The murder of 87-year-old Kathleen "Ellen" Malan in Tafelsig, South Africa, remains a mystery nearly two years after her death. Malan was found bound and strangled in her home on September 28, 2024. Her body was discovered by her son-in-law, who had gone to deliver her daily meal. Malan was known in the community as "everyone's grandmother" and often took care of children while their parents were at work.
The circumstances surrounding Malan's murder are still unclear, as nothing of significant value appeared to be stolen from her home. The DJ equipment stored there was left untouched, and only cigarettes and a packet of chips were reported missing. Despite an investigation, no one has been linked to Malan's murder. Seven DNA samples were initially collected from persons of interest, with four individuals being ruled out after the first comparison.
The police and Malan's family have confirmed that the latest DNA results have also failed to connect a person suspected by the family to the crime. Fingerprints found at the scene have also not been matched to anyone. The case file was previously sent back to the police for further investigation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Mitchells Plain police reported that the required investigation was completed, and the dossier was resubmitted to the DPP on July 6 for further consideration.
The Action Society, which is monitoring the investigation on behalf of Malan's family, has expressed concern that the exclusion of one person does not mean the murder investigation is complete. The society's national spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, stated that they need to know what steps will be taken next. They want to know if other persons of interest, witnesses, or potential sources of information are being investigated and if detectives are still following up on leads.
According to du Preez, a DNA result that rules out one person may close one investigation route, but it should not bring the entire investigation to a halt. Malan's family still does not know who murdered her or why. The Action Society will submit another inquiry to the investigating officer and the Mitchells Plain police to determine the current status of the investigation and if other investigation routes can be pursued.
Malan's family deserves more than an open dossier waiting for a future forensic match. Every reasonable possibility must be explored to identify the person who murdered her. The Action Society and Malan's family are seeking closure and justice nearly two years after her death.
The police and the Action Society continue to work together to investigate Malan's murder. While the return of the case file to the DPP and ongoing communication between the investigating officer and Malan's family are welcomed, the murder remains unsolved.
Key points
- The murder of 87-year-old Kathleen "Ellen" Malan remains unsolved nearly two years after her death.
- The police have collected and analyzed DNA samples, but none have linked a suspect to the crime.
- The Action Society is pressing for further investigation and communication on the case's status.
