The Story of Elizabeth ‘Tsonto’ Maselakgom: Another Case of Gender-Based Violence Against Women in South Africa
Elizabeth ‘Tsonto’ Maselakgom is another woman who has lost her life to gender-based violence in South Africa.
Background
Elizabeth ‘Tsonto’ Maselakgom, aged 38, was a mother to an 8-year-old daughter, a family-oriented woman, a hardworking professional, and a lover of personal fitness and good health. She lived a life that many could admire and emulate.
On 9 September 2026, after closing from work at around 5:30–6:30 p.m., Elizabeth went for her routine jog. Unbeknownst to her, it would be the last time she would leave home. After her jog, Elizabeth failed to return home. Her absence immediately raised concerns among her family, who launched a search for her.
According to her missing-person poster, Elizabeth ‘Tsonto’ Maselakgom was last seen at 24 Mustang Street in the Rhodesfield area of Kempton Park.
Following the missing-person alert, the police and members of the community began searching for her. After several days of searching, on 14 September, authorities discovered the body of a woman who had been killed. Elizabeth was subsequently identified as one of the victims of the brutal killing.
Her death comes amid growing concern over the discovery of women’s bodies allegedly dumped along a 15-kilometre stretch of the R21 freeway corridor and the Rhodesfield precinct between 15 July and 14 September.
The disturbing developments have instilled fears among residents of the Ekurhuleni community, with growing concerns about their own safety.
Immediately after her body was discovered, the area where she was found was secured and sealed off for further investigation, while her family was notified.
Police Response
Police have assured the public that those responsible will not go unpunished. Authorities have said that investigations are underway and that they will deploy all resources at their disposal to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
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