After eight documented interventions by Action Society to obtain answers, escalate delays and push the investigation forward, there is still no identified suspect or arrest for the murder of 87-year-old Ellen Malan. Almost two years after she was found tied up and murdered in her Tafelsig home, her case risks joining South Africa’s growing cold case crisis.
Since August 2025, Action Society, mandated by Ellen’s family to monitor the investigation, has met with detectives, submitted formal progress requests and forensic follow-ups, lodged a complaint with the DNA Board, escalated the case to provincial SAPS leadership, written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and submitted a formal complainant statement.
“Eight interventions should not be necessary to keep one murder investigation moving,” says Juanita du Preez, 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?”
Seven DNA samples were collected during the investigation. Four samples were excluded, while three required retesting. DNA retakes were collected and submitted, but fingerprints recovered remain unmatched.
In March 2026, Action Society was informed that the DNA retakes had been completed and that the docket had been with the DPP since 10 March. In April, the DPP confirmed that the investigation was incomplete and had been referred back to Mitchells Plain SAPS to finalise outstanding investigative work.
“DNA outstanding. 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,” says Du Preez.
Kathleen “Ellen” Malan was murdered in her Tafelsig home during the night of 27–28 September 2024. Her body was discovered by a family member the following day with her hands tied. Known as “everyone’s granny”, Ellen was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was known in her community for her kindness and for looking after children while their parents worked.
Action Society acknowledges the written responses and cooperation received from SAPS and the DNA Board. However, no suspect has been identified and no arrest has been 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. 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,” Du Preez concludes.
Action Society will continue to seek regular written updates and monitor the investigation on behalf of Ellen’s family.
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