Eswatini runners honour slain SA athlete

MBABANE — Eswatini’s athletics community took to the roads on Tuesday morning in honour of slain South African runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo.

The 38-year-old athlete went missing on Wednesday, September 9 afternoon after going for a routine run from her home at Kempton Park in South Africa’s Gauteng Province. The alarm was raised when her eight-year-old daughter contacted family members, leading to a police search. On Monday, September 14, authorities positively identified a body discovered over the weekend on Gauteng’s East Rand as that of Moselakgomo.

In a powerful display of solidarity, local runners, predominantly women, dedicated their morning runs to her memory. Members of TZD Sports Club, founded by Zakhele Dlamini, completed a 10km run in her honour. Dlamini, who serves as President of both Athletics Eswatini (AE) and the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA), confirmed the club’s tribute on their official Facebook page.

“Together let us stand and run in solidarity with Tsontso’s family and daughter,” Dlamini urged.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage regarding the safety of female athletes. Seasoned Eswatini social runner Hlengiwe Bhembe, who completed over 9km during the morning tribute, expressed the deep anger shared by many.

“Every woman deserves to run without looking over her shoulder. Today I dedicated my miles to the memory of Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo. We refuse to let your name be forgotten,” Bhembe said.

Eswatini Comrades Marathon Ambassador Khetsiwe Hlophe expressed her heartache over the tragedy, emphasising that solo female runners deserve far greater protection on the road.

“As a running community we are shattered and stand with her family. Is it too much to ask that women enjoy running, without fear?” Hlophe asked. She noted that women cannot always run in groups due to individual training targets, particularly when preparing for gruelling events like the Comrades Marathon.

“I hope we won’t see this tragedy again,” she added.

Eswatini Comrades Marathon Ambassador Khetsiwe Hlophe was also disturbed by the gruesome murder. (Courtesy pic) Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini (2nd L) led runners from TZD Sports Ground in a morning run on Tuesday honouring slain South African runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo. (Pic: TZD Sports Club)

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