SASSA minister steps in for Elizabeth Moselakgomo’s daughter

Social Development Minister Dina Pule, whose portfolio oversees SASSA, has visited the family of murdered Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo and pledged support for her eight-year-old daughter.

Pule visited the family at their Kempton Park home alongside Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, where they paid their respects and personally conveyed condolences to Moselakgomo’s loved ones.

The 38-year-old mother disappeared after leaving her Kempton Park home for a run on 9 September. Her daughter raised the alarm when she failed to return home, prompting relatives to report her missing. Police later recovered Moselakgomo’s body, and her family formally identified her.

SASSA MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ELIZABETH’S DAUGHTER

Pule said the government would support Moselakgomo’s daughter and relatives as they deal with the trauma of her death.

The Department of Social Development has offered to arrange psychosocial support, trauma counselling and other social services for the child and her family.

Pule said children should not have to deal with the trauma of losing a parent through violence.

“Our hearts go out especially to Elizabeth’s young daughter, who has suffered an unimaginable loss,” she said.

The minister said the family needed care and support as it navigates the aftermath of Moselakgomo’s murder.

ELIZABETH’S DAUGHTER RAISED THE ALARM

Moselakgomo’s daughter played a crucial role in alerting relatives when her mother did not come home.

The eight-year-old knew her mother’s running routine and contacted family members after she realised something was wrong.

Her relatives then alerted police and joined the search for Moselakgomo.

The family has previously confirmed that professionals started providing the girl with psychosocial support after her mother disappeared.

MINISTER CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Pule also condemned the continued violence against women and children and called for communities, government, civil society, faith-based organisations and law-enforcement agencies to work together.

She said women should be able to run, travel, work and participate in their communities without fearing for their safety.

Moselakgomo’s murder has intensified public anger as police investigate the deaths of eight women found across parts of Ekurhuleni between July and September.