Police question 6 suspects in 17-year-old’s rape, murder case

Six people have been questioned by police in relation to the rape and murder of a Soshanguve matriculant on her way from school recently.

Palesa Malatji, a Grade 12 learner at Ntsako secondary school, did not make it home from extra classes on the Thursday afternoon, which led to a relentless search for her.

Uncle and family spokesperson Thabiso Malatji told Rekord the 17-year-old was laid to rest on June 3 at the Soshanguve crossing cemetery.

The block HH Soshanguve family has been in mourning since Friday, May 25 when Malatji’s lifeless body was discovered sexually violated next to Echibini secondary school after her grandmother had begged police in the morning to search the bushes.

Neighbours had reported they heard screams from the area the previous night.

Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said: “A team of detectives are working around the clock and following all leads in order to crack the case. So far (police have) brought in six persons of interest for interviews.”

Muridili said she was also concerned over reports police failed to assist the family of the murdered Malatji.

“The station commander of Rietgat has started with necessary procedures to institute an internal disciplinary process for the members that allegedly failed to provide a service to the family of Malatji.

“Omitting to perform services needed by the community is seen as a serious offence as it brings the service into disrepute,” said Muridili.

She said a preliminary investigation into the allegation by the station commander established that the deceased’s mother and uncle came to Phuthanong police contact point, which is a satellite for SAPS Rietgat around 20:00.

According to Muridili, the family requested that the police at the community service centre (CSC) accompany them in their search for their missing daughter – to no avail.

“It is alleged that the police officers on duty told the family that they were not able to assist. This is in contrary to the process that the police should follow when a missing person is reported, especially a minor.”

She said the family then left the police station and came back less than an hour later. During this time the police had registered a missing person’s complaint.

She said the officers further accompanied the family to search for Malatji.

“Unfortunately the search ended with the discovery of Malatji’s lifeless body at the bushes near a primary school.”

She said since the discovery, forensic services, biology K9, detectives as well as missing persons investigators combed the crime scene for exhibits and biological samples.

“The provincial commander of crime investigation services thereafter convened a team of detectives that have compiled an investigation plan.”

She said work was ongoing to follow all leads in order to crack the case.

Gauteng police commissioner General Elias Mawela condemned the laxity of the members that were present at the Phuthanong CSC when the family initially came to report the complaint.

“We do not have a room for any complicity [complacency] when it comes to providing services to our vulnerable groups. Children have a right to be and feel safe. We will deal decisively with those that are found guilty for failing to do their job,” said Mawela.

Thabiso had told Rekord that family members were in great agony over their daughter’s death and felt failed by the local police in Rietgat.

“It’s not easy to lose a child, more especially when they are a fraction away from ending their secondary schooling and the big opportunities that await them,” said Thabiso.

The incident took place a few kilometres from the house, school and the local police station.

He said crime was rife in the township and children were not safe.

“Police have failed me in Soshanguve and they have become increasingly incompetent.”

Thabiso said when the family went to the police station to ask for help in finding Malatji, they were told that police had no vehicle available.

He said he went back to the police station the next morning at 08:00 to ask police to join the search again – to no avail.

“I returned later with Malatji’s grandmother, who blocked a SAPS vehicle at the gate to demand it partakes in the search.”

Thabiso said the grandmother insisted police search the bushes from where screams had been heard the night before and that was where the lifeless body was found.

He said he was unsure if justice and closure would be brought to the family.

“Our police system cannot be relied on, especially if I was failed in seeking Malatji.”

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram