KEMPTON PARK – The family of missing jogger Elizabeth Moselakgomo (38) positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary on Monday, just hours after a fifth woman’s body was discovered in Olifantsfontein, sparking fears that a serial killer may be on the loose in Kempton Park.
Moselakgomo, known as “Tsontso” to loved ones, went missing on 9 September after leaving her home in Rhodesfield for an afternoon run between 17:30 and 18:30. Her eight-year-old daughter, whom she had left at home, raised the alarm when her mother failed to return that evening.
A body suspected to be hers was found three days later on 12 September at the back of a hotel in Rhodesfield. She was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Family members who viewed the body on Saturday were unable to make a positive identification due to severe facial injuries, but formal identification was completed on Monday morning.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, expressed her deepest condolences to the Moselakgomo family.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Elizabeth during this extremely painful time. The loss of a loved one under such circumstances is devastating, and we assure the family that the SAPS will do everything within its powers to establish exactly what happened to Elizabeth and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” she said.
Fifth body discovered
The fifth body was discovered in Olifantsfontein near Kempton Park on Monday morning.
A passer-by walking to work found the woman lying on the side of the road and alerted the police. Police said they believe the woman may have been left there between Sunday night and Monday morning.
The discovery has heightened fears within the Kempton Park community that a serial killer may be targeting women in the area. All five bodies were found within a two-month period between July and September in similar circumstances, with victims discovered partially clothed or naked in the Kempton Park area.
Four previous victims
The first victim, a woman (37), was discovered near the R21 on 15 July. She was found naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later on 17 July and remains in custody while the investigation continues.
A second woman (32) was found partially clothed near the R21 on 24 August. The third victim, whose identity remains unknown, was discovered on 10 September in an advanced state of decomposition. Police are working to establish her identity.
Police vow to find killers
Dimpane has vowed that police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring those responsible for the murders are identified, traced and brought to justice.
She has directed the multidisciplinary team comprising detectives and other specialised policing resources to intensify the investigation into these cases. The team is working around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, analyse available evidence, identify possible linkages where they exist, and pursue all leads.
“We will not rest until we have established the truth. Where there is evidence linking individuals to these crimes, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.
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Women urged to take precautions
Given the circumstances, police are urging women to take extra precautions when exercising, walking or running alone. Where possible, they should exercise in groups, inform someone of their whereabouts and expected return time, avoid isolated areas, and remain in populated, well-lit locations.
“This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives. It is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with these investigations,” Kekana said.
Dimpane assured the public that the SAPS remains fully committed to protecting women and bringing perpetrators of violence against women to justice.
