Action Society has accused government of effectively protecting convicted sex offenders by keeping the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) hidden from the public, while cases involving abused children continue to drag on for years in the courts. This week’s court appearances again illustrate a disturbing pattern. Children who have already endured rape and sexual abuse are forced to wait as their cases are repeatedly postponed, delayed or removed from the court roll. According to Action Society, the combination of secrecy around the NRSO and a justice system that fails to prioritise crimes against children leaves communities exposed and victims retraumatised.
Action Society Western Cape Action Centre head Kaylynn Palm says the current system is failing the very people it is meant to protect. “Every time these matters are postponed, the system sends a message to victims that their suffering can wait. These are children who are trying to grow up while the very institutions meant to protect them move at a painfully slow pace. Justice delayed in cases involving children is not a minor administrative problem. It is a failure to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Palm says the secrecy surrounding the National Register for Sex Offenders raises serious questions about government’s priorities. “Government continues to hide the identities of convicted sex offenders while communities are expected to simply trust that the system will protect them. At the same time, we are seeing repeat offenders committing new crimes against children. Transparency around the register is not about punishment. It is about prevention.”
This week’s courtwrap again shows why Action Society continues to call for the publication of the National Register for Sex Offenders and for the prioritisation of cases involving crimes against children. Justice delayed does not only undermine public trust in the justice system. For many young victims, it steals years of healing that they can never get back.
WYNBERG MAGISTRATES COURT
Nine-year-old Lavender*, raped by parolee
Last appearance: 4 March 2026
Next appearance: 9 April 2026
A nine-year-old girl was brutally raped in Hanover Park in May 2025. The accused, who allegedly lured the child to his home, was out on parole after being convicted in 2008 of raping and indecently assaulting a ten-year-old child. The case has fuelled calls for stricter parole conditions for violent offenders and the publication of the National Register of Sexual Offenders. On 11 February 2026 it was determined that the accused should be sent for mental observation and that the court would reconvene on 4 March. No progress was made by 4 March 2026, thus the case was postponed to 9 April 2026. Action Society’s experience is that mental observation placements often delay cases for up to a year.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN SEXUAL OFFENCES COURT
Iris* – raped from a young age
Last appearance: 23 February 2026
Next appearance: Unknown
Iris* is a 15-year-old girl who was subjected to long term sexual abuse, including rape since a young age by her mother’s ex-husband. The case was heard in the Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court on 23 February but was temporarily removed from the court roll until the victim is ready.
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Aster*: Victim of Pastor rapist
Last appearance: 13 March 2026
Next appearance: 21 and 22 April 2026
Aster*, a 15-year-old girl from Delft, was raped by her pastor under the guise of religious mentoring and worship practice. The accused, a self-proclaimed “spiritual crime prevention leader,” exploited his position of trust and remains a danger to children whose parents may still entrust him with them. The matter was meant to continue today, 13 March 2026, but was postponed to 21 and 22 April 2026 due to a water crisis in the building that left a bad smell.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Angela Koopman: Set alight by boyfriend
Last appearance: 9 March 2026
Next appearance: 4 April 2026
Tafelsig resident Angela Koopman, was doused with petrol and set alight by her (then) 64-year-old boyfriend two years ago next week. The 41-year-old mother of two died in hospital on 22 March 2024 after she succumbed to her injuries. Koopman sustained 70% severe burn wounds to her body. The accused appeared in court on 9 March 2026, but the case was postponed to 4 April for plea and trial.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN MAGISTRATE’S COURT
Micha Renge: Attempted murder
Last appearance: 12 March 2026
Next appearance: 26 March 2026
The bail judgement in the attempted murder case against a Mitchell’s Plain man who allegedly strangled his ex-girlfriend, Micha Renge, with a belt didn’t go ahead as planned on 12 March 2026. The 21-year-old was assaulted in December, near the Mnandi Beach canal, and then again at her home in Westridge. The matter has been postponed to 26 March 2026 for judgement on the bail hearing.
PAARL MAGISTRATES’ COURT
Chanelle Plaatjies: Found buried in shallow grave
Last appearance: 9 March 2026
Next appearance: 15 May 2026
Action Society welcomes the latest development in the murder case of Chanelle Plaatjies, which was heard in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on 9 March and has now been transferred to the Western Cape High Court. The matter is scheduled to appear in the High Court on 15 May for a pre-trial conference. Chanelle Plaatjies was last seen on 14 May 2025 and was only reported missing on 28 May 2025. In the days that followed, her family and members of the Paarl East community launched an extensive search. On 2 June 2025, the search led to a grim discovery near a dam where a shallow grave was uncovered. DNA results later confirmed the family’s worst fears: the body was Chanelle.
CAPE TOWN HIGH COURT
Sheri-Ann Jacobs: Suicide claim turned out to be murder
Last appearance: 27 February 2026
Next appearance: 12 June 2026
Sheri-Ann was found dead in November 2021. Her death was initially treated as a suicide, but forensic findings and inconsistencies revealed that the crime scene had been staged. Subsequent evidence led to her husband, Jacques Pretorius, being charged with her murder. Pretorius appeared in court on 27 February 2026 but was postponed to 12 June 2026 because of the full court roll. Both the defence and prosecution are ready to proceed. If an earlier date becomes available, all parties concerned will be notified.
*Pseudonyms
Soundbite:
