Action Society represented 11 victims of violent and sexual abuse in late September and early October. Four of these victims were children who were killed in a gang-related shooting, and two of the women were elderly and abused by close family members; one of whom died shortly after she was attacked. Action Society condemns any violence against the elderly and children (the most vulnerable of our citizens) and we will use any resources at our disposal to bring their attackers and killers to justice.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Killed by a stray-bullet
Ten months have passed since the 13-year-old Firdous Kleinschmidt was killed by a stray bullet while she was awaiting transport to take her to school. Action Society first attended the case against the man who killed this innocent girl from Mitchells Plain in January 2024. The matter was heard in court on 19 September 2024 and was postponed again to 23 October 2024 for the case to be heard in Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court A.
KUILSRIVIER MAGISTRATES COURT
Elderly lady assaulted by family member
Action Society fully and unreservedly condemns acts of violence toward our country’s elderly. A video of a 17-year-old young man abusing his grandmother went viral on 4 July 2024. The accused first appeared in the Kuilsriver Magistrates court on 5 July. He was later granted free bail with conditions that he attends school from Monday to Fridays and weekends he will be under house arrest at his older sister’s address. The case was postponed to 28 November for further investigation.
PAARL MAGISTRATES COURT
Asiphe Cetywayo: Body thrown in a dumping site
Asiphe’s mutilated body was found by herdsman at the Vlakkeland dumping site on Monday, March 4, 2024. She was raped and murdered the previous day and her body was severely burnt with acid. The matter was heard in court on 26 September 2024 and was postponed to 11 November for a final DNA report to be provided.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Barbershop killing: Three children killed in a mass shooting
Two children, aged 11 and 12, and an adult aged 30, were killed inside a barbershop during a mass shooting on June 8, 2024. Three other children were rushed to hospital where a 5-year old died of their injuries. In their statement, the police said they have reason to believe the shooting was extortion-related. The matter was heard in court on 26 September 2024 and was postponed to 12 December 2024 for further investigation. The suspects were granted bail, but will remain in custody until the amount is paid.
VREDENDAL MAGISTRATES COURT
Nadine Klaase: Strangled in her bed
Nadine Klaase was strangled to death in her bed in Vredendal North on 6 October, 2023 – yesterday a year ago. The suspected killer was her boyfriend at the time, and he was arrested the night her body was discovered. Her body was found with multiple scratches on her skin, she had a bloodied nose, and a shoelace was tied around her neck. The matter was heard in court on 1 October, but the case was postponed to 27 November 2024 when the accused will appear in Vredendal Regional Court again.
Carmen Gouws: Killed by an axe wielding abuser
Today marks one year since Carmen Gouws was brutally killed by her axe wielding abuser on her 21st birthday on 7 October 2023. This followed a history of abuse in the relationship. Her murder case continued on 3 October in the magistrates court in Vredendal but was postponed to today, where the matter will be heard again.
71-year old elderly lady raped by grandson
Action Society is deeply concerned with the attack on our elderly. A 71-year-old woman from Strand was raped by her grandson on 13 August. The lady died on 3 September 2024 apparently from natural causes. The suspect, a 27 year old man has opted to abandon his bail application and will remain in custody to face a charge of rape. The matter appeared in court on 2 October 2024 and was postponed to 14 November 2024 for further investigation.
Abednigo Mavuyangawa: Shot in his home
Abednigo Mavuyangawa was shot and killed in his home in Alexandria. According to eyewitness accounts, Abednego had a heated argument with his wife, Portia Matsena, which escalated when a neighbour, Patricia, sought assistance from her cousin, Walter Matsena. Upon arriving at the scene, Walter confronted Abednego and fired four shots at him, ending his life. After the incident, he also physically assaulted Portia. On 16 July 2024, the case was temporarily withdrawn due to outstanding DNA results, but it was back on the roll again on 23 September where it was postponed to 30 October.
