Fifth body found in Kempton Park — is there a serial killer? - IOL

The family of missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Mokolo Moselakgomo is holding on to hope as they face a painful wait to establish whether a woman’s body found by police is that of the 38-year-old mother.

The family of missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Mokolo Moselakgomo is holding on to hope as they face a painful wait to establish whether a woman’s body found by police is that of the 38-year-old mother.

This comes after body of a fifth woman was found in the Kempton Park area, after the discovery of four bodies in the area over the past two month.

Moselakgomo disappeared after leaving her Kempton Park home for an afternoon run on Wednesday, September 10.

Her family is expected at the Germiston government mortuary today to identify the body of a woman, in a moment that could bring either devastating confirmation or renewed hope.

Her family is holding on to the hope that the body is not Moselakgomo, and that she will still be found alive.

Police said Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter contacted relatives after her mother failed to return home from her run, prompting the family to report her as missing to authorities.

The uncertainty comes as police investigate the deaths of four women whose bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area between July and September. 

Investigators have yet to establish whether the cases are linked.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police had conducted searches and followed up on available leads since Moselakgomo was reported missing.

“Police have also made enquiries at hospitals and mortuaries, but these efforts have so far yielded no positive results.”

“The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are currently being investigated, and police are pursuing every possible lead to establish her whereabouts and ensure her safe return to her family.”

Mathe said the SAPS was making an urgent appeal to the public, media and social media community to assist in locating Moselakgomo, who may also be known as Tsontso.

“Members of the public are urged to share this appeal widely across social media platforms and community networks. Even seemingly insignificant information could prove crucial in locating her.”

Anyone who has seen Moselakgomo, knows of her whereabouts or has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.

The search for Moselakgomo comes against the backdrop of four women being found dead in the Kempton Park area in recent months.

Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana said the deaths were deeply concerning.

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on July 15. She was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. 

A suspect was arrested two days later and remains in custody.

A second body, that of a 32-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on August 24. She was partially clothed.

An unidentified woman was found on September 10 in an advanced state of decomposition. 

She was naked, and police said, “at this stage, we have not yet been able to formally establish her identity”.

The fourth body, that of a 38-year-old woman, was found on September 12 in Rhodesfield, behind a hotel. 

She was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her identity remains subject to formal confirmation through the mortuary identification process.

The family of missing runner Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo is holding on to hope as they face a painful wait to establish whether a woman’s body found by police is that of the 38-year-old mother.

Kekana said a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and the Investigative Psychology Unit had been mobilised to examine the cases.

“While there are similarities in some of the circumstances surrounding the cases, it would be premature at this stage to conclude that the four cases are linked or that they involve one perpetrator.

“Our responsibility is to establish the facts through evidence.”

Investigators are comparing evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and other circumstances to determine whether there are links.

“The multidisciplinary team is meeting and comparing information from the respective investigations to determine whether there are any established links.”

Kekana also warned about a number of cases involving people who meet others through online dating platforms and social media.

“Approximately 10 cases have been reported at Kempton Park Police Station where individuals met people online and were subsequently lured to locations where they were allegedly robbed and/or sexually assaulted.”

He urged people to exercise caution when meeting someone they have only interacted with online.

“When meeting someone for the first time, choose a public place and ensure that a trusted family member or friend knows where you are, who you are meeting and where you will be.”

“If something does not feel right, leave immediately and seek assistance.”

Kekana urged women and young girls to take precautions when walking, running or exercising alone, including exercising in groups, avoiding isolated areas and choosing 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,” he added.

“GBVF remains a priority crime, and the SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of violence against women and children with the urgency and seriousness that these crimes demand.”

Meanwhile, the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, raised concerns about women being attacked while running or exercising.

She called for stronger safety measures in public spaces, including increased police visibility, improved lighting, rapid response mechanisms and greater co-operation between law enforcement, municipalities and communities.

“Women should not have to choose between their safety and their health. No woman should fear for her life simply because she has chosen to run, walk or exercise in a public space. Women must be free to exercise, walk and run without fear. This is unacceptable,” Chikunga said.