Action Society continued monitoring criminal proceedings across South Africa this month, where a growing number of cases remain trapped in a cycle of postponements, procedural delays, and institutional backlogs.
In several matters, accused persons once again changed legal representatives shortly before proceedings could continue, forcing courts to postpone matters yet again. Families who arrive expecting movement in cases that have already stretched over years are instead met with further uncertainty, while victims and witnesses are repeatedly required to relive trauma without meaningful progress toward justice.
At the same time, ongoing delays linked to psychiatric observation processes at Valkenberg Hospital continue to stall serious criminal matters in the Western Cape. Cases involving violent crimes are being pushed further down the line due to long waiting periods for observation beds and reports, adding pressure to an already overburdened court system.
Kaylynn Palm, Western Cape Head of Action Society, says these delays are becoming impossible to ignore: “Families are carrying the emotional burden of a justice system that moves at an unbearable pace. When accused persons repeatedly change legal teams, or when cases cannot proceed because of institutional backlogs, the result is the same: justice is delayed while victims and families remain stuck in limbo. The longer these cases drag on, the greater the risk that public confidence in the justice system continues to erode.”
BELLVILLE REGIONAL COURT
Baby Mogamat, kidnapped at eight days old
Last appearance: 12 May 2026
Next appearance: 21 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 12 May the case appeared in the Bellville Regional court. The court was informed that the accused had appointed a new legal representative and the matter was postponed to 21 May 2026.
PALMRIDGE MAGISTRATES COURT
Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane – murdered by husband
Last appearance: 13 May 2026
Next appearance: 11 June 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 13 May 2026 where it was postponed to 11 June 2026 due to the appointment of new legal representation.
BISHOP LAVIS MAGISTRATES COURT
Cedar*: Vicious sexual assault on 12-year-old boy
Last appearance: 18 May 2026
Next appearance: 19 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 18 May 2026 where the matter was postponed to 19 May 2026 where it is expected that the case will be transferred to the regional court. 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.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Shot outside school
Last appearance: 6 May 2026
Next appearance: 1 June 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 6 May 2026. That trial will continue 1 June. The prosecutor indicated that the Firdous case will probably also continue in June.
WYNBERG MAGISTRATES COURT
Nine-year-old Lavender*, raped by parolee
Last appearance: 12 May 2026
Next appearance: 25 June 2026
A nine-year-old girl was brutally raped in Hanover Park in May 2025. The accused, who allegedly lured the child to his home, was out on parole after being convicted in 2008 of raping and indecently assaulting a ten-year-old child. The case has fuelled calls for stricter parole conditions for violent offenders and the publication of the National Register of Sexual Offenders. The case appeared in the Wynberg Regional Court on 12 May 2026 where it was postponed again to 25 June 2026 because the accused is still waiting for placement at Valkenberg for mental observation.
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Aster* – raped by Pastor
Last appearance: 7 May 2026
Next appearance: 2 June 2026
Aster*, a 15-year-old girl from Delft, was raped by 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 was meant to continue on 7 May, however the lawyer had to attend a funeral. The case was postponed to 2 June 2026, when the trial will continue.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze – murdered during visit at friend
Last appearance: 12 May 2026
Next appearance: 11 June 2026
On 25 March 2023, Thimna Kuze stayed over at a friend’s house. The following day, she was found dead in a shack with blood in her nose, mouth, and groin. Evidence points to rape and murder. The matter was before the court on 12 May 2026 only to be postponed again, because a new attorney was appointed in the case. The case is expected to continue on 11 June 2026.
