This week’s court appearances once again expose a justice system under pressure, where vulnerable victims face not only violent crimes, but prolonged processes and repeated delays. From the sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy in Bishop Lavis, to the murder of a prominent scientist, and multiple cases involving repeat offenders and serial abuse, Action Society continues to actively monitor proceedings and support affected families.
“What we are seeing across these cases is a system that is not keeping up with the reality of violent crime,” says Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape. “When cases involving children and repeat offenders are delayed, postponed or allowed to drag on, it has real consequences. Victims are left waiting, families lose faith, and perpetrators learn that the process itself can be survived. That is why we remain involved. These cases must move, and they must matter.”
BISHOP LAVIS MAGISTRATES COURT
Cedar*: Vicious sexual assault on 12-year-old boy
Last appearance: 8 April 2026
Next appearance: 18 May 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 8 April 2026 where the matter was postponed to 18 May 2026. 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: 2 March 2026
Next appearance: To be confirmed
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 2 March 2026 for trial, but a next court date couldn’t immediately be confirmed.
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
Janelle Laattoe and two others vs serial abuser
Last appearance: 14 April 2026
Next appearance: 26 May 2026
The man accused in this case is alleged to have preyed on multiple women during their relationships with him, including Janelle Laattoe. 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 14 April 2026 and a pre-trial conference is scheduled for 26 May 2026.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester – sentencing begins as witness impact statements are heard in court
Last appearance: 20 April 2026
Next appearance: 5 June 2026
The sentencing date for the Malmesbury Molester, who pleaded guilty to raping all three of his daughters on 17 November 2025, has been set. 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. Acknowledging the weight of the victim impact statements and social reports, the magistrate postponed the matter to 5 June 2026 for final sentencing.
BRIXTON MAGISTRATES COURT
Viral child abuse case back in court
Last appearance: 15 April 2026
Next appearance: 26 May 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 April. 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 Brixton Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026 and was postponed to 26 May 2026.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
19 Churchgoers sexually assaulted
Last appearance: 23 – 24 March and 20 April 2026
Next appearance: 29 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 23 and 24 March and was postponed to 20 April 2026 for the continuation of the trial. On 20 April 2026 the defence called Accused 1 to testify. The defence is expected to finish questioning accused 1 on 29 April 2026 and to call Accused two to the stand.
