A female runner went missing on September 9th after heading out for an evening run. The subsequent search operation led to a horrifying revelation: four other bodies had already been found in the same area over the past four months, raising serious concerns about safety and law enforcement awareness.
Public fury intensified after the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued warnings urging women to exercise greater vigilance and caution when outdoors. Civil rights groups, activists, and citizens have strongly criticized the messaging, questioning why the burden of safety is placed on potential victims rather than addressing the perpetrators and systemic violent crime.
The search ended in tragedy when the body was officially identified as a local resident, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, affectionately known as “Tsotso.” The incident has sparked widespread anger and reignited fierce debate across the nation.
Calls are mounting for urgent intervention, heightened police visibility, and targeted actions to curb gender-based violence and restore safety to communities.
These are just some of the reactions on social media:
-Can't go for a run
— ♠️𝔇𝔧 𝔅𝔞𝔫𝔷𝔬𝔴 (@bxnzow) September 14, 2026
-Can't walk certain routes
-Can't wear a certain way in certain areas
- can't enter an Uber without 50% fear
Ngeke guys South Africa has to do better.#RIPTsontso pic.twitter.com/wXMVYHkAIH
Rapists, kidnappers,serial killers are incredibly emotionless man. I had a glimmer of hope that she would be found, at least injured but alive. 🥹 #RIPTsontso https://t.co/z4dmZZcVXV
— 🫧•JD•🫧 (@she_JD14) September 14, 2026
Tsontso-Went on her usual afternoon run.
Olorato-Went on a date.
Uyinene-Went to go fetch a parcel at the Post office.
You really could just be going about a day as a woman and just like that,someone decides your life is worth ending.#RIPTsontso pic.twitter.com/LPF6u0Vyq2
Getting so tired of the fact that, once again, the answer to a woman getting murdered while out running is:
— Maren (@mbjorgum) September 14, 2026
"Women shouldn't run alone."
🤦🏻♀️#RIPTsontso
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
Motivation Monday: Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace serves as a gentle reminder that we all have a place in the world
Women in Charge: Meet Founder of Gossamer Skin, Terushka Venkatsamy
National Book Week: 5 Authors on our radar this Women’s Month
Director of Golden Gloves, Nivi Grogor is breaking barriers
