Action Society is pleased with the progress made in the case of Nadia Lotz and the teenage rape victim, Orchid* with their cases moving towards trial and sentencing. We know there is still a long road ahead of us, but we are steadily gaining momentum. We supported 33 victims of violence, rape and murder in the past two weeks. Action Society, as well as the victims and families of crimes related to violence against women and children, are fed up with the constant delays in these court cases. As we have stated many times before, justice delayed is justice denied.
STRAND REGIONAL COURT:
Nadia Lotz: Stabbed in the neck
It has been 429 days since Nadia Lotz, a mother of three, was stabbed in the neck by her partner of 13 years, Charles Appolis on 4 March 2023 and the case is finally trial ready after various delaying tactics by Appolis. The two were passengers in Nadia’s friend’s car when Appolis stabbed Nadia in the neck and slit her throat. Nadia attempted to escape by jumping from the moving car, but died on the sidewalk. Appolis was out on bail for another stabbing incident at the time of the murder, and there was a long history of violence in their relationship. The accused appeared before Strand Regional Court on 2 May and the case will go on trial on 21 August 2024. Nadia’s family extended their gratitude toward Action Society for their continued efforts in her case.
VREDENDAL MAGISTRATES COURT:
Carmen Gouws: Killed by axe wielding abuser
The Carmen Gouws murder case continued in April 2024. Carmen Gouws was brutally killed by her axe wielding abuser on her 21st birthday on 7 October 2023. Her alleged killer had a long history of abusing her. The case was heard on 10 April and was postponed to 27 May 2024 for further investigation.
Nadine Klaase: Strangled in her bed
The Nadine Klaase murder case continued in April 2024. Nadine was strangled to death in her bed in Vredendal North on 6 October, 2023. The suspected killer was her boyfriend at the time, and he was arrested the night her body was discovered. Her body was found with multiple scratches on her skin, she had a bloodied nose, and a shoelace was tied around her neck. The matter was heard in court on 10 April and was postponed to 4 June 2024 for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide whether the case will be heard in the High court or the Regional Court.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT:
Serial child molester: Action Society wants to see him removed from society
The Malmesbury paedophile case continued in April 2024. Action Society continues to push for a man accused of molesting three children to be put behind bars for his crimes. The case against the paedophile from Malmesbury was heard on 12 April 2024 and was provisionally postponed to 10 May 2024. The man admitted to the crimes, but claims his actions are due to mental health issues. The case has been very frustrating as the accused has slipped through the cracks multiple times. He was first arrested in 2021 but was let go on a warning. In the meantime, two years on, the accused has bought himself time by changing lawyers on three different occasions. Action Society warns that he is a danger to all children and should be removed from society.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze: Found dead in a shack
The Thimna Kuze murder case continued in April 2024. Thimna Kuze, a 13-year-old girl from Khayelitsha was murdered 408 days ago and her family is still waiting for justice. The teenager 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 accused appeared in court on 12 April and the case was postponed to 7 May 2024 for further particulars.
Churchgoers assaulted:
The rape and sexual assault case of nineteen women from Khayelitsha continued in April 2024. The victims were sexually assaulted on Easter Sunday on 26 April 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 case was heard on 29 April 2024 and a new attorney came on record and the case has been postponed to 23 May 2024 for outcome of consultation.
PRETORIA NORTH REGIONAL COURT
Charlene Pretorius: Set alight in front of her children
The Charlene Pretorius murder case continued in April 2024. Charlene was set alight in front of her children on 27 May 2023 by her husband. He appeared in court on 28 April 2024 and the case was postponed to 28 May 2024 for unknown reasons, exactly one year after her murder.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT B
Orchid: Raped teenager
Action Society is pleased with the progress made in the rape case of a teenage girl, Orchid* as the case moves to a possible sentencing. We have been supporting Orchid since her rape in June 2022 by a teenage boy and it has been an uphill battle ever since to get justice. The case was heard on 25 April and has been postponed to 26 June 2024 for a probation officer report and a possible sentencing.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT:
Iris: Raped by mother’s ex-husband
The rape case of 15-year-old Iris* continued in April 2024. Action Society was approached by the 15-year-old’s mother, who reported that the girl was being raped by the mother’s ex-husband. He allegedly raped her while he was bathing her. The matter was heard in court on 22 April 2024 and was postponed to 21 June 2024 for a Regional court date.
PAARL MAGISTRATES COURT:
Asiphe Cetywayo: Body thrown in a dumpsite
Asiphe Cetywayo’s murder case continued in April 2024. Asiphe’s mutilated body was found by herdsman at the Vlakkeland dumping site on Monday, March 4, 2024. She was raped and murdered the previous day and her body was severely burnt with acid. The matter was heard in court on April 5 and was postponed to 6 May to apply for a Regional Court date.
PAARL REGIONAL COURT
Mietjie Ontong: Killed in her house in cold blood
The Mietjie Ontong murder case continued in April 2024. Mietjie (63), a pillar in her community, was murdered in cold blood in her house in Hermon on 11 October 2023. The matter was heard in court on 29 April 2024 and was postponed to 30 May 2024.
