Kempton Park runners honour Tsontso Moselakgomo

More than 200 runners recently took to the streets of Kempton Park for a memorial run honouring Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo and highlighting safety concerns among local runners.

The run, held under the banner Kempton Park Runners United: Reclaiming Our Streets, started at Barnard Stadium and passed through Rhodesfield, where Moselakgomo’s body was found after she went missing.

The runners then continued through the streets of Rhodesfield before making their way to Kempton Park Police Station, where they submitted a memorandum, before returning to Barnard Stadium.

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The event brought together members of BBK, Runners of Hope, UTC, C16 (Kempies), ERWAT AC, Rainbow AC, Ekurhuleni AC and Qubheka AC.

According to BBK Running Group leader Phuti Sekwati, runners have experienced several crimes in the Kempton Park area, including the theft of watches, mobile phones and running shoes, with some incidents allegedly involving firearms.

“In some cases, cars were stolen, or items were stolen from the cars while they were running. Some of these crimes were reported and nothing came of that,” said Sekwati.

“When one of our own was reported missing, we made sure that we posted her everywhere, hoping that she would be found unharmed. We then learned that she was not the first woman who went missing in the area. An injury to one of us is an injury to all of us.”

Sekwati said the memorial run was meant to raise awareness of the concerns runners face while also encouraging them to take precautions.

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Runners of Hope coach Tshepo Molema initiated the run, contacting other running clubs and groups to form a working committee and invite the wider running community to participate.

Sekwati said it was important for the runners to visit the area where Moselakgomo’s body was found and pay their respects, while also making a statement about women’s safety.

“The female runners were afraid to go out and run, and we made sure that this run was about them reclaiming the streets, especially around Rhodesfield,” he said.

Sekwati said the running community wanted women to continue enjoying the sport while taking precautions.

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Runners were encouraged to avoid running alone, choose their routes carefully and refrain from using earphones while running or walking.

Male runners were also encouraged to look out for female runners and be patient with those who may be slower.

The runners also raised concerns about the visibility of police patrols during early morning and evening runs.

Sekwati said runners did not regularly see police patrols during these times and called for police to work more closely with running clubs to identify commonly used routes.

The runners also called on police to review their shift system, claiming there was a gap in visible policing around the 06:00 and 18:00 shift changes.

Runners of Hope member Tebogo Maseso said Moselakgomo’s death had affected her personally.

“I run by myself around Norkem Park and what happened has shaken me. I am a mother, and I am just thinking of Tsontso’s daughter,” said Maseso.

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“One thing I want to say to the police is that we need to be protected. They must remember the oath to protect and serve so that we can be safe. We need visible policing. We need to run peacefully and safely and return home.”

The runners also invited private security companies to support the event, saying these were often the security personnel they encountered while running in the dark.

Hwibidu Group provided a front escort for the runners and vehicle security at Barnard Stadium, while Alpha Security provided a rear escort.

Pastor Mathebula of Hope Restoration, Brenda Marolen, a board member of the Comrades Marathon Association, and Enoch Skhosana, chairperson of Athletics South Africa’s Road Running Commission, also joined the runners.

Tshepiso Selibi, a runner and member of Team Vitality, said Moselakgomo’s death had highlighted broader concerns about violence against women.

“Tsotso was one of us, and I’m standing up for women so that somebody realises that we are being watched. The number of women killed is too high,” said Selibi.

“When I was informed that a runner went out for a run and never made it home, it was the moment I realised that it could have been me, any of us running.”

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Selibi said runners should be able to choose whether they run alone or in groups without fearing for their safety.

“Not all the time do you want to run in a group. Sometimes you want to run alone for some clarity in your mind. In my view, law enforcement is doing nothing to protect women,” she said.

The runners said they hoped the memorial would not only honour Moselakgomo’s memory, but also encourage greater cooperation between running clubs, law enforcement and private security to improve safety on the streets.