Action Society was back in courts across the country this past week, monitoring cases where progress remains slow, uneven, and in some instances, completely stalled. In courtrooms where families arrive prepared, witnesses are present, and matters appear ready to proceed, cases are still being postponed or redirected at the last moment. In others, proceedings continue to drag on for years without reaching trial, leaving victims and their families caught in a system that offers little certainty and even less closure.
Kaylynn Palm, Western Cape Head of Action Society, says what is unfolding across these cases points to a deeper, ongoing failure: “Week after week, families come to court expecting progress, only to be told to return again. In some matters, everything is in place for proceedings to continue, yet nothing moves forward. In others, cases stretch on for years without reaching trial. This is no longer an exception. It is a pattern. And it means the burden of a failing system is being carried by the very people it is meant to serve.”
WYNBERG REGIONAL COURT
Melanie Stoffels – murdered while pregnant
Last appearance: 23 April 2026
Next appearance: 12 May 2026
Melanie Stoffels was killed on 7 August 2024 after being beaten to death with a hammer in what the State describes as a planned and coordinated attack, allegedly arranged and paid for by her ex-girlfriend. Stoffels was pregnant at the time. Her body was later found near a footbridge. The murderer, Jacobs, surrendered to police on 11 August 2024, and the ex-girlfriend was subsequently arrested. The case against the ex-girlfriend was supposed to continue on 23 April with four witnesses present in court. Despite this, the matter was postponed to 12 May for plea and sentencing negotiations. It is likely that the trial will no longer proceed. The family will be consulted, and the accused will consider what is being proposed.
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Aster* – raped by Pastor
Last appearance: 21–22 April 2026
Next appearance: 7 May 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 continued on 21 and 22 April. Proceedings were interrupted when the legal representative had an emergency and had to leave court at 13:00 on 22 April. The case was postponed to 7 May for further trial.
ROODEPOORT MAGISTRATES’ COURT
Marigold* – raped by family member
Last appearance: 28 April 2026
Next appearance: 12 May 2026
The case involves an eight-year-old girl, “Marigold*,” relating to a rape incident in 2022. The crime was reported in June 2023. The accused, a family member, was arrested on 2 January 2024 and released on bail despite opposition.
The matter has not yet progressed to trial and has been repeatedly postponed due to procedural issues, including the retirement of the presiding magistrate, delays in allocating a new trial date, and short-notice cancellations.
The hearing scheduled for 28 April was postponed again on the day because the magistrate, prosecutor, and advocate were all on leave. Marigold and her mother had been subpoenaed to attend and incurred significant transport costs only to find out that the hearing will not continue. A new prosecutor has been assigned but has not yet consulted with the family, and no meeting date has been confirmed. The family has been instructed not to attend court on 12 May and will receive a new subpoena for a future date. The court indicated that remote testimony is not an option, as the child must testify in person.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Thimna Kuze – murdered during visit at friend
Last appearance: 29 April 2026
Next appearance: 12 May 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 29 April 2026 only to be postponed for the 41st time. The legal representative was present, but the accused raised concerns about his representation and stated that the case has been dragging while he has been in custody for three years. The magistrate explained that a Legal Aid representative is equally qualified as a private attorney and that there is no difference in competence. The court indicated that the issue of legal representation must be resolved by the next appearance. The matter was postponed to 12 May 2026. The accused’s position on representation continues to delay the case.
Churchgoers – 19 women sexually assaulted
Last appearance: 30 April 2026
Next appearance: 11 May 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 trial was set to continue in Khayelitsha Regional Court on Thursday April 30. Accused 1 was sick and informed the court that he was unable to follow the proceedings. The matter postponed to 11 May 2026 for further trial.
CAPE TOWN REGIONAL COURT
Rosemary* – attempted murder by lawyer boyfriend
Last appearance: 4 May 2026
Next appearance: 25 May 2026
The trial of a Cape Town man, a practising lawyer, who was arrested on 4 July 2024 after allegedly beating, kicking, choking, and attempting to suffocate his former partner, Rosemary* on 25 June 2024, continued on 4 May 2026. The accused face charges of attempted murder. The case has been postponed to 25 May for a legal aid representative to be involved.
