South Africa’s courts continue to move at a pace that leaves victims, families and communities waiting far too long for justice. While some matters show progress, too many serious cases remain trapped in a cycle of postponements, administrative delays and overcrowded court rolls. Every postponement sends a damaging message to victims that their suffering can wait, while accused persons continue to benefit from a justice system struggling under immense pressure.
Particularly concerning this month is the postponement of the sentencing proceedings in the Malmesbury Molester case. After pleading guilty to raping all three of his daughters and after the court heard devastating victim impact statements detailing years of abuse and lifelong trauma, sentencing has now been delayed due to an overcrowded court roll. For victims who have already endured years of abuse, justice delayed at this stage is especially difficult to accept.
Action Society is equally concerned about the continued delays in the case of Melissa Bianca Dale, a vulnerable woman living with a disability who was raped and murdered in June 2023. Her case has become one of many examples where repeated postponements threaten to erode public confidence in the justice system. Melissa was homeless, vulnerable and largely forgotten by society long before her murder. Action Society remains committed to ensuring that she is not forgotten now. Every victim matters, regardless of their social standing, circumstances or background.
“Victims and their families are carrying the burden of these delays while they wait for accountability and closure,” says Juanita du Preez, National Spokesperson for Action Society. “When sentencing proceedings are postponed because of overcrowded court rolls and serious matters are repeatedly delayed for further particulars or outstanding reports, public confidence in the justice system suffers. We will continue to stand alongside victims and their families and ensure that cases such as those of Melissa Dale and the survivors in the Malmesbury Molester matter remain in the public eye until justice is served.”
The following matters were monitored by Action Society during the reporting period:
MITCHELL’S PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Angela Koopman: Doused in petrol and burned alive
Last appearance: 3 and 4 June 2026
Next appearance: 13 July 2026
The murder trial against Adnaan Julies, who stands accused of murdering Angela Koopman, continued on 3 and 4 June 2026 at the Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court. The third witness was questioned by the prosecutor on 3 June and the matter continued for cross-examination on 4 June. The last witness was then called to the stand and will continue on 13 July 2026. Angela was doused with petrol and set alight by her (then) 64-year-old boyfriend on. The 41-year-old mother of two died in hospital on 22 March 2024 after she succumbed to her injuries. Koopman sustained 70% severe burn wounds to her body.
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Shot outside school
Last appearance: 1 June 2026
Next appearance: 31 July 2026
Firdous Kleinschmidt, a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil, was killed on 30 January 2024 after being struck by a stray bullet at school in Beacon Valley. She was waiting for her school transport on the school grounds. The accused has multiple murder cases against him being tried at the same time. One of the other murder cases against the accused, which has been combined with the Firdous case, appeared in court on 1 June 2026. That trial will continue 31 July.
BISHOP LAVIS MAGISTRATES COURT
Cedar*: Vicious sexual assault on 12-year-old boy
Last appearance: 2 June 2026
Next appearance: August 2026
The case against the man that committed a heinous sexual assault on 12-year-old Cedar* appeared in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates court on 2 June 2026 where the matter was postponed to August 2026 for an awaited medical report from Tygerberg to be received. The incident occurred on 8 October 2025 during the school holidays. Cedar had been playing with neighbouring children when he entered a bedroom in the house and encountered an adult male who was unknown to him. It is alleged that the man forcibly pulled the child into the room and subjected him to a violent sexual assault. Cedar returned home shortly thereafter but, due to threats made against him, initially struggled to disclose what had happened. The severity of the incident only became clear later that day when his injuries were discovered by his family. Due to the extent of his injuries, he required hospitalisation and ongoing medical care. The accused was arrested on 19 November 2025 and remains in custody.
PALMRIDGE MAGISTRATES COURT
Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane – murdered by husband
Last appearance: 11 June 2026
Next appearance: 20 July 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 11 June 2026 where it was postponed to 20 July 2026 for trial.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester – sentencing begins as witness impact statements are heard in court
Last appearance: 5 June 2026
Next appearance: 21 July 2026
The sentencing date for the Malmesbury Molester, who pleaded guilty to raping all three of his daughters on 17 November 2025, has been postponed to 21 July 2026 on 5 June 2026 due to an overcrowded court roll. This follows harrowing victim impact statements that was heard from all three his daughters in court on 20 April 2026. The three sisters detailed the profound, lifelong trauma caused by their father’s sexual abuse. The prosecution highlighted the severe psychological impact on the victims, noting triggers ranging from specific foods to hygiene products. All three sisters bravely took the stand to describe their struggles with trust, anger, and the loss of their childhood purity. Despite the defence’s arguments that the accused shows remorse, has a history of personal abuse, and is seeking therapy, the daughters remained steadfast in their demand for a prison sentence, stating that previous therapeutic interventions failed and that the abuse continued over years.
WYNBERG REGIONAL COURT
Melissa Dale: Disabled woman raped and murdered
Last appearance: 1 June 2026
Next appearance: 30 July 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. The case has been plagued by repeated postponements. The case appeared in court again on 1 June 2026 but was postponed once again to 30 July 2026 for further particulars.
CAPE TOWN HIGH COURT
Sheri-Ann Jacobs: Suicide claim turned out to be murder
Last appearance: 12 June 2026
Next appearance: 5 October 2026
Sheri-Ann was found dead in November 2021. Her death was initially treated as a suicide, but forensic findings and inconsistencies revealed that the crime scene had been staged. Subsequent evidence led to her husband, Jacques Pretorius, being charged with her murder. Pretorius appeared in court on 12 June 2026 but was postponed to 5 October 2026 for trial.
BELLVILLE REGIONAL COURT
Baby Mogamat, kidnapped at eight days old
Last appearance: 21 May 2026
Next appearance: 17 June 2026
Baby Mogamat’s mother, Imaan Sharmar, was befriended by the accused under two different names, first as Washeemah, a woman she met at a clinic before her baby’s birth, and later as Chevon, a supposed nurse from the “Zoey Project” who claimed to help young mothers. On 28 June 2025, during what she believed was a legitimate outing for a support programme, Imaan’s baby was abducted after she briefly stepped away. The child was recovered two days later in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, following swift police action. On 21 May the case appeared in the Bellville Regional court. During the proceedings, the accused refused to remove her purdah, leading to a warning of contempt of court from the magistrate. The accused requested another amendment to her bail conditions to allow her to attend divorce proceedings. The matter was postponed to 17 June 2026.
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Aster* – raped by Pastor
Last appearance: 2 and 9 June 2026
Next appearance: 21 July 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 on 2 and 9 June and was postponed to continue on 21 July 2026.
