South Africa’s latest crime statistics again confirm persistently high levels of violent crime, yet statistics alone do not deter criminals. Convictions do. At the same time, Action Society’s recent Trust Indicator study shows that cases dragging on for years significantly erode public confidence in the justice system. When serious matters involving women and children are repeatedly postponed, communities lose trust and victims relive trauma over and over again. This month’s Courtwrap reflects that reality, with violent cases across Mitchell’s Plain, Johannesburg and George still working their way slowly through the courts.
Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, says: “South Africans are told how many crimes were reported, but they are seldom told how many perpetrators were successfully convicted. Our Trust Indicator study confirms that prolonged cases and repeated postponements weaken public trust. Justice must be swift, visible and certain. Without consistent convictions and sentencing, crime statistics become nothing more than numbers on a page.”
Read the full Criminal Justice Trust Indicator Report here.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN MAGISTRATE’S COURT
Micha Renge: Almost strangled to death
Last appearance: 10 February 2026
Next appearance: 27 February 2026
The bail hearing for the attempted murder case against a Mitchell’s Plain man who allegedly strangled his ex-girlfriend, Micha Renge, with a belt appeared in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates Court, Court 4 on 10 February 2026. The 21-year-old was assaulted in December, near the Mnandi Beach canal, and then again at her home in Westridge. The matter has been postponed to 27 February 2026 for judgement on the bail hearing.
MITCHELL’S PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Shot outside school
Last appearance: 13 February 2026
Next appearance: 27 February 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 was postponed to 27 February 2026 on 13 February 2026. The Firdous murder case is yet to continue.
JOHANNESBURG REGIONAL COURT
Viral child abuse case back in court
Last appearance: 11 February 2026
Next appearance: 24 February 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 November. 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. On 11 February 2026, the case was postponed to 24 February 2026.
GEORGE REGIONAL COURT
Sivenathi Toto: Left permanently disabled by revenge attack
Last appearance: 4 December 2025
Next appearance: 31 March 2026
Sive was just 23 years old when she was attacked on 26 August 2022 in Lawaaikamp, George. According to reports, the accused, Shaun Madonono, had earlier lost a fight to Sive’s boyfriend. In retaliation, he allegedly broke into Sive’s home, dragged her to his own residence, and assaulted her until she lost consciousness. He then dumped her near a petrol station on Nelson Mandela Boulevard, where she was later found by a petrol attendant. The consequences of that attack have been catastrophic. Sive suffered severe brain damage and is now non-verbal, permanently wheelchair-bound, and entirely dependent on others for daily care. She will never be the same again. The matter appeared on 4 December 2025 and was postponed to 31 March 2026 for trial.
WYNBERG MAGISTRATES COURT
Nine-year-old Lavender, raped by parolee
Last appearance: 11 February 2026
Next appearance: 4 March 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 11 February 2026 where it was postponed to 4 March 2026 for the accused to be sent for mental observation.
