“I Never Cried Like This”: SA Heartbroken Over 8-Year-Old’s Tribute to Slain Mum Elizabeth Tsontso

• Khumo, the 8-year-old daughter of murdered runner Elizabeth Tsontso, stood before mourners to deliver a heartbreaking farewell tribute at her mother's funeral
• Elizabeth Tsontso, 38, was killed after disappearing during an afternoon jog in Kempton Park, with her death linked to a string of nine murders in Ekurhuleni
• South Africans were moved to tears watching the young girl's courage, with many calling on family to surround her with love and support

An 8-year-old girl named Khumo left South Africa in tears after stepping up to a microphone at her mother's funeral to read a poem she had written herself. The service for Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner and mother, took place on 20 September 2026 in Phake, Mpumalanga, the family's ancestral village.

Elizabeth had vanished during an afternoon jog in Kempton Park, Gauteng. Her body was discovered three days later. Police have since linked her murder to a broader investigation involving nine women found dead across Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and greater Ekurhuleni over a nine-week period.

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Khumo was the one who first raised the alarm when her mother did not return home from her run. At the funeral, she stood before family members, government ministers and scores of runners who had gathered to mourn and protest for runner safety, and she read aloud:

"Hello, dearest mother, how heartbreaking that you left me. The day feels quiet without your voice. But your love is still here surrounding me with love... I carry you inside my heart so you can always be near."

She signed off the poem:

"Love, your beautiful princess, Khumo."

A community united in grief

The funeral drew national attention, reflecting just how deeply Elizabeth's story had resonated across South Africa. The Democratic Alliance has offered R500,000 to the police reward fund to encourage tips, while the South African Police Service has deployed specialised units, including its Investigative Psychology Unit, to the case.

As of late September 2026, no arrests have been made specifically in connection with Elizabeth's murder, though one suspect linked to an earlier killing in the series remains in custody.

Mzansi reacts to Khumo's bravery

South Africans flooded the comments section on the Facebook page with messages of love for the little girl:

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@Nyameko Meko Stuurman wrote:

"8-year-olds of 2026 are on a different level! Well done to the late Tsontso for raising such a smart and amazing little girl. She will forever be proud of this young soul from above."

@Nhlamu Pearl Elmons-Sekgala said:

"I knew she was smart when I read that she alerted family when mummy wasn't back home on time. May the angels look over her."

@Therry Palemo Molefe shared:

"I have never cried like this watching this — she's so strong."

@Nosipho Norah Goduka added:

"Children may not understand death the same way adults do, but please don't underestimate what they know and feel. She knows, guys."

@Asive Mamntungwa Hlubikazi Ntanjana wrote:

"At my big age, I am not this strong. Well done, mummy, for raising such a brave and smart little girl."

@Dianne Radebe noted:

"You can tell she was raised well by her mother. May the person who will raise her continue."

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@Zanele Morolong simply said:

"Family, please take good care of her."

Watch Khumo deliver her farewell tribute to her mother on Facebook here.

More on the Kempton Park killings

• Briefly News recently reported on how Elizabeth Tsontso's body arrived home and her grandmother spoke publicly for the first time about the loss.
• Minnie Dlamini has weighed in on a podcast controversy linked to the missing runner, while she is locked in a legal battle with the show's hosts.
• Activists and communities have demanded police action as the number of women found dead in Kempton Park and surrounding areas continues to shake the country.

Source: Briefly News