Khumo’s emotional tribute captured the devastating reality of losing a mother at such a young age, leaving mourners deeply touched during the funeral service in Phake, Mpumalanga, on Sunday.
Elizabeth, affectionately known as Tsontso, became one of the women whose deaths are being investigated after a series of bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni.
Her funeral brought together relatives, friends, members of the running community and other mourners who came to remember the woman beyond the circumstances of her death. SABC News reported that she was remembered as a devoted mother, passionate runner and an important member of her family and community.
𝗞𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗢’𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟
Standing before mourners, Khumo spoke directly to the mother she had lost.
Her words reflected the loneliness and confusion that can come with losing a parent while still being a child herself.
“Dearest mother, how heartbreaking that you left me,” Khumo said during her tribute.
She spoke about how different life would feel without her mother’s voice, presence and familiar smile.
Although she could no longer hold her mother’s hand, Khumo said the memories they created together would remain with her as she grew older.
The young girl also described how she would look towards the sky whenever she missed her mother, imagining that Tsontso was still watching over her.
“I wish I could hug you. I wish you could be here,” Khumo said, expressing the pain of wanting her mother back while knowing that she would never return.
Her final words were filled with love. Khumo described herself as her mother’s daughter and princess before thanking her mother and telling her how much she loved and missed her.
For many mourners, it was one of the most emotional moments of the farewell.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗠
Khumo’s tribute carried an even deeper meaning because she was among the first people to realise that something was wrong when her mother failed to return from her usual run.
Tsontso had a familiar routine. After work, she would go running and normally return home around her expected time.
When that time passed without her mother coming back, Khumo alerted relatives.
Her family then began searching for the 38-year-old, eventually reporting her missing. Her body was later discovered in Rhodesfield and identified by her family at Germiston mortuary.
Her uncle, Andries Matlaila, previously praised Khumo for recognising that her mother had not returned home and raising the alarm.
The family also said the young girl was receiving psychosocial support following her mother’s disappearance and death.
𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗕𝗬𝗘
The funeral was not only a farewell to a mother. It was also a moment for loved ones to remember Tsontso for the life she lived.
Her brother, Odirile Morolo, remembered her as a loving family member and passionate runner. He told mourners that although her physical presence was gone, the impact she had on those around her would remain.
Family members also recalled her love for home and family, describing the Sunday family meal as one of the places where she was happiest.
Meanwhile, members of the running community had previously gathered in Rhodesfield for a memorial run in her honour. Runners prayed, lit candles and observed a moment of silence as they remembered Tsontso and reflected on the safety concerns surrounding women in the area.
𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘
Tsontso’s death has become part of a much wider investigation into the deaths of women whose bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni.
Police have been investigating whether there are connections between the cases. However, authorities have not established that all of the deaths were committed by one person.
Her funeral comes as families and communities continue to demand answers and stronger measures to protect women.
For Khumo, however, the investigation and public debate cannot change the most painful reality: her mother is no longer coming home.
She will have to grow up carrying the memories of the woman she loved, while learning to navigate life without the mother who was once part of her everyday routine.
As Tsontso was laid to rest in Mpumalanga, her family and friends said goodbye through tears, prayers and memories.
And Khumo’s final message left a simple reminder of the bond between a mother and her child — even when death takes away the person, the love and memories can remain.
Rest in peace, Tsontso. 🕊️
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