Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo to be laid to rest in Mpumalanga
· The South African
Family, friends and members of the running community will gather in Phake, Mpumalanga, on Sunday to lay Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo to rest.
The 38-year-old Kempton Park runner disappeared after leaving home for a run on 9 September. Her body was found in Rhodesfield on 12 September, and her family later identified her at the Germiston mortuary.
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Her family confirmed that the funeral would take place in Phake on 20 September, where Moselakgomo was born and raised.
DAUGHTER RAISED THE ALARM
Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter first realised something was wrong when her mother did not return from her usual run.
The child knew her routine and alerted relatives, triggering a search that ended when the family received news that her body had been found.
Her uncle and family spokesperson, Andries Matlaila, has described Moselakgomo as the “glue of the family”.
She was a devoted mother, churchgoer and runner who regularly took part in races and running events.
RUNNING COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND FAMILY
Moselakgomo’s killing has also struck a chord with runners across South Africa.
Running clubs and activists have held events in her memory, while hundreds of people gathered this week to honour the women killed across Ekurhuleni and demand stronger action against violence targeting women.
Her disappearance initially sparked a widespread search before relatives confirmed her death.
MEMORIAL HELD IN KEMPTON PARK
Mourners gathered at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on Thursday, 17 September, for Moselakgomo’s memorial service.
Family members, friends, government representatives and community members attended before relatives travelled to Mpumalanga to complete arrangements for Sunday’s funeral.
The family said people from Moselakgomo’s church, running circles and community were expected to attend her final farewell.
ONE OF NINE WOMEN FOUND DEAD
Moselakgomo is among the women whose deaths form part of the wider investigation into nine women found dead across Ekurhuleni since July.
Police are investigating whether some of the cases are connected, but they have not confirmed that one person killed all nine women.