Family, friends, members of the church and the running community will gather in Phake, Mpumalanga, on Sunday, 20 September, to say their final farewell to Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
The 38-year-old mother disappeared on 9 September after leaving her home for her usual run. Her body was discovered in Rhodesfield three days later, on 12 September. Her family subsequently identified her at the Germiston mortuary.
Moselakgomo was born and raised in Phake, where her funeral service will take place. Her death has deeply affected her family and the wider running community, particularly because she was known for regularly participating in races and other running events.
## Daughter Raised the Alarm
Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter was among the first to realise that something was wrong when her mother failed to return home from her run.
According to the family, the child was familiar with her mother’s routine and became concerned when she did not come back. She alerted relatives, prompting a search for Moselakgomo.
The search continued until the family was informed that her body had been found in Rhodesfield.
Her uncle and family spokesperson, Andries Matlaila, described Moselakgomo as the “glue of the family”. She was remembered as a devoted mother, a committed churchgoer and an active member of the running community.
## Running Community Remembers Her
Moselakgomo’s death has also prompted an emotional response from runners and communities across South Africa.
Running clubs and activists have organised events in her memory, while community members have gathered to honour women who have lost their lives in Ekurhuleni.
Her death has renewed concerns about violence against women and calls for stronger measures to protect women in communities.
## Memorial Service Held in Kempton Park
A memorial service for Moselakgomo was held at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on Thursday, 17 September.
Family members, friends, government representatives and members of the local community attended the service to remember her life and offer support to her loved ones.
Following the memorial, relatives travelled to Mpumalanga to make final preparations for Sunday’s funeral.
The family said members of Moselakgomo’s church, running circles, friends and community were expected to attend her final farewell in Phake.
## Part of Wider Ekurhuleni Murder Investigation
Moselakgomo is one of nine women whose deaths are being investigated as part of a wider murder probe in Ekurhuleni.
Police are examining whether some of the cases may be connected. However, authorities have not confirmed that all nine women were killed by the same person.
As investigations continue, Moselakgomo’s family and supporters are now preparing to lay her to rest, remembering her as a mother, runner, church member and much-loved member of her community.
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