Although the year is close to its end, Action Society refuses to relent in our battle for justice. In October, we continued to fight for victims of violent and sexual crimes in the courts. Although we were met with mostly postponements, we believe the momentum from our two victories earlier in the month will lead to more successes.
WYNBERG MAGISTRATES COURT
Charlene Josephs: Kidnapped and found dead in a landfill site
On 10 July 2024, a group of masked gunmen entered Charlene’s home in Lavender Hill after her power suddenly shut off while she was watching television. In the sheer and sudden darkness, they forcefully dragged her out of her house at gunpoint and got into a car and fled. Charlene’s body was found on 19 August 2024 in a deserted area behind the Muizenberg landfill site, riddled with stab wounds. The bail application process continued on 18 October 2024, where, fortunately, bail was denied and the three perpetrators accused of her murder will remain in custody. The case will next be heard on 15 November 2024 after further investigation.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze: Young girl found dead in a shack
The murder case of Thimna Kuze continued in October 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 appeared in Khayelitsha Regional Court on 22 October 2024 and was postponed to 13 November 2024 for further trial.
Nosiphiwo James: Killed with a screwdriver
The murder case of Nosiphiwo James continued on 23 October 2024. It has been more than two years since the young woman was killed shortly after a mass shooting in the same area. The matter was heard in court on 23 October 2024 and was postponed to 12 November 2024 for the last witness to testify.
Churchgoers: 19 women assaulted in front of congregation
Nineteen women from Khayelitsha were sexually assaulted in church 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 two accused appeared in Khayelitsha Regional Court A on 30 October 2024 – however, one defence attorney was absent. The matter was postponed to 5 November 2024 for the accused to consult with their legal representatives. We are hopeful that the trial will soon start.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Firdous Kleinsmidt: Killed by a stray bullet
Ten months have passed since a stray bullet killed the 13-year-old Firdous Kleinschmidt while she was awaiting transport from school. Action Society first attended the case against the man who killed this innocent girl from Mitchells Plain in January 2024. The accused appeared in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court on 24 October 2024, and the matter was postponed until 14 November 2024 so he could consult with his lawyer.
Lekesha Marthinus: Killed after a beer bottle was thrown at her head
Action Society is pleased that the murder case of Lekeasha Marthinus is back on the court roll after it was temporarily withdrawn due to an outstanding post mortem report. She was killed by her boyfriend who fatally threw a beer bottle at her head. At the time of her murder, she was holding her then nine-month old baby. The matter was heard in court on 25 October 2024 and was postponed to 25 November 2024 for a regional court date. Tuesday, 5 November 2024, will mark two years since she was killed.
Angela Koopman: Doused in petrol and burnt alive
Angela Koopman was doused in petrol and set alight by her partner on 22 March 2024. She was rushed to hospital, where she eventually died from the severe burns she sustained. The matter was heard in court on 29 October 2024 and was postponed to 17 January 2025 for further investigation. The accused will stay behind bars.
BELLVILLE REGIONAL COURT
Aaliyah Chingy: Tossed in a shallow grave
The murder case of Aaliyah Chingy continued its uphill battle as her family and friends remained determined to see her killer behind bars for life. On 12 February 2023, her body was found tossed in a shallow grave, covered in multiple stab wounds. Just like in Siphokazi Booi’s case, the man accused of killing her was her romantic partner at the time and there was a history of abuse in their relationship. It went unreported until it was too late. The matter was heard in court on 28 October 2024 however the doctor and magistrate were on leave and the case was postponed to 13 November 2024.
BLUE DOWN REGIONALS COURT
Janelle Laattoe and two other women face abuser
Janelle Laattoe and two other women will have to wait until the new year to continue their fight for justice against a man who abused them during their relationships with him. The matter was heard in court on 29 October 2024 and was postponed to February 5 2025, for a pre-trial conference.
PRETORIA NORTH REGIONAL COURT
Charlene Pretorius: Set alight in front of her children
Action Society continued to support the family of Charlene Pretorius, a mother-of-three who was burned alive by her then-husband in May of 2023. The matter was heard in court on 30 October 2024, and postponed to 29 April 2025, when the case will continue in the high court.
