Justice in South Africa continues to be undermined by delays, dysfunction, and disregard for victims. Action Society monitors cases across the country because every victim deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered. We consistently see cases postponed due to retiring magistrates, missing files, absent interpreters, and accused persons abusing the system. These failures are not isolated—they are systemic. That’s why we are calling for urgent reforms: stricter limits on unjustified postponements, and the full publication of the National Register for Sex Offenders. Until these changes take root, we will keep the pressure on—tracking delays, demanding accountability, and standing with victims every step of the way.
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
Janelle Laattoe and others: Domestic abuse case delayed again
Last appearance: 10 June 2025
Next appearance: 23 July 2025
The matter against a man accused of abusing Janelle Laattoe and two other women during their respective relationships appeared in the Blue Downs Regional Court on 10 June. The case has suffered repeated delays, including a postponement due to the magistrate’s retirement. The matter has now been postponed to 23 July for further particulars and consultation.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATE’S COURT
Iris: Raped by mother’s ex-husband
Last appearance: 17 June 2025
Next appearance: 22 September 2025
The matter involving the alleged rape of 15-year-old Iris* by her mother’s ex-husband was heard in the Mitchells Plain Sexual Offences Court on 17 June. The accused allegedly abused her from a young age, often while giving her a bath. The case has been postponed to 22 September for plea and trial.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
19 Churchgoers sexually assaulted during Easter service
Last appearance: 17 June 2025
Next appearance: 4 August 2025
Two men are on trial for the horrifying sexual assault of 19 women during an Easter weekend church service in 2023 at the Zion Church in Site C, Khayelitsha. The accused allegedly forced their way in during a power outage, robbed congregants, and sexually assaulted the women at gunpoint. The matter was heard on 17 June and postponed to 4 August for trial continuation.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester: Fit to stand trial after years of delay
Last appearance: 19 June 2025
Next appearance: 28 July 2025
A man accused of molesting three children in Malmesbury was declared fit to stand trial following nearly a year of delays. Originally arrested in 2021 and later released on warning, the accused has repeatedly changed legal representation, stalling the case. The matter was heard on 19 June and postponed to 28 July for plea and trial. Action Society continues to advocate for the permanent removal of the accused from society.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Innocent child killed in gang crossfire
Last appearance: 20 June 2025
Next appearance: 4 July 2025
The murder trial for Firdous Kleinschmidt resumed in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court on 20 June. Firdous, a young girl, was tragically killed in a gang-related shooting. The case has been postponed to 4 July for continuation of trial. Action Society remains committed to supporting the family and seeking justice.
PROTEA MAGISTRATE’S COURT
Nomasonto Modzanane: Deliberately killed with a bakkie
Last appearance: 24 June 2025
Next appearance: 1 September 2025
Nomasonto Modzanane was intentionally run over by a bakkie in Randfontein on 21 February 2024 while crossing the road. Shocking CCTV footage shows the driver reversing over her body before fleeing the scene. It took several months to arrest the suspect. The matter appeared on 24 June and has been postponed to 1 September for further proceedings.
PAARL MAGISTRATE’S COURT
Asiphe Cetywayo: Brutally murdered and dumped
Last appearance: 26 June 2025
Next appearance: 10 July 2025
The mutilated body of 22-year-old student Asiphe Cetywayo was discovered by herdsmen at the Vlakkeland dumping site on 4 March 2024. She had been raped, murdered, and burned with acid. The matter appeared in the Paarl Regional Court on 26 June and was postponed to 10 July for further particulars related to the second accused.
