Each court date tells a story. Not just of a single crime, but of a country where violence against women and children has become disturbingly routine. What unfolds in these courtrooms, week after week, is not a collection of isolated incidents. It is a pattern. A crisis. A system under pressure, where victims and families are forced to endure long delays while perpetrators move through a justice process that too often feels slow and uncertain.
This week’s court wrap again lays bare the reality South Africans are living with. From the abduction of a newborn baby, to the violation of women in a place of worship, to the brutal rape and murder of a 13-year-old child, these cases reflect a deep and ongoing failure to protect the most vulnerable.
Action Society continues to monitor these matters closely because behind every case number is a life permanently altered, a family waiting for justice, and a community searching for accountability.
Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, says these cases point to a far bigger crisis that cannot be ignored:
“These are not isolated incidents. They form part of a growing pattern of violence against women and children that has reached crisis levels in South Africa. What we are seeing in these courtrooms is the human cost of systemic failure. Justice delayed is not only justice denied, it deepens the trauma for victims and erodes public trust in the system meant to protect them. Real change will require urgency, accountability and a justice system that places victims at its centre.”
BELLVILLE MAGISTRATES’ COURT
Baby Mogamat, kidnapped at eight days old
Last appearance: 23 March 2026
Next appearance: 12 May 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 23 March the case appeared in the Bellville Magistrates’ court and was transferred to the Bellville Regional Court where the case will continue on 12 May 2026.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
19 Churchgoers sexually assaulted
Last appearance: 3 and 4 March 2026
Next appearance: 4 April 2026
Nineteen women were robbed and sexually assaulted inside a church in Site C, Khayelitsha on Easter Sunday 2023. Two armed men entered during a power outage, robbed congregants and then forced women to undress and perform sexual acts at gunpoint. The case appeared on 3 and 4 March and was postponed to 4 April 2026 for the continuation of the trial.
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
Janelle Laatoe and two others vs serial abuser
Last appearance: 18 March 2026
Next appearance: 14 April 2026
The man accused in this case is alleged to have preyed on multiple women during their relationships with him, including Janelle Laatoe. Her ordeal, along with that of two other women, has brought them together in their search for justice against a serial abuser. The case appeared in court on 18 March 2026 and the trial will continue on 14 April 2026. The accused remains in custody.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester
Last appearance: 17 March 2026
Next appearance: 20 April 2026
The case against a serial child molester in Malmesbury is expected to enter the sentencing phase after the accused pleaded guilty to raping all three of his daughters on 17 November 2025. First arrested in 2021 for child molestation, the accused was released on a warning. He has admitted to struggling with urges to harm children, yet mental health evaluations contradict claims that he cannot control himself. Action Society believes he is a dangerous predator who must never be allowed near children again. The matter appeared in court again on 17 March 2026. During the session, the Magistrate emphasised the age of the case, firmly stating that further postponements are unacceptable and that substantive progress must be made. Although the defence noted the social worker’s earlier departure due to procedural uncertainty, the court moved forward by reviewing four essential documents: the Defence report, the Probation Officer report, the DSD Swartland report, and the Victim Impact report. The matter has been officially postponed to 20 April for the continuation of the sentencing report.
JOHANNESBURG REGIONAL COURT
Viral child abuse case back in court
Last appearance: 10 March 2026
Next appearance: 15 April 2026
The three suspects, aged between 28 and 36, including the child’s biological mother and two adult males accused of child abuse, were back in court in March. The three appeared in a now viral and disturbing video circulating online, showing a young child being handed what appears to be Mandrax and encouraged to smoke it while adults laugh and watch to see if he stumbles around. The case continued in the Johannesburg Regional Court on 10 March 2026 and was postponed to 15 April 2026.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze: Raped and murdered at 13 years old
Last appearance: 10 March 2026
Next appearance: 20 April 2026
On the night of 25 March 2023, Thimna stayed over at a friend’s house. By the next day, she was found dead in a shack, with blood in her nose, mouth and groin. The evidence points to a brutal rape and murder that cut short her young life. The case against the accused appeared in court again on 10 March 2026 where it was postponed to 20 April 2026 for further particulars.
