The late Palesa Malatji. Image: Twitter/@MamelodiBeacon.
Palesa Malatji: Police who ‘failed’ to assist slain learner’s family to face disciplinary
Police reportedly said they can’t assist Palesa Malatji’s family to look for her when they asked for help. She was found dead the next day.
The late Palesa Malatji. Image: Twitter/@MamelodiBeacon.
The Station Commander of Rietgat has started with necessary procedures to institute an internal disciplinary process for the police that allegedly failed to help the family of Palesa Malatji to look for her.
Malatji who attended Ntsako Secondary School was brutally raped and murdered on her way home from school on Thursday, 25 May.
INTERNAL INVESTIGATION OVER FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES
As previously reported, Palesa left school in the afternoon after attending extra classes and walked back home. Unfortunately, she did not return home and her family began searching for her at the school, but to no avail. Her body was found sexually violated on Friday, 26 May 2023 next to Echibini Secondary School in Soshanguve.
The 17-year-old’s mother and uncle requested police at the Community Service Centre (SCS) to accompany them in their search for the late learner.
ALSO READ: Crime stats: Over 10 000 RAPED in the first three months of 2023
It is alleged that the police officers on duty told the family that they were not able to assist.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), omitting to perform services needed by the community is seen as a serious offence as it brings them into disrepute.
Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela strongly condemned the laxity of the members that were present at the Phuthanang CSC when the family initially came to report the complaint.
Mawela said they do not have room for any complicity when it comes to providing services to 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,” he said.
ALSO READ: Crime stats: Child murders decline by 20%
LEARNERS PROTEST OVER PALESA MALATJI’S MURDER
Teaching and learning was disrupted in some schools in Soshanguve on Monday, 29 May when learners protested over the murder of Malatji.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane also visited Ntsako Secondary School and Malatji’s family.
ALSO READ: RIP: Three Gauteng learners pass away in separate incidents
