An emotional eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgamo delivered a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, during her funeral service in Phake, Mpumalanga, on Sunday. Khumo reflected on the memories they shared and how she would carry those memories with her as she grew up. She expressed her longing for her mother, saying she wished she could hug her and have her present. Moselakgomo was killed after leaving her Kempton Park home for a run on September 10.
Moselakgomo's body was found in the Rhodesfield area and identified by her family. Her death is one of nine women's deaths in Ekurhuleni since July, with police investigating possible links between the cases. However, they 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, imagining her watching over her with love.
Khumo reassured her mother that she would continue to remember her as she grew older. She described her mother as a beautiful angel and expressed her love, saying, "I carry you inside my heart, so you can always be near." Khumo ended her tribute by thanking her mother and expressing her love. The emotional tribute highlighted the profound impact Moselakgomo had on her daughter's life.
Social Development Minister Dina Pule addressed mourners at the funeral, recalling a song about leaving "footprints on the sands of time." She noted that Moselakgomo had left a lasting mark and described her as a hero. Pule acknowledged the pain of Moselakgomo's death and the uncertainty her family endured while searching for her.
Pule emphasized that Moselakgomo's death had drawn attention to the problem of women being killed, particularly after other women were subsequently found dead. She conveyed the government's condolences to Moselakgomo's family and assured them that the department's support would not end with the funeral. The government aims to provide ongoing support to the family.
Pule also acknowledged the anguish Moselakgomo's family experienced while searching for her. She recalled speaking to the family during her visit to Gauteng and noted that a family member had described initially being in denial when they went to identify her body. Pule emphasized that no family should have to endure such uncertainty and anguish.
The funeral service was a testament to Moselakgomo's impact on her community and family. Khumo's tribute and Pule's address highlighted the need for continued support and attention to address the issue of women's deaths in Ekurhuleni. The community continues to mourn the loss of Moselakgomo and hopes for justice and safety for women in the area.
Key points
- Moselakgomo's death is one of nine women's deaths in Ekurhuleni since July.
- Khumo Moselakgamo delivered an emotional tribute to her mother during the funeral service.
- Social Development Minister Dina Pule addressed mourners at the funeral, describing Moselakgomo as a hero.
