Action Society is saddened to see an abuser out on bail and several cases of sexual abuse and murder postponed in courts.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Iris: Raped by mother’s ex-husband
Action Society has been supporting the 15-year-old girl who was repeatedly raped by the mother’s ex-husband, since last year. The matter was heard in court on 13 August 2024 and was postponed to 3 September 2024 for a pre-trial conference.
SIMONSTOWN MAGISTRATES COURT
Sam Erasmus: Abuser out on bail
Sam Erasmus was nearly killed by her boyfriend earlier in March this year when he reportedly deliberately crashed the car they were travelling in into a wall. Sam suffered severe injuries to her face which required surgery. The accused (who is out on bail of R1500) was not at court on 13 August and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Much to Action Society’s frustration, we will only receive a new court date once the accused has been arrested by the police and brought to the court. Sam’s story highlights why it is very important that abusers are not granted bail
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze: Body found in a shack
The murder case of Thimna Kuze continued in August of 2024. Thimna, a 13-year-old girl from Khayelitsha was murdered on 25 March 2023 and her family is still waiting for justice. The young girl slept over at a friend’s house, and was found dead a day later in a shack with blood in her nose, mouth and groin area. The case has been postponed to 13 September 2024 to ensure that the accused has legal representation. The accused remains in custody as the family and community continue to wait for justice.
Churchgoers assaulted:
Nineteen women from Khayelitsha were sexually assaulted on Easter Sunday in 2023 while preparing for the service. Two men entered the church and forced the women to undress and perform sexual acts whilst beating them. The matter was heard in court on 22 August 2024 and was postponed to 29 August 2024 for legal aid and further particulars. Fortunately, the accused will remain in custody.
KHAYELITSHA MAGISTRATES COURT
Dahlia: Raped by stepfather, rapist out on bail
Action Society continued the fight for justice for Dahlia, a 19-year-old girl from Harare who was raped in raped in May 2024. Her rapist, who is both her stepfather and a local pastor, was granted bail of only R1500. The matter was heard in court on 15 August 2024 and was postponed to 12 September 2024, again for further investigation.
STRAND REGIONAL COURT
Nadia Lotz: Stabbed in the neck
Nadia and her friends and family were anticipating the case to go to trial last week Wednesday (21 August, 2024) but were bitterly disappointed at court as the defence’s lawyer was absent.The case was postponed to 4 September 2024. However we are pleased with the magistrate’s steadfastness that the case will continue with or without legal representation. She was stabbed in the neck by her boyfriend, Charles Appollis while they were travelling together in a car on 4 March 2023.
