Kempton Park murders: Comrades runner shares her fears
· The South African
Comrades runner and fitness influencer Caitlin Hood is calling for action after the murder of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo. The Johannesburg woman’s body was identified on Monday, 14 September, after she went missing last week in Rhodesfield, near Kempton Park.
The bodies of four other women have been discovered, some of whom were partially naked, in surrounding areas, sparking fears of a serial killer on the loose.
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Another was found in KwaThema, within the Ekhuruleni district.
Police have not confirmed if the murders are related to each other
COMRADES RUNNER CALLS FOR ACTION AFTER ELIZABETH ‘TSONTOS’ DEATH
In a TikTok video, fitness influencer Caitlin Hood, or Uhcaitlin, posted an emotional video following the positive identification of the body of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, found near Kempton Park.
Elizabeth, an avid runner, had gone missing during her usual afternoon run near her home in Rhodesfield last Wednesday. A missing-person search followed, including appeals for information.
Her body was found over the weekend, with her family confirming the news on Monday.
Caitlin – who has run the Comrades Marathon twice – said through tears: “My heart breaks as a woman, for Elizabeth Tsontso.
“She leaves behind her eight-year-old daughter, her friends, her family, just for simply going for a run on a road that is busy, and that she frequently ran on.
“I just don’t understand how the person who hurt her could not control the cruelty in their mind. It just feels like it never ends for women; it doesn’t make sense.
Caitlin, who vowed to dedicate her upcoming runs to Elizabeth, shared how the murders in Kempton Park have hit home for her.
“The loss of Elizabeth’s life has struck me like a bullet. As a single woman. As a runner. My fear is often highlighted as paranoia.
“But this is why. We are vigilant. We are busy on the roads. It’s not enough because the laws protecting against power-hungry men are weak”
@uhcaitlinnnIn disbelief. 😭💜 I have been distraught since yesterday’s news, first hearing a body had been found, told it was Elizabeth, then hearing it wasn’t confirmed – remaining hopeful for her safe return, that I wouldn’t post this reel. Then hearing four women had been found, then learning there was a fifth. And then came the devastating confirmation that Elizabeth was in fact one of the victims. This news has been devastating reminder of the lack of respect and value so many men place on women’s lives, their lack of self-control, and their hunger for power over women. The loss of Elizabeth’s life has struck me like a bullet. As a single woman. As a runner. My fear often highlighted as paranoia. BUT THIS IS WHY. We are vigilant. We run on busy roads. It’s not enough because the law’s protecting us against power hungry men are weak. We will speak of Elizabeth, but she is not the first! It kills me that she won’t be the last. Her story brings attention to an ongoing fight. I’ve dedicated every run to Elizabeth, ‘Tsontso,’ since last week, praying she would come home safely. I’m gutted. I’m sorry Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo. I’m sorry to the four other victims. I don’t want to be sorry for anyone else. We want action. 💜
♬ original sound – Uhcaitlin
KEMPTON PARK MURDERS: WHAT POLICE HAVE CONFIRMED
Amid the social media speculation, this is what police have confirmed as facts in the ongoing investigation.
- Five women’s bodies have been found in and around the Kempton Park area over the past few weeks. A sixth woman’s body was found in Ekhuruleni on Tuesday, 15 September.
- Police have identified similarities between the cases. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said preliminary information indicated “concerning similarities” in the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
- Several of the women were found partially clothed and with visible bruising.
- Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was identified as one of the deceased women. She had gone missing after leaving home for an afternoon run on Wednesday, 9 September.
- The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, has been identified, although the police have not publicly shared her identity. Police have appealed to families of missing women to come forward, with unidentified bodies still at the Germiston government mortuary.
- SAPS has established a multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases and determine whether they are connected.
- Police have NOT confirmed that a serial killer is responsible. Investigators are still determining whether the deaths are connected and whether there is one perpetrator or more than one.
- Police have warned women in Kempton Park, particularly Rhodesfield, to exercise extreme caution, including when walking or running alone in isolated areas.
- Police have also raised concerns about around 10 dating-app/social-media cases in Kempton Park, but they have not said these cases are connected to the women’s deaths.