Following the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni, Alexandra women say they no longer feel safe in their community.

Their concerns came to the fore during a memorial walk held in honour of Kempton Park runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo. Her body was discovered in Kempton Park on September 14, touching athletics communities across Gauteng.

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Run Alex secretary-general and Central Gauteng women’s committee vice-chairperson Mandisa Semane said the club had been deeply affected by Moselakgomo’s death, but remained committed to honouring her memory. The club organised a 5km memorial walk, and, for many of the women present, the walk also served as an occasion to speak publicly about the fear that has taken hold since the discoveries began.

Fitness enthusiast Silondiwe Buthelezi said the killings had heightened her sense of vulnerability. “Not only does it give us self-awareness; it is scary to know that you might be next,” she said, adding that protection could not be achieved without unity among residents.

The participants said although the discoveries were made in Ekurhuleni, they remain deeply troubled. “This is painful. The more they discover other bodies, the more you realise, ‘Am I the next person?’, and that is when you become more afraid, because you don’t know where it might happen,” resident Rose Mogodi said.

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Mokakatla Masekela, chairperson of the club, said the walk was organised to draw the attention of law enforcement and the wider Alexandra community to the severity of the situation. He added that athletics clubs offer spaces where people can exercise without fear, addressing concerns about working out alone at night.

William Seleka said the matter had troubled men deeply, prompting many to express solidarity with women and commit to supporting their safety. “We wish for the police to do their job,” he said, adding that those responsible must be found.

While police investigations into the eight bodies discovered across Ekurhuleni remain ongoing, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the fear and uncertainty among women and vowed that no stone will be left unturned to solve the cases. In a statement released on September 15, he confirmed that law enforcement agencies are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

On the same day, police met with government officials, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, and Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga. According to the police, the meeting focused on the progress of investigations, the deployment of multidisciplinary expertise, and measures being implemented to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police said the meeting underscored how seriously government and law enforcement are treating the incidents.

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