The family of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has positively identified her body, bringing a tragic end to the search for the missing runner.

The search for Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has ended in tragedy after her family confirmed that a body found in the area was hers.

Moselakgomo, 38, was reported missing after leaving her home in Rhodesfield for an afternoon run on September 9. She did not return, prompting a search involving police, community members and search teams.

Her family formally identified her body at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.

The confirmation comes as police investigate a series of cases involving women whose bodies have been found in and around Kempton Park over the past two months.

Another woman’s body was discovered in the area on Monday, bringing the number of bodies found during the recent period to five, according to police and local reports.

The developments have caused growing anxiety among residents, with some fearing that the cases could be connected.

Police, however, have cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators have established the facts.

A multidisciplinary team has been deployed to investigate the cases. The team includes detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and investigative psychology specialists.

Investigators are examining evidence from the different cases, including timelines, locations, victim profiles and the circumstances surrounding each death.

Police have said there are similarities in some of the cases, but have not confirmed that they were committed by the same person.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane expressed condolences to Moselakgomo’s family and said police would work to establish exactly what happened to her.

Authorities have also urged women in the Kempton Park area, particularly those who run or exercise alone, to take extra precautions while investigations continue.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward.

The deaths have once again highlighted concerns over the safety of women in Gauteng and the continuing challenge of gender-based violence in South Africa.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as police work to establish whether any links exist between the cases.