By: Natasha Archary

Gauteng police have confirmed that 6 persons of interest have been taken in for questioning in relation to Palesa Malatji’s rape and murder.
The 17-year old Soshanguve matriculant was brutally raped and murdered on Friday, 26 May, while walking home after attending extra classes.
Palesa’s body was found in a veld near Ntsako Secondary School, sparking mass public outcry after her family accused police of failing to help them when they went to report her missing on Thursday.
Now, Gauteng police commissioner, General Elias Mawela says action will be taken against those SAPS members who failed to help the family file a missing persons case.
According to the family, Rietgat police said there were no vehicles available to conduct a search for Palesa, who they went to report missing at 17h00 on Thursday, 25 May.
Palesa was last seen at 16h00 on Thursday leaving her school, but police only assisted the family around midnight.
With Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane promising the community of Soshanguve that the perpetrator/s will be brought to book by the end of the week, police say 6 persons of interest have already been brought in for questioning.
Five have since been released, while one remains in police custody.
Police say a team of detectives were put together to investigate Palesa’s rape and murder, and that they are doing all they can, around the clock to find whoever took the young girl’s life.
A memorial for Palesa will be held on Friday, 02 June at the Revival Church in Soshanguve and the matriculant who had hopes of becoming a pharmacist will be laid to rest on Saturday, 03 June.
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