Malan murder case awaits DNA results nearly two years on - IOL

Kathleen "Ellen "Malan, 87, was found strangled in her Tafelsig home.

Police have confirmed that DNA samples relating to the two-year-old murder case of 87-year-old Kathleen “Ellen” Malan of Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, are awaiting comparison results from the forensic laboratory, while the docket is currently in the hands of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for a decision.

According to civic organisation Action Society, seven DNA samples were initially obtained from persons of interest.

Though continued engagements with SAPS, ActionSA said four suspects were excluded during the initial DNA comparison, while three had to be retaken.

“The required samples were subsequently obtained. SAPS and the family have now confirmed that the DNA results did not link the person whom the family believed may have been responsible for Malan’s murder,” the organisation said who has been monitoring the case’s progress from the start.

Malan was found murdered in September 2024, and her body was discovered by her son-in-law, who had visited her home to deliver her daily meal.

He found her with her hands tied up, her mouth covered and she had been strangled.

“According to Malan’s family, nothing of significant value appeared to have been stolen. DJ equipment stored in the house was left untouched, while only cigarettes and a packet of chips appeared to be missing,” said Action Society.

“No suspect has been linked to her murder.”

This week, 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.

This was the police’s response when Weekend Argus queried whether there had been an arrest in the case.

“Only lab reports outstanding now before the DPP will make a final decision on this matter,” said Van Wyk.

“Docket still under investigation and currently with the DPP. (We are ) waiting on DNA comparisons results from the lab,” Van Wyk said

Action Society said it had been monitoring the investigation on behalf of Malan’s family and had engaged SAPS, the National Forensic DNA Board and the DPP in an effort to obtain progress and accountability.

“The docket was previously referred back to SAPS by the DPP for further investigation,” the organisation said.

“Mitchells Plain SAPS subsequently indicated that the requested investigation had been completed and that the docket was resubmitted to the DPP on July 6, 2026 for further consideration.

“Action Society acknowledges the substantive feedback received from SAPS and the 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.

“We now need to know what happens next. Are other persons of interest, witnesses or sources of information being investigated?” she said.

“Are detectives actively pursuing further leads, or is the case now dependent on a future forensic match or someone coming forward with new information?” Du Preez probed.

“A DNA result that excludes one person may close off one line of enquiry, but it cannot bring the entire investigation to a standstill. An elderly woman was bound and strangled in her own bedroom. Almost two years later, her family still does not know who killed her or why.”

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, including whether further conventional investigative avenues remained available.

“Ellen’s murder remains unsolved. Her family deserves more than an open docket waiting for a future forensic match. Every reasonable avenue must be pursued to identify the person who murdered her,” said Du Preez.