VANDERBIJLPARK.- Local runners, pastors, and community members gathered at Isak Steyl Stadium in solidarity against gender-based violence (GBV) on Saturday.

This Fun Run/Walk and Candlelight gathering was held in protest against the killing of nine women in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni. Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, an athlete, was one of the nine women found dead.

Moselakgomo went missing after she went for a run in the afternoon and was later found dead in the area.

She was laid to rest at her home in Mpumalanga on Sunday.

This incident forced the country to come to a standstill, with marches all over against GBV.

Back home, several marches were organised by different organisations in protest against the killing of women. Re-Mmmoho Athletes Organisation, under the leadership of Toma Tsotetsi, gathered at the venue (Isak Steyl Stadium) to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH to the killing of women.

This emotional gathering was attended by community leaders, pastors, and local athletes. Maria ‘Mama’ Silo’ Molefi, the community builder, was also present to support this initiative. Some of the pastors who attended this emotional gathering to share the words of God with the athletes included Pastor Florence Molawa, Pastor Shinny Mefane, Rev Moses Rachaka, and Bishop Lefu Jeremiah.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Tsotetsi said they organised this gathering not only in memory of Moselakgomo but also to find a way to prevent the killing of women in society. He said the killer(s) are now targeting female athletes. Tsotetsi made a humble plea not only to female athletes but also to male athletes to start running in groups.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that it will be difficult for female athletes to go out and be free after what happened to one of them. Tsotetsi said it would take time for athletes to come to terms with what happened to Moselakgomo.

“This is the most difficult time for everyone, especially the athletes, because the killer seems to be targeting the female runners. We must come together to find a way to best protect our female athletes and sisters. This must be a serious concern to everyone, especially men. What can we do to protect women in our community? “As Re-Mmoho Athletes Organisation, our commitment is to see how best we can help protect our women in our community. What happened to Moselakgomo must never happen to our female athletes and women in our community,” said Tsotetsi.

Molefi had a strong message to the young women out there to remain humble.