Fundraising campaign for slain runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo’s daughter surpasses R100,000 - IOL

The family of murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has received an outpouring of support, with a fundraising campaign for her eight-year-old daughter raising more than R108,000.

A fundraising campaign supporting the education of the eight-year-old daughter of murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has raised more than R100,000, surpassing its original target of R50,000.

The authorised BackaBuddy campaign, launched on Monday, had raised R108,541 by Wednesday.

According to a post on the campaign page, the funds will support Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter and her family.

The 38-year-old went missing last week after going for a run. Her family positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.

They described her as a much-loved friend and fellow runner whose sudden passing has left her beloved child and other loved ones broken-hearted.

“While we cannot fill the space left by a parent, we can come together as a community to help provide something lasting: The gift of education and the opportunity for a brighter future,” the campaign staement reads.

“We aim to establish an education fund to support Elizabeth's child’s educational journey in the years ahead. Every contribution will help towards school/university fees, educational needs and other costs associated with their education.”

“Our hope is that, through the generosity of friends, fellow runners and everyone whose life Tsontso touched, we can create a foundation that provides stability, opportunity and hope for her daughter's future.”

It said no contribution was too small.

“Every donation brings us one step closer to ensuring that Tsontso's daughter can continue their education and have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

“For those who knew Tsontso, this is a chance to honour her memory in a way that will continue long after the finish line.

“Thank you for standing with Tsontso's daughter and family, and for helping us turn our community’s love and support into a lasting legacy,” it said.

Moselakgomo is one of eight women whose deaths are being investigated in Ekurhuleni.

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

Police said Moselakgomo’s daughter contacted relatives when her mother failed to return from her run, prompting the family to report her as missing to authorities.

Her family later identified her body at the Germiston mortuary.

Investigators have been brought in to help track down those responsible after the bodies of eight women were discovered in the area over the past two months.

Moselakgomo’s running club, Vitality, has also expressed its condolences and said it would contribute to the family.

In a post on X, Discovery Vitality South Africa CEO Dinesh Govender said, “I’m saddened and horrified by the tragic passing of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.”

“Our thoughts are with her daughter, and the rest of her family and community, including her Team Vitality running friends.”

“Discovery Vitality will be making a contribution to support,” he wrote.

Police are investigating whether the deaths of the eight women whose bodies were discovered at different locations in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, are connected.

- Itumeleng Kekana, 32: Originally from Qwa Qwa and living in Kempton Park with her boyfriend, Kekana disappeared on July 17.

Her body was found near a river along the R21 on August 3, partially clothed and with bruising and injuries to her face. Her family identified her body. She was buried in Qwa Qwa on August 22.

- 37-year-old woman: Her body was found naked and restrained with cable ties in an open field in Kempton Park on July 15. Her partner was arrested on July 17 in connection with her murder.

- Unidentified woman, believed to be in her late 20s: Her body was found in a river in Clayville, Olifantsfontein, on September 7. She was wearing only underwear.

- Unidentified woman: Another woman’s body was found in Olifantsfontein on September 7.

- Unidentified woman: Her body was found near Kempton Park on September 10, naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. Police were using forensic processes to establish her identity.

- Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38: Her remains were found partially clothed and bruised in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, on September 12. Her family identified her on September 14.

- Unidentified woman: Her body was found in Olifantsfontein on September 14. Police said she was partially clothed and bruised.

- Unidentified woman, believed to be in her 30s: Her body was found in Kwa-Thema, Springs, on September 15. She was naked and in a state of decomposition.

Acting national police commissioner Puleng Dimpane has appealed to families with missing relatives in the area to come forward and assist police in identifying the unidentified victims.

Dimpane also announced a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the deaths.