‘I carry you inside my heart’: Tsontso’s daughter pays tribute at mother’s funeral

Eight-year-old Khumo, the daughter of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo , paid an emotional tribute to her mother during her funeral service in Phake, Mpumalanga, on Sunday.

Speaking during the service, Khumo reflected on the memories they shared and how she would carry those memories with her as she grew up.

Moselakgomo was killed after leaving her Kempton Park home for a run on September 10. She did not return home, prompting her family to search for her.

Her body was later found in the Rhodesfield area and was identified by her family.

Her death came as police investigate a series of women’s deaths in Ekurhuleni, with nine women having been found dead in the area since July. Police have been investigating whether there are links between the cases but have not established that they were all committed by the same person.

At the funeral, Khumo said she would look to the sky whenever she missed her mother.

“When I feel sad and miss you, I will look up to the sky and imagine you are watching me from above with love in your eyes,” she said.

Khumo said she would continue to remember her mother as she grew older.

“Your beautiful daughter loves you so much. She misses you every day. But I know that I have gained a beautiful angel in you.”

She ended her tribute by saying: “Love, your beautiful princess Khumo. Thank you. I love you.”

Social development minister Dina Pule also addressed mourners at the funeral.

She recalled a song about leaving “footprints on the sands of time” and said Moselakgomo had left a lasting mark.

She said Moselakgomo’s death had drawn attention to the problem of women being killed, particularly after other women were subsequently found dead.

She described Moselakgomo as a “hero” and told the family that, despite the pain of losing her, they could take comfort from the impact her death had in bringing attention to the issue.