By Palesa Matlala
• Eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgomo told mourners she would carry her mother’s memory in her heart after losing her to violence.
• More than R100,000 has been raised for Khumo’s education as communities demand stronger action following the deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni.
Eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgomo stood before mourners on Sunday and said goodbye to the mother she desperately wished she could hug one more time.
Her mother, 38-year-old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, was murdered after going out for a run in Kempton Park.
“Dearest mother, how heartbreaking that you left me,” Khumo said at the funeral.
“The day feels quiet without your voice, but your love is still here, surrounding me with love.”
Elizabeth disappeared after leaving her home for an afternoon run. When she failed to return, Khumo contacted relatives and the family reported her missing.
Her body was found three days later in Rhodesfield.
The family later identified her at the Germiston mortuary.
At her funeral in Mpumalanga on Sunday, Khumo spoke about growing up without her mother’s hand to hold or smile to see.
“I may not hold your hand or see your beautiful smile, but all the memories we have made will stay with me forever,” she said.
Khumo said she would look towards the sky when she missed her mother.
“When I feel sad and miss you, I will look up to the sky and imagine you are watching me from above with love in your eyes.”
She spoke of how badly she wanted her mother back.
“I wish I could hug you. I wish you can be here. But I carry you inside my heart, so you can always be nearby,” Khumo said.
She ended her tribute by telling her mother how much she loved her.
“Your beautiful daughter loves you so much. She misses you every day, but I know that I have gained a beautiful angel in you.”
Elizabeth is one of nine women whose deaths police are investigating after their bodies were found across Ekurhuleni in nine weeks.
Police are investigating whether any of the cases are connected.
Her killing has also brought support for the daughter she left behind.
A BackaBuddy campaign started to help pay for Khumo’s education passed its original R50,000 target.
By Wednesday it had raised R108,541.
The campaign aims to help cover school and university fees and other education costs.
“While we cannot fill the space left by a parent, we can come together as a community to help provide something lasting: The gift of education and the opportunity for a brighter future,” the campaign said.
Elizabeth’s death has also increased calls for authorities to protect women in Ekurhuleni.
Bopha Foundation’s Andrew Baloyi said women in Kempton Park were afraid to leave their homes.
“Our sisters are living in fear in Kempton Park,” he said.
“They don’t go shopping; they don’t go anywhere now. They are sitting at home; they are like slaves.”
Baloyi called for greater police action and said the Gauteng government needed to show residents how its crime-fighting measures, including panic buttons, were meant to work.
“We will fight, we want accountability,” he said.
Family, friends and members of the running community gathered to say their final goodbyes to Elizabeth.
For Khumo, the farewell was simple.
“Love, your beautiful princess Khumo. Thank you.”
Pictured above: Eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgomo pays tribute to her mother Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo at her funeral.
Image source: Palesa Matlala.
