Van Coller was hijacked and shot dead at a traffic light in Bramley, Johannesburg, on November 15. Six men were initially arrested after the incident. They appeared in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of robbery, but could not be charged with Van Coller’s murder for lack of evidence.
Detective Malose Thape, the investigator in Van Coller’s case, said police conducted tests to determine if the six suspects’ DNA matched what was found in Van Coller’s car.
“The tests came back negative and we are still looking for the suspects,” says Thape.
He said they were awaiting further test results from a laboratory in Pretoria with which they hoped to establish the identity of the killers.
The Van Coller family say they are extremely disappointed.
“It’s going to be difficult. We are struggling, ”says her son, Arno. This particularly struck them as they were busy with the arrangements for her memorial service to be held in her hometown, Springs. However, he says they did not lose hope that the killers will be arrested.
This tragedy will remembered for a long time in South Africa.
Gautap police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters says they are in constant contact with the family.
“It is part of the investigation process and is done confidentially.”
She was unable to confirm the results of the DNA tests to the media.
The suspects remain in custody.
