South Africa arrests suspect with belongings of one of 12 women murdered in Gauteng

South African police have arrested a suspect found in possession of an item belonging to murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who was killed in the Ekurhuleni area last month.

Her killing was among a series of murders of women in South Africa’s Gauteng province that have raised concerns about the safety of women.

Twelve women, including Moselakgomo, have been murdered in Ekurhuleni since July this year. Their bodies were found dumped at various locations across the city.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 12, on a charge of possession of stolen property.

Investigations continue

Police said no murder charge had been brought against the suspect and that investigations were continuing.

Moselakgomo was reported missing after leaving her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, for a run last month. Her body, which showed signs of severe bruising, was later found in the same area.

In a national address last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was assisting police with digital forensic investigations into the killings.

“There’s been understandably widespread fear that the discovery of these women in close 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,” he added.