The Gauteng Department of Health has called on families who have reported loved ones missing to go and identify bodies at the Germiston government mortuary, as three more bodies of women from Kempton Park remain unidentified.
This comes after the body of 38-year-old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was positively identified by her family at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) facility, as police intensify investigations into the deaths of women in the area.
Moselakgomo disappeared after leaving her Kempton Park home for her routine afternoon run on Wednesday, September 10.
Her eight-year-old daughter was the first to raise the alarm after her mother failed to return home at the usual time, prompting relatives to realise that something was wrong.
Moselakgomo’s family identified her body on Monday, September 14.
The identification followed the discovery of a fifth woman’s body in the Kempton Park area on Monday, after four bodies were found over the past two months.
Three bodies remain unidentified
The department said it was supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS) investigation following the discovery of five female bodies in the Ekurhuleni area from July to September 2026.
Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said the bodies were received at the mortuary, which is providing the necessary forensic pathology services to support the investigation.
“Of the five bodies, two have now been identified by their families, while three bodies remain unidentified.”
“The identification process for the remaining three deceased persons is continuing.”
Mabona said the mortuary is also assisting SAPS with the forensic investigation, including the retrieval of samples for DNA analysis to support the identification process.
“The Department’s role is to provide forensic pathology services, including the removal and transportation of deceased persons, postmortem examinations, assistance with identification and the provision of relevant forensic evidence to support law enforcement investigations.”
“SAPS remains responsible for the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the Department will continue providing the necessary support to the investigation.”
The department appealed to families who have reported loved ones missing and who may have reason to believe that their relative could be among the three unidentified deceased persons to approach the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service for assistance with the identification process.
“Members of the public with information relating to the investigation are urged to report such information directly to SAPS,” Mabona said.
Five bodies found since July
The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on July 15.
She was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later and has been in custody ever since.
A second body, that of a 32-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on August 24.
She had visible bruises on her body and was found half-naked.
On September 10, closer to Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, an unidentified woman’s body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition. She was also half-naked.
A fourth body, that of a 38-year-old woman, was found on September 12 in Rhodesfield, behind a hotel.
The victim was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed.
It was later confirmed that the remains were those of Moselakgomo.
The fifth discovery was made on September 14 along the R21 near Olifantsfontein. The remains are still subject to formal identification.
Meanwhile, police are investigating whether there are links between the cases and have vowed to find the alleged perpetrators responsible for the deaths.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
