Family of Palesa Malatji (17) still hopeful for justice after tragic murder
In June last year, DNA samples were collected from 10 suspects, but no arrests have been made to date, and the case seems to have stalled.
The community and the Office of the Speaker of Tshwane gathered at Ntsako Secondary School on December 10 to remember Palesa Malatji in line with the 16 Days of Activism against Violence on Women and Children.
A year has passed since the brutal rape and murder of 17-year-old Malatji from Soshanguve, and her family is still grappling with the profound loss.
Malatji, a Grade 12 learner at Ntsako Secondary School, did not make it home from extra classes on May 24 last year which led to a relentless search for her.
The young girl’s lifeless body was discovered on the morning of May 25, 2023, next to Echibini Secondary School. She had been brutally raped and murdered.
While the community continues to show its support, the family can only remain hopeful for justice.
To date, the authorities have yet to make any arrests, leaving the family frustrated and heartbroken over the lack of closure.
The Office of the Speaker of Tshwane hosted a tribute, where a tree was planted on the school grounds, and a memorial bench was placed next to it.
This act was symbolic, marking the space where Malatji’s memory will live on and serve as a constant reminder to future generations about the importance of addressing gender-based violence.
Council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana spoke about the surge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and the need for men to protect women and children.
“First, as a husband, as a father and as the Speaker of the Council, I would like to pledge my support to any course that aims to end GBVF.
“I would like to call upon all men across South Africa to join me in action as we raise awareness about this evil surge of GBVF,” he said.
Ndzwanana said children are the future of this country and the community must protect them all the time.
“It’s for this reason that I and my office will always look for opportunities that will empower the children.
“We handed over a memorial bench to the school as a sign of keeping the spirit and memory of Malatji alive.”
In June last year, DNA samples were collected from 10 suspects, but no arrests have been made, and the case seems to have stalled.
“We don’t think we will ever cope well because, to this date, we haven’t seen the culprit being arrested,” said family member Thabiso Malatji.
He however relayed that he was filled with joy over the remembrance of Palesa, by the Tshwane metro.
The family was moved by the gesture. “The event meant a lot to my family, and we appreciate the efforts of the Office of the Speaker. We were thrilled about the event,” Malatji shared.
The family was especially touched by the continued support from the community.
“I’m happy that the community still supports my family to this day,” Malatji said.
“For the Malatji family, justice means more than just the arrest of the perpetrator. It means honouring Palesa’s memory in meaningful ways.”
“Palesa would have loved people to celebrate her life through education and by creating awareness about GBV.
“Preventing violence means strengthening the law,” he said.
He urged police, the Department of Education and law enforcement officials to seriously stave off crime in 2025, especially near schools. He pleaded with them to safeguard children as they were vulnerable targets.
Despite the heartfelt community tribute, the family expressed disappointment at the lack of support from other stakeholders who had been present at the time that Palesa was discovered murdered.
Malatji said since the funeral, no formal support systems have been offered to the family by local authorities or her school.
He said though the pain from her death remains fresh, the family refuses to give up hope on justice.
“We will be happy to see the culprit arrested and sent away,” he said.
The family also urged other families in similar situations to stay strong and not give up on seeking justice.
“To the families that are going through what my family is going through, be strong and never give up on the case of your children.”
Police did not comment on the update of the case at the time of publication.
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