South African police confirm death of runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo after body found in Kempton Park

September 14, 2026 at 07:58 PM2 min

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South African police confirmed the death of jogger Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was found in Kempton Park east of Johannesburg on Saturday and identified by relatives on Monday. She is one of five women whose bodies have been found half-naked and bruised in the same area. Police said they were not linking the deaths to a serial killer but issued a public warning over the similarities.

Key Facts

Elizabeth Moselakgomo's body was found on Saturday night, badly bruised and partially clothed, and identified by relatives on Monday.
She is one of five women whose bodies have been found half-naked and bruised in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
Police said they were not linking the deaths to a serial killer but added that the similarities are sufficiently concerning to issue a public warning.
One arrest has been made in connection with the discovery of the first body, and the person remains in police custody.
South Africa's rate of women being killed is five times higher than the global average, according to UN Women.

Discovery and Identification

The body of Elizabeth Moselakgomo was found on Saturday night, badly bruised and partially clothed, and identified by her relatives on Monday. Just hours earlier on Monday, another woman's half-naked body was found about 25km (15 miles) away. The latest discovery was made by a passer-by who spotted the body on his way to work, police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told reporters at the scene.

Police Response and Warning

Police said they were not linking the deaths to a serial killer but added that the similarities are sufficiently concerning to issue a public warning. Police have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas. One arrest has been made in connection with the discovery of the first body, and the person is still in police custody. The police have since set up a task team to investigate the murders.

Community Fear and Outrage

A jogger who knew Moselakgomo through their running club told the BBC the discovery of the five bodies was very scary. Keamo Sefularo said it is sad to know that every woman in South Africa cannot just go outside, because you are always in danger. Advocacy group Women for Change said the discovery of these bodies was angering, with Merlize Jogiat asking what the purpose of having a protective service like the police is if women have to protect themselves. South Africa experiences some of the world's highest levels of gender-based violence, with the rate at which women are killed five times higher than the global average, according to UN Women.