The murder case of 87-year-old Kathleen "Ellen" Malan of Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, remains unsolved nearly two years after her death. Malan was found strangled in her home in September 2024, with her hands tied up and mouth covered. Her body was discovered by her son-in-law, who had visited her home to deliver her daily meal. According to Action Society, a civic organisation monitoring the case, nothing of significant value appeared to have been stolen, except for cigarettes and a packet of chips.
Police have confirmed that DNA samples relating to the case are awaiting comparison results from the forensic laboratory. Seven DNA samples were initially obtained from persons of interest, with four suspects excluded during the initial DNA comparison and three having to be retaken. The docket is currently in the hands of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for a decision. Action Society said the DNA results did not link the person whom the family believed may have been responsible for Malan's murder.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that the docket remained in the hands of the DPP and that police were awaiting DNA comparison results from the laboratory in relation to a suspect. Van Wyk said only lab reports were outstanding before the DPP would make a final decision on the matter. The docket is still under investigation and currently with the DPP, with police waiting on DNA comparisons results from the lab.
Action Society has been monitoring the investigation on behalf of Malan's family and has engaged SAPS, the National Forensic DNA Board, and the DPP in an effort to obtain progress and accountability. The organisation said it had received substantive feedback from SAPS and had continued communication between the investigating officer and Malan's family. However, the exclusion of one person of interest does not resolve the murder.
Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society, questioned whether there had been any developments involving more suspects being questioned or potential witnesses. Du Preez said the family wants clarity on the next steps and whether detectives are actively pursuing further leads. She added that a DNA result that excludes one person may close off one line of enquiry, but it cannot bring the entire investigation to a standstill.
The organisation added that it would be directing a further enquiry to the investigating officer and Mitchells Plain SAPS, requesting clarity on the current investigative position. Action Society wants to know if further conventional investigative avenues remained available. Du Preez said Ellen's murder remains unsolved, and her family deserves more than an open docket waiting for a future forensic match.
The family of Malan continues to seek answers nearly two years after her murder. Action Society said every reasonable avenue must be pursued to identify the person who murdered her. The organisation's efforts to obtain progress and accountability in the case have been ongoing since the start, with engagements with SAPS, the National Forensic DNA Board, and the DPP.
Key points
- DNA results exclude one person of interest but the murder case remains unsolved.
- The docket is currently with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
- The family of Malan continues to seek answers and clarity on the next steps in the investigation.
