Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old jogger, was found dead in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on September 14, 2026, making her the fifth victim in a series of murders over two months, according to the BBC. Authorities issued an advisory as they investigate potential links to a serial killer.
The discovery of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo’s body in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on September 14, 2026, marked the fifth homicide in the area within two months, according to the BBC. Police confirmed her identity after her family identified her at the Germiston mortuary. Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old jogger, had gone missing after an afternoon run on September 9. Her death, alongside four others found in the same vicinity, has intensified fears of a serial killer, though authorities have not yet confirmed the link.
The Victims and Their Circumstances
The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and restrained with cable ties near R21 on July 15, 2026, according to the BBC. Police arrested a suspect in connection with this case on July 17. The second body, that of a 32-year-old woman, was discovered near R21 on August 24. A third victim, an unidentified woman, was found in an advanced state of decomposition on September 10, while the fourth, a 38-year-old woman, was partially clothed near a hotel in Rhodesfield on September 12. All five victims were found half-naked with visible bruises, and their discovery sites were clustered in the same area, as noted by the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.
Dem find di bodis of di women half-naked and wit visible bruising, and di discovery sites dey located within di same vicinity,
Dimpane said, according to the BBC. The police have not ruled out the possibility of a serial killer but emphasized that investigations are ongoing. The fifth victim, Moselakgomo, was identified after her family recognized her at the mortuary, the BBC reported.
Police Response and Investigation
While investigations still dey go on, SAPS for dis stage neva confam say di deaths dey linked to serial killer, police dey veri concerned about di similarities and e reach for dem to issue public warning and intensify investigations,
the police statement said, according to the BBC. The Press Democrat reported that detectives from the Investigative Psychology Unit are part of the team, given the complexity of the cases. A suspect was arrested in the first case, but no charges have been filed, the Press Democrat noted.
Public Reaction and Concerns
South Africans have expressed shock and fear following the discoveries. Keamo Sefularo, a jogger and member of Moselakgomo’s running club, told the BBC, E dey sad to know say evri woman for South Africa… no fit just go outside. You no fit just enta shop and buy flowers… becos you always dey for danger.
Sefularo added that Moselakgomo’s disappearance heavy for di club,
highlighting the emotional toll on local communities.
Advocacy group Women for Change criticized the lack of safety measures, with Merlize Jogiat stating, Wetin be di purpose of having a protective service like di police if we gatz make sure… we dey [protect] oursefs?
The group blamed poor implementation of laws for the failure to curb violence. Moselakgomo’s family thanked the public for support in searching for her and praised her eight-year-old daughter for raising the alarm about her disappearance, the BBC reported.
Context of Violence in South Africa
The killings have reignited concerns about South Africa’s high rates of violence against women. The Press Democrat cited data showing that between April and July 2026, the country recorded 5,427 homicides, averaging about 45 per day. Femicide rates in South Africa are among the highest globally, according to the United Nations’ agency for gender equality. A 2022 study by a South African think tank found that over 35% of adult women had experienced physical or sexual violence.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the investigation to be prioritized, the Press Democrat reported. Police have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrator or perpetrators. The cases have also sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of existing laws to protect women, with advocacy groups urging public pressure to drive change.
The Path Forward
As the investigation continues, the lack of confirmed links between the cases underscores the challenges in identifying a serial killer. The police have emphasized that while similarities in the circumstances of the deaths are concerning, no definitive conclusions have been reached. The task force’s work will likely focus on analyzing evidence, timelines, and victim profiles to determine whether the cases are connected.
The broader implications of the killings extend beyond the immediate investigation. They highlight systemic issues in South Africa’s approach to gender-based violence, where high femicide rates persist despite existing legal frameworks. The public’s demand for accountability and safety measures reflects a growing urgency for systemic reform, as communities grapple with the trauma of these crimes and their impact on daily life.
The discovery of nine bodies in the same area over two months, as reported by the Press Democrat, adds to the gravity of the situation, though the exact scope of the cases remains under scrutiny. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the deaths and ensuring that such violence does not go unchecked.