Violence against women is often reduced to a statistic, but behind every case is a life forever altered, a family left grieving, and a community searching for answers. This week’s Action Society Court Wrap once again lays bare the brutality of crimes committed against women and children, from domestic murder and rape to exploitation by trusted figures and life-changing acts of revenge. These are part of a broader pattern of violence that continues to devastate South African communities.
Alongside these cases, the justice system continues to test victims and their families with repeated postponements and lengthy delays. Whether caused by mental observation backlogs, technical failures, or procedural delays, every postponement prolongs uncertainty and reminds victims that justice is often measured not only by the final verdict, but by the long road required to get there.
“The violence reflected in this week’s cases is difficult to comprehend. Women and girls are being murdered, raped, exploited by those they should be able to trust, and left with lifelong physical and emotional scars. Every one of these cases represents a profound failure to protect the vulnerable. At the same time, victims and their families continue to endure a justice system where repeated delays too often become part of their trauma. South Africa cannot become numb to this level of violence or accept justice that arrives years too late,” says Juanita du Preez, National Spokesperson for Action Society.
Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane – murdered by husband
Last appearance: 20 July 2026
Next appearance: 24 August 2026
Cecil Kekana stands accused of the brutal murder of his wife, Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane, a celebrated scientist and recipient of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans award. In July 2024, Didi was allegedly stabbed multiple times in their Bramley home while their three-year-old daughter was present. Reports suggest that Didi was in the process of leaving Kekana due to prior abuse. Following the incident, Kekana reportedly attempted suicide and was found next to her body. The case has faced multiple delays. The case appeared in court on 20 July 2026 where it was postponed to 24 August 2026 for trial.
Nine-year-old Lavender*, raped by parolee
Last appearance: 4 August 2026
Next appearance: 21 October 2026
A nine-year-old girl was brutally raped in Hanover Park in May 2025. Igshaan Williams, the accused, allegedly lured the child to his home while 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 for the publication of the National Register of Sexual Offenders.
The matter appeared in the Wynberg Regional Court on 4 August 2026, where it was postponed again to 21 August 2026 because the accused is still waiting for placement at Valkenberg for mental observation.
Viral child abuse case back in court
Last appearance: 25 June 2026
Next appearance: 11 August 2026
The three suspects, aged between 28 and 36, including the child’s biological mother and two adult males accused of child abuse, were back in court in April. The three appeared in a now viral and disturbing video circulating online, showing a young child being handed what appears to be Mandrax and encouraged to smoke it while adults laugh and watch to see if he stumbles around. The case continued in the Johannesburg Regional Court (Court 9) on 25 June 2026. The three accused entered a guilty plea for offences against the Drug and Drug Trafficing Act for a suspended sentence. The case was postponed to 11 August 2026 when the defence will make further submissions.
Melissa Dale: Disabled woman raped and murdered
Last appearance: 30 July 2026
Next appearance: 8 December 2026
Melissa Bianca Dale, a woman who lived with a disability, was raped and murdered on 16 June 2023 at Wynberg Military Base, allegedly by the son of a Defence Force member, Amaruh Lewis. The case has been plagued by repeated postponements. This time the case had to be postponed again, due to faulty recording equipment. The case will now continue on 8 December where the accused is expected to plead, and trial will commence.
Aster* – raped by Pastor
Last appearance: 21 July 2026
Next appearance: 27 August 2026
Aster*, a 15-year-old girl from Delft, was allegedly raped by Ebrahim Sardien, her pastor, under the guise of religious mentoring and worship practice. The accused, who presents himself as a “spiritual crime prevention leader,” is alleged to have exploited his position of trust. The trial continued in the Parow Regional Court on 21 July 2026 and was postponed to 27 August 2026 for further trial.
Sivenathi Toto, left permanently disabled by revenge attack
Last appearance: 29 July 2026
Next appearance: 26 August 2026
Sive was just 23 years old when she was attacked on 26 August 2022 in Lawaaikamp, George. According to reports, the accused, Shaun Madonono, had earlier lost a fight to Sive’s boyfriend. In retaliation, he allegedly broke into Sive’s home, dragged her to his residence, and assaulted her until she lost consciousness.
He then allegedly dumped her near a petrol station on Nelson Mandela Boulevard, where she was later found by a petrol attendant.
The consequences of that attack have been catastrophic. Sive suffered severe brain damage and is now non-verbal, permanently wheelchair-bound, and entirely dependent on others for daily care. She will never be the same again.
The matter appeared in the George Regional Court on 29 July 2026. The trial is scheduled to continue on 26 August 2026.
