Suspect Arrested With Slain Runner’s Belongings
Police have arrested a suspect found in possession of an item belonging to murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, in a development that investigators hope will lead to a breakthrough in the high-profile case.
The suspect is appearing before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, 12 October 2026), facing a charge of possession of stolen property. Police have stressed that no murder charge has been brought against the suspect at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.
THE KILLING THAT SHOCKED THE NATION
Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old mother, disappeared on 9 September 2026 after leaving her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, for her routine afternoon run. When she failed to return home at her usual time, her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm, prompting relatives to report her missing.
Her body was discovered on 12 September in the Rhodesfield area, behind a hotel. She was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her family positively identified her at the Germiston mortuary on 14 September.
She was laid to rest in Phake, Mpumalanga, on 20 September, with family, friends and members of the running community gathering to pay their final respects.
PART OF A WIDER PATTERN
Moselakgomo’s death is one of 12 women whose bodies have been discovered in Ekurhuleni between July and September 2026. Most of the bodies were found in the Kempton Park area, with victims ranging in age from their 20s to 30s. Several were found partially clothed or naked, with visible bruising.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation last month, revealing that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is assisting police with digital forensic investigations into the killings.
“There’s been understandably widespread fear that the discovery of these women in proximity could indicate the work of a single perpetrator,” Ramaphosa said. “At present police have not found evidence establishing that these killings were committed by a single perpetrator. All possibilities remain under investigation” .
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has also stated that investigations have not confirmed a serial killer, noting “some indications of different modus operandi and different motives” .
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
The arrest does not yet confirm a breakthrough in Moselakgomo’s murder. Police have not disclosed the item recovered or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest. The investigation into her death continues, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
The multidisciplinary task team investigating the Ekurhuleni killings has previously made arrests in connection with separate cases. One suspect was arrested in July in connection with the first victim, a 37-year-old woman found near the R21, and remains in custody. Two women were arrested in September in connection with the ninth victim.
