Justice should depend on evidence, not endurance. Yet, week after week, victims and their families are expected to keep returning to court, reliving unimaginable trauma while criminal cases slowly make their way through the justice system. Some delays are unavoidable and form part of due process. Others stem from procedural developments. Regardless of the reason, the emotional burden is almost always carried by those who have already suffered the most.
This week’s Action Society Courtwrap brings that reality into sharp focus. Families continue waiting for accountability in murder cases. Nineteen women who were allegedly raped inside a church must wait even longer after the accused changed legal representatives shortly before closing arguments. A nine-year-old rape survivor remains in limbo while the accused awaits mental observation. Meanwhile, a young woman who was left permanently disabled in a brutal revenge attack continues her long journey through the courts.
“Justice is not only measured by convictions. It is also measured by whether victims can have confidence that the system will carry them through one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
“Victims and their families should never have to prove their endurance before they can receive justice.”
Khayelitsha Regional Court
Thimna Kuze, murdered while visiting a friend
Last appearance: 11 June 2026
Next appearance: 8 July 2026
On 25 March 2023, Thimna Kuze stayed over at a friend’s house. The following day, she was found dead in a shack with blood in her nose, mouth, and groin. Evidence points to rape and murder. The matter was before the court on 11 June 2026 and is expected to continue in court today.
Churchgoers: 19 women sexually assaulted
Last appearance: 17 June 2026
Next appearance: 9 July 2026
In a last-ditch effort to delay justice, the two accused in the so-called Churchgoers rape case changed legal representatives. The trial in the assault and robbery case had concluded, and closing arguments were scheduled for 17 June. However, new lawyers must now come on board, and the case has been postponed to 9 July 2026.
The case involves nineteen women who were robbed and sexually assaulted inside a church in Site C, Khayelitsha, on Easter Sunday in 2023. The two accused, Yamekela Tobo and Okohle Beja, allegedly entered during a power outage, robbed congregants, and then forced women to undress and perform sexual acts at gunpoint.
Wynberg Magistrates’ Court
Nine-year-old Lavender*, raped by parolee
Last appearance: 25 June 2026
Next appearance: 4 August 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 25 June 2026, where it was postponed again to 4 August 2026 because the accused is still waiting for placement at Valkenberg for mental observation.
George Regional Court
Sivenathi Toto, left permanently disabled by revenge attack
Last appearance: 19 June 2026
Next appearance: 29 July 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 19 June 2026. The trial is scheduled to continue on 29 July 2026.
