Police have arrested a suspect found in possession of an item belonging to murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, marking a breakthrough in the investigation into her brutal killing in Ekurhuleni.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026, where they are likely to face a charge of being in possession of stolen property.
However, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has stressed that no murder charge has been brought against the suspect at this stage, as investigations into Moselakgomo’s killing continue.
On Monday, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect had been found in possession of an item belonging to the murdered runner.
“The South African Police Service confirms that a suspect who was found in possession of an item belonging to runner Moselakgomo has been arrested,” Mathe said.
She confirmed that the suspect was expected to appear in court on the same day.
“At this stage, no murder charge has been brought against the suspect. Investigations are ongoing,” Mathe said.
Moselakgomo’s body was found in Kempton Park on 12 September 2026. Her killing drew attention to the investigation into the deaths of women whose bodies were discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni.
The latest arrest provides investigators with an opportunity to establish how the recovered item came into the suspect’s possession and whether the information obtained could assist in advancing the investigation into Moselakgomo’s death.
However, the arrest does not, on its own, establish that the suspect was involved in her killing.
Police have not announced a murder charge against the suspect, and the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the item have not been detailed in the statement.
The anticipated court appearance is expected to bring the suspect before the court on the possible stolen property charge, while police continue investigating the murder.
The distinction between the suspected possession of stolen property and the murder investigation remains important, with SAPS confirming that the latter is still ongoing.
Moselakgomo was among the women whose deaths raised concerns about gender-based violence and women’s safety in Ekurhuleni.
Her body was discovered on 12 September, and the investigation into her killing has remained a matter of public concern.
The arrest announced is the latest development in the case, although police have not indicated whether further arrests are expected or whether the suspect will face additional charges.
Police has also not confirmed whether the item recovered from the suspect will lead to further evidence in the murder investigation.
For now, the suspect is expected to face a charge relating to possession of stolen property, while detectives continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding Moselakgomo’s death.
Police have reiterated that investigations remain ongoing.
