Botlhale Boikanyo Mourns Tragic Loss of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo

Award-winning poet, speaker and actress Botlhale Boikanyo has joined many South Africans in mourning the tragic death of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.

The 38-year-old mother, avid runner and shopping centre manager from Kempton Park, South Africa, went missing after heading out for her routine afternoon jog. Her disappearance has since left her family, friends and the wider community heartbroken.

In honour of Elizabeth, Botlhale recently took part in a group run, using the moment to remember her while also highlighting the fears many women face when simply trying to move through public spaces.

Sharing pictures and footage from the run on Instagram, Botlhale explained why she and others came together to run in Elizabeth’s honour.

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A post shared by Botlhale Boikanyo (@botlhaleboikanyo)

She wrote, “This morning we ran in honour of uMa Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo
A woman who went out for a run and did not come home
We should not have to run in groups because we are afraid, we should not have to share our locations because we are afraid, we should not have to change our routes, our clothes, our routines or the way we move through the world because we are afraid
Women deserve to exist in public spaces without having to calculate the risk of making it home. Our bodies are not disposable
And coming home should never be a privilege
We need more than warnings telling women to be careful. We need urgency, accountability, justice and systems that protect women before another body is found@sapoliceservice_za @governmentza
We cannot keep living like this.”

Elizabeth worked as the centre manager at Festival Mall in Kempton Park and was a devoted mother to her eight-year-old daughter. Her family described her as the “glue” of their home, making the circumstances surrounding her death even more devastating for those who knew and loved her.

She disappeared on September 9 or 10, 2026, after leaving home for her usual afternoon jog in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. When she failed to return, her young daughter raised the alarm, prompting a search for the missing mother.

Elizabeth’s body was later discovered and positively identified by her family at the Germiston mortuary.

Her death has sparked renewed conversations among South Africans about women’s safety and the dangers women face while going about their everyday lives. From running and walking to travelling home from work, many women have shared their fears and frustrations about not feeling safe in public spaces.

For Botlhale, the group run was about more than remembering Elizabeth. It was also a call for change.

Her words have resonated with those demanding accountability and action, as South Africans continue to grieve a mother whose ordinary afternoon run ended in tragedy.

Elizabeth’s story has become another painful reminder of why women should be able to leave their homes, enjoy their routines and return safely to the people waiting for them.