Action Society’s continued court case oversight over the past two weeks further cements our view that the current system is untenable and needs urgent reform. Cases are being delayed indefinitely by criminals who continue to abuse our judicial system with the most ridiculous and transparent delay tactics that serve as an insult to the dignity of the victims. The crisis is exacerbated by growing forensic processing backlogs that halt cases in court. Action Society believes now is the time for civil society and the justice system to work hand in hand if we want to restore faith in our justice system.
“Action Society calls for a special task force to be set up to tackle the surge in GBV cases. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be used to add investigative, forensic and prosecuting capacity so that cases can be solved and successfully prosecuted. Furthermore, it is time that sexual predators are known to the public. The National Registry for Sexual Offenders should be published so that South Africans can protect themselves from sexual predators,” says Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
Here is the wrap for this week:
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
Poppy: Sexually assaulted by creche transport driver
The case of Poppy, a four-year-old girl from Mfuleni in the Western Cape who was molested by an older creche transport driver in October 2024, continued in February. We are delighted that he was denied bail and will remain in custody for the time being. Following the events that led to Poppy’s attack, Action Society once again called for the National Registry for Sex Offenders to be made public. Privacy laws shouldn’t protect predators. The case was heard in court on 20 February 2025 and was postponed to 28 March for a regional court date.
Janelle and two other women face off against serial abuser
Janelle Laattoe and two other women have been fighting for justice since respectively 2019, 2021 and 2022 against a man who abused them during their respective relationships with him. The case against the serial abuser was heard on 6 March 2025 after it was re-assigned a new magistrate at the end of 2024 and was postponed to 13 May for the defence’s attorney to make a representation.
KHAYELITSHA MAGISTRATES COURT
Barbershop massacre
Two children, aged 11 and 12, and an adult aged 30, were killed inside a barbershop during a mass shooting on 8 June 2024. Three other children were rushed to hospital, where a 5-year-old died of serious injuries. The police believe the shooting was extortion-related. The matter was heard in court on 26 February 2025 and was postponed to 2 April for a regional court date. This case highlights the tragic reality that children are often caught in the crossfires of gang violence and that more needs to be done by local communities to keep them safe.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze: Found dead in a shack
The murder case of Thimna Kuze continued in March, two years after her murder. Thimna, a 13-year-old girl from Khayelitsha, was murdered on 25 March 2023, and her family is still waiting for justice. The young girl slept over at a friend’s house and was found dead a day later in a shack with blood in her nose, mouth and groin area. The case was heard in court on 3 March 2025 and was postponed to 3 April.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Angela Koopman: Doused in petrol and set alight
A year has passed since the horrific murder case of Angela Koopman. The mother of two was doused in petrol and set alight by her partner on 22 March 2024. She was rushed to hospital, where she eventually died from the severe burns she sustained. The suspect appeared in regional court on 20 March 2025 and has been postponed to 15 April for the defence’s attorney to come on record. Action Society believes it is unacceptable for a case of this nature not to have an outcome yet. Sadistic cases like this should be dealt with with the utmost urgency.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinsmidt: Killed by a stray bullet
The murder trial of Firdous Kleinsmidt continued in March. The 13-year-old girl was struck and killed by a stray bullet whilst she was awaiting transport from her school grounds. Her needless death highlights the need for improved safety for children in areas with high levels of gang violence. The case was heard in court on 19 March 2025 and was postponed to 7, 8 and 9 May for further trial. Similar to the case of the children slain in the barbershop shooting, the case of Firdous highlights the need for proactive measures to protect children in areas that are plagued with gang violence.
Violet: Raped by uncle
Action Society approached the court after the convicted rapist of twelve-year-old *Violet brought an application to get leave to appeal his rape conviction. He co-resided with the victim at the time of the rape. The application follows his sentence on 31 October 2024, where he was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for her rape. Action Society will do all we can to prevent this man from manipulating the courts to get his freedom. The case was heard on 14 March 2025 and postponed to 24 March for the application for leave to appeal to continue.
Lekesha Marthinus: Killed after a beer bottle was thrown at her head
The murder case of Lekesha Marthinus continued in March. She was killed in November 2022 after her boyfriend fatally threw a bottle at her head while she was holding her baby in her arms. The case was temporarily withdrawn in September 2023 due to an outstanding post-mortem report but was reopened in October 2024. Various delay tactics have postponed this case numerous times. Their latest tactic involved the accused opting for a new attorney as he no longer uses Legal Aid. Lekesha’s case is yet another example of criminals being favoured over victims and manipulating the courts to avoid prosecution. The case was heard in court on 20 March 2025 and postponed to 31 March.
CAPE TOWN REGIONAL COURT C
Candice Robertson: Murder dressed up as a suicide
Candice Robertson was murdered in a guesthouse in Green Point by her partner on April 30, 2022. Her killer tried to make the murder look like a suicide, telling the police that she had hung herself. However, police suspected foul play, and he was promptly arrested. The case was heard in court on 12 March 2025 and was postponed to 20 May for trial to commence.
STRAND REGIONAL COURT
Nadia Lotz: Throat slit by boyfriend
It has been more than two years since Nadia Lotz was stabbed in the neck by her partner on March 4, 2023, while they were travelling in a car together. Family and friends of Nadia rallied outside the court in September of 2024, demanding justice. The state has called for the accused to be jailed for life, and Action Society stands by this decision. The case was heard in court on 19 March 2025 and was postponed to 10 and 24 July for trial. Action Society sincerely hopes that the accused is punished to the fullest extent of the law.
