There have been no arrests or new developments in the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of 17-year-old Palesa Malatji from Soshanguve, according to Gauteng police Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

Last week, the police ministry had vowed that collected DNA results would yield results by June 9.

However, when approached for comment on the results, police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba did not provide clarity on the delay.

Palesa, a Grade 12 learner at Ntsako Secondary School, did not make it home from extra classes on May 24 which led to a relentless search for her.

The young girl’s lifeless body was discovered on the morning of May 25, next to Echibini Secondary School. She had been brutally raped and murdered.

She was laid to rest at Soshanguve crossing cemetery on June 3.

DNA collected

Police had at the time collected DNA samples from about 10 suspects who have not been detained or charged.

Speaking to media at the funeral, Police Minister Bheki Cele said DNA had been collected from Malatji’s fellow learners.

Cele said police collected and investigated six people previously, however, realised that four others were suspected of the crime.

He said the DNA was at different laboratories and police still had to extract more DNA that could be recovered from the scene.

Uncle and family spokesperson Thabiso Malatji has expressed to Pretoria Rekord that the family was distraught at the poor communication from police regarding the investigation.

“We have not received any feedback from police since the minister’s remarks at the funeral. That was the last time I met police.”

Malatji said investigations had started and communication already seemed broken which left him hopeless.