Kathleen “Ellen” Malan (87) was found tied up and murdered in her Tafelsig home on the night of 27-28 September 2024. Almost two years later, no suspect has been identified and no arrest made, according to details published by Action Society on its website.

Action Society, a civil-rights group, said it had made eight documented attempts to push the investigation forward since being mandated by Malan’s family to monitor the case. The organisation has met with detectives, submitted formal progress requests and forensic follow-ups (requests for further scientific testing of evidence), lodged a complaint with the DNA Board (the official body that oversees DNA testing in South Africa’s police labs), escalated the case to provincial police leadership (senior police officials in the province), written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP, the leading government lawyer who decides whether a case is strong enough to go to court) and submitted a formal complainant statement (a formal statement made to the police by someone acting on behalf of the victim’s family).

“Eight interventions should not be necessary to keep one murder investigation moving,” said Juanita du Preez, an Action Society spokesperson. “Every letter, complaint and escalation has been aimed at answering the same question Ellen’s family has been asking since September 2024: who murdered her?”

Eight attempts to push the case forward

Seven DNA samples were collected during the investigation. Four samples were excluded, while three required retesting. DNA retakes (collecting new DNA samples to replace or add to earlier ones that could not be used) were collected and submitted, but fingerprints recovered remain unmatched.

In March 2026, Action Society was informed the DNA retakes had been completed and the docket (the police case file containing all the evidence and statements for a case) had been with the DPP since 10 March. In April, it confirmed the investigation was incomplete and had been referred back to Mitchells Plain police to finalise outstanding investigative work.

“DNA outstanding,” Du Preez noted. “DNA retakes. Further samples. A docket sent to the DPP and then returned for further investigation. Ellen’s case has moved from one stage to the next, but almost two years later we still cannot name the person who tied an elderly woman up and murdered her in her own home.”

A beloved grandmother

Malan’s body was discovered with her hands tied by a family member on 28 September 2024. Known as “everyone’s granny”, the beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was known by her community for her kindness and looking after children while their parents worked.

While Action Society commended the police and DNA Board for their written responses and cooperation, it expressed dismay that no suspect had been identified nor any arrest made.

“With every month that passes without a suspect or an arrest, Ellen’s murder moves closer to joining South Africa’s growing cold-case crisis,” Du Preez pointed out. “An unsolved murder does not become less urgent because time has passed. Ellen’s killer has already had almost two years of freedom. We will not allow her name to quietly disappear into an open docket. Her family deserves answers.”

Action Society intends on continuing seeking regular written updates and monitoring the investigation on behalf of Malan’s family.

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