Gauteng Police Probe: Five Bodies Recovered in Kempton Park Cluster & The State Mortuary Process
Following the discovery of five women’s bodies in Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein, forensic pathology teams at the Germiston mortuary conduct post-mortems and DNA identification under statutory protocols.
By FIPSA Admin
Summary of Inquiry & Key Findings
Discovery timeline: Five women’s bodies recovered in Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein between July 15 and September 14, 2026.
Identification of 38-year-old runner Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, found in Rhodesfield on September 12.
SAPS multidisciplinary task team established to investigate whether the deaths are linked.
Gauteng Department of Health’s protocol for families visiting the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) mortuary.
The Discovery of Five Bodies in Ekurhuleni
Between July 15 and September 14, 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recovered the bodies of five women across the Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein precincts in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The fifth body was discovered on Monday morning, September 14, 2026, along the R21 highway in Olifantsfontein.
Among the identified victims is 38-year-old runner Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who went missing after leaving her home for an afternoon run in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, on September 10. Her body was located two days later behind a local hotel. Relatives confirmed her identity after viewing her remains at the Germiston mortuary.
Chronology of the Recoveries & Medico-Legal Handling
July 15, 2026: Initial discovery of human remains in the Kempton Park precinct, prompting opening of police inquest and murder dockets.
September 10–12, 2026: Disappearance and recovery of 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo in Rhodesfield.
September 14, 2026: A fifth body is discovered by authorities in Olifantsfontein adjacent to the R21 highway.
September 15, 2026: Gauteng Health confirms two victims identified by next-of-kin, while three remain unidentified, with DNA sampling underway at Germiston FPS.
Forensic Pathology Protocols at Germiston Mortuary
All five bodies were transferred directly by the Gauteng Department of Health’s Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) to the Germiston state mortuary. Under South African law—specifically the Inquests Act (Act 58 of 1959) and the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003)—private commercial funeral parlours have no legal jurisdiction to uplift or hold human remains from unnatural or violent crime scenes.
State forensic medical officers are conducting comprehensive post-mortem examinations to determine the exact cause of death and extract reference DNA for comparison with missing persons databases.
Statutory Procedure: Form SAPS 180 & Release Protocol
Under the National Health Act Regulations (GN R363), remains subject to medico-legal investigation cannot be released to private undertakers until an autopsy is concluded, the magistrate issues clearance, and the legal next-of-kin formally authorizes transfer via Form SAPS 180 / BI-1663.
SAPS Appeal & Advisory for Families with Missing Relatives
Police have established a dedicated multidisciplinary task team comprising detectives, forensic analysts, and crime intelligence to investigate the circumstances of the deaths. Authorities have cautioned the public against unverified speculation while forensic investigations proceed.
The Gauteng Department of Health and SAPS have formally urged families who have reported missing female relatives in Gauteng to contact the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service to assist in identifying the three remaining victims, bringing photographic ID and identifying medical or dental records.
Published by FIPSA Admin
Compiled for public education and industry reference in terms of the National Health Act (GN R363) and statutory funeral regulations in South Africa.Related Industry Dispatches
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