As South Africa enters Women’s Month, Action Society renews its call for justice for women and children who continue to fall victim to brutal violence. The country remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman, with gender‑based violence claiming lives every day. “Every delay is another day without justice for the victims and their families. These families deserve closure, and the perpetrators must be held accountable without endless postponements. We cannot ignore the reality that crime against women is nothing less than terrorism,” says Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape.
This month’s courtwrap highlights a series of devastating cases – mothers, daughters and children whose lives were violently stolen. While families wait for justice, Action Society continues to stand beside them in court and fight for accountability.
Bellville Regional Court
Murder of Aaliyah Chingy
Aaliyah Chingy’s body was discovered in a shallow grave on 12 February 2023, covered in multiple stab wounds. She was only 20 years old. The main suspect, her boyfriend, was arrested and remains in custody. The trial commenced on 24 July 2024—on the day Aaliyah would have turned 21—and has since been plagued by delays. Despite scheduled proceedings on 21 and 22 July 2025, the trial did not take place on 21 July. It has been rescheduled to 30 July for plea and trial.
Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court
Angela Koopman – burned alive
Koopman, a 41-year-old mother of two, suffered 70% burn injuries after her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her alight on 22 March 2024. She died the following day in hospital. Though ready for trial in May, the matter has been postponed multiple times due to procedural issues. On 15 July, the case could not proceed as witnesses failed to appear. It is now set down for plea and trial on 3 and 4 September.
Khayelitsha Regional Court
Khayelitsha Barbershop Massacre
On 8 June 2024, gunmen opened fire at a barbershop in Khayelitsha, killing three children and a 30-year-old man. Two suspects, Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko, were charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, as well as firearm offences. The matter has seen multiple postponements. The case against Mtsha was later withdrawn after he was fatally shot on 26 May 2025. The case continues against Masiko, who will appear again on 9 September.
Cape Town Regional Court
Murder of Candice Robertson
Candice Robertson was allegedly strangled by her partner, Ettiene van der Merwe, in a Green Point guesthouse in October 2023. The case sparked outrage due to the brutal nature of the attack and delays in the investigation. On 17 July, two witnesses testified – the EMS worker who attended to Candice and the guesthouse owner. The EMS worker stated that the scene did not suggest suicide, while the guesthouse owner recounted what happened when he was called. The trial will continue on 16 and 17 September with two further witnesses expected to testify.
Wynberg Magistrates’ Court
Rape of 9‑year‑old ‘Lavender’ (pseudonym)
A nine-year-old girl was brutally raped in Hanover Park earlier this year. The accused, who allegedly lured the child to his home, was out on parole after he was convicted in 2008 of raping and indecently assaulting a 10 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 25 July, the matter was postponed to 11 September for further investigation.
Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court
Kapteinsklip Rape of 14‑year‑old ‘Fern’ (pseudonym)
In October 2024, a 14‑year‑old girl was gang‑raped by five boys near Kapteinsklip Station in Mitchells Plain. The assault was filmed and the video distributed in the community. The matter appeared in court on 15 July but has been provisionally withdrawn for further investigation.
Atlantis Regional Court
Murder of Joshlin Marthinus
Joshlin Marthinus, a 27‑year‑old mother of two young daughters, was allegedly lured from her mother’s home by her ex‑boyfriend on 15 September 2024. Hours later, her body was found under a bed with a plastic bag around her head. Letters discovered after her death revealed years of abuse. The case was postponed on 18 June to 12 August for plea.
Strand Regional Court
Murder of Nadia Lotz
Nadia Lotz, a 32‑year‑old mother of three, was brutally murdered in March 2023 by her long‑term partner, who slit her throat and stabbed her multiple times before she fell from a moving vehicle. After years of delays due to changes in legal representation, the accused finally pleaded not guilty in July 2025. At the last appearance, set for 24 July, proceedings were disrupted due to the magistrate’s absence. The matter has now been postponed to 22 August, and the accused remains in custody.
Action Society will continue to attend court appearances, support grieving families, and demand that the criminal justice system prioritise these cases and end the cycle of delay. Victims and survivors deserve timely justice, and this organisation remains unwavering in its fight to ensure accountability is served.
