R900 Watch Bought Hours After Runner Tsontso Vanished in Kempton Park — Three Men Face Court

Three men have appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in connection with a Garmin smartwatch allegedly stolen from South African athlete Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo following her disappearance in July 2024. The case has attracted attention as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to allegations presented in court, the smartwatch changed hands twice within days of Moselakgomo’s disappearance. Prosecutors allege that one of the accused purchased the device for R900 less than 24 hours after she went missing before it was allegedly resold to another buyer for R4,000.

The accused face charges relating to theft, possession of stolen property and money laundering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The prosecution is expected to present further evidence as the legal proceedings continue.

South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo reportedly confirmed that the three suspects had been processed at Kempton Park police station before being transferred into custody. He indicated that their arrests formed part of a wider investigation into the case, although he did not provide details about other potential suspects.

Moselakgomo was reported missing on 13 July 2024 after leaving her home in Tembisa for an early-morning training run. She was a long-distance runner, and news of her disappearance and the subsequent recovery of her body caused concern among members of the running community.

Investigators allegedly traced the Garmin smartwatch using its serial number and transaction records associated with second-hand sales. Reports have also claimed that the device contained stored biometric information that could assist investigators in reconstructing events surrounding the athlete’s disappearance. However, the significance and authenticity of these reported details have not been independently established.

The case has renewed concerns about women’s safety while exercising in public spaces, particularly during early-morning runs.

The three accused are expected to return to court for further proceedings, with bail applications reportedly anticipated at a subsequent hearing.

Meanwhile, investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Moselakgomo’s death and determine whether other individuals were involved. The allegations against the accused remain subject to the judicial process.

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