral patterns, forensic evidence, and witness accounts that could reveal a common perpetrator or motive, thereby accelerating the pursuit of justice.
Community Advice and Safety Measures
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting residents while urging the public to adopt precautionary behaviors. Women are advised not to run or walk alone, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas, and to consider exercising in groups whenever feasible. Remaining vigilant, varying routes, and informing friends or family of one’s whereabouts are simple yet effective strategies to reduce risk. Additionally, the police have appealed to motorists, security personnel, and local residents to report any suspicious activity they may have observed in Rhodesfield or surrounding locales.
How the Public Can Assist
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike directly at 082 465 7249. For those who prefer anonymity, tips can be submitted via the MySAPS mobile application, which allows secure, confidential reporting to law enforcement. The police stress that even seemingly minor details—such as an unfamiliar vehicle, a loitering individual, or an unusual sound heard during a run—could prove crucial in reconstructing the events leading to the women’s deaths and identifying the responsible party. By fostering community cooperation, investigators hope to close the gaps in their inquiries and bring closure to the grieving families.