The Action Society team continued their unwavering efforts to deliver justice to victims of violent and sexual crimes. One of the victims was a 63-year old woman who was killed in her house in cold blood, and another was a 21-year old who was killed by an axe-wielding abuser.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Angela Koopman: Doused and set alight
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 accused in her murder case appeared in court on 20 May 2024, but the proceedings were postponed to 13 June 2024 for the bail application process to continue.
CAPE TOWN MAGISTRATES Court
Candice Robertson: Killer tried to make her murder look like a suicide
The case against Candice Robertson’s partner, who killed her and tried to make her murder look like a suicide on 30 April 2022, continued on 23 May 2024. According to reports, her killer allegedly called the owner of the guest house where they were staying and reported that Robertson seemed to have committed suicide in the room. However, when authorities and medics arrived at the scene, there were doubts about what had happened, and he was arrested. The matter was heard on 23 May 2024 and was postponed to 26 June 2024 for the defence to consult with their client.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Churchgoers assaulted: 19 churchgoers raped in front congregation
The rape and sexual assault case of nineteen women from Khayelitsha continued in May 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 matter was heard on 23 May 2024 and was postponed to 12 June 2024 for the outcome of consultations.
VREDENDAL MAGISTRATES COURT:
Carmen Gouws: Killed by axe wielding abuser
The Carmen Gouws murder case continued in May 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 27 May 2024 and was postponed to 5 August 2024 for further investigation and the release of the DNA report.
PAARL REGIONAL COURT
Mietjie Ontong: Killed 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 12 July 2024.
