Eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgomo has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late mother, Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, during her funeral in Phake, Mpumalanga.
Also see: ‘Where were you?’: Women For Change confronts Sindisiwe Chikunga after Tsontso wreath-laying
Khumo stood before mourners on Sunday, 20 September, to read a poem dedicated to her mother, who was found dead after going missing during an afternoon run in Kempton Park earlier this month.
Khumo remembers her mother Tsontso
In her emotional tribute, Khumo spoke about the pain of losing her mother and the memories they shared.
“Dearest mother, how heartbreaking that you left me,” she said, describing how quiet life feels without her mother’s voice. The young girl said she wished she could hug her mother again and have her around, but would continue carrying her memory.
“I wish I could hug you. I wish you could be here, but I carry you inside my heart so you can always be near as I grow each day,” Khumo said.
Khumo also said she would look towards the sky whenever she missed her mother and imagine Tsontso watching over her.
“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 said.
She ended the tribute by reaffirming her love for her mother, signing off as her “beautiful princess Khumo.”
WATCH | The 8-year-old daughter of slain runner, Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, has shared a moving farewell letter to her mother, expressing profound sorrow and cherished memories, during her funeral service held at Phake village in Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/0sXdaruaR1
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 20, 2026
Also see: Sol Phenduka apologises after jokes spark backlash during Tsontso Moselakgomo missing report
Tsontso remembered by loved ones
Tsontso, 38, was reported missing on 9 September 2026 after leaving her Kempton Park home for an afternoon run. Her body was later found in the Rhodesfield area and identified by her family.
Her funeral brought together family, friends, fellow runners and government representatives, who remembered her as a caring mother and passionate runner.
Her running club also paid tribute to her, with members accompanying her coffin to her final resting place. The club has announced plans for a marathon in her honour, with proceeds intended to support Khumo and other family members, Daily Maverick reported.
Tsontso’s death came amid an investigation into the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered in the wider Ekurhuleni area since July.
Police have said three people have been called in for questioning, while investigators continue working to establish whether the deaths are connected. Authorities have cautioned that it has not been conclusively established that a serial killer is responsible for the cases.
For Khumo, however, the funeral was ultimately about saying goodbye to her mother and holding on to the love and memories they shared.
Her poignant tribute offered mourners a glimpse into the devastating loss experienced by a young girl who must now grow up without her mother.
Also see: ‘At least something is being done’: Grass cut at site linked to Tsontso Moselakgomo’s death
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