South African runners unite to honour slain Kempton Park runner Tsontso Moselakgomo

South African runners are transforming grief into action, as members of the running community dedicate upcoming races to Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner whose body was identified after she went missing during a jog in Kempton Park. Moselakgomo, also known as Tsontso, disappeared on September 9th, and her family confirmed her identity at the Germiston mortuary on Monday, ending days of searching.

The incident has sparked conversations about safety precautions women take while running, with some highlighting the contrast between women and men's experiences. Tsontso was an active member of Run With Sole, a running club founded by Tumi Sole. Following her disappearance, Sole urged runners to honor Tsontso and other women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence by dedicating their runs to her memory.

The call has resonated across South Africa, with runners sharing tributes and calling for justice using hashtags like #RIPTsontso and #RIPElizabethMoselakgomo. The memorial runs aim to not only remember Tsontso but also to raise awareness about the fear many women face when exercising outdoors. The running community demanded greater safety for women on Monday in Kempton Park, and a multidisciplinary task team has been established to investigate the recent deaths of several women in the area.

Tsontso's death has reignited calls for women, especially female runners, to prioritize safety by running in groups. As runners participate in memorial runs, these events serve as tributes to Tsontso and a reminder of the ongoing need to ensure women can exercise safely.