South Africa’s courts remain plagued by delays, withdrawals, and repeated postponements – each one compounding the trauma of victims and their families. Action Society’s latest Courtwrap highlights the long road to justice in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and violent crime where survivors and loved ones continue to wait months, and in some cases years, for closure.
“These cases are not just statistics. They are people – mothers, daughters, children – whose lives were stolen or scarred,” said Kaylynn Palm, head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape. “Every postponed date, every absent prosecutor, sends the message that justice is negotiable. We cannot allow that. South Africans deserve a justice system that prioritises victims, not red tape.”
The Courtwrap includes updates on cases of rape, murder, and assault, each representing a story of pain but also of persistence in the fight for accountability.
PAARL REGIONAL COURT
Asiphe Cetywayo: Raped, murdered and burned with acid
On 3 March 2024, 22-year-old Asiphe Cetywayo was allegedly raped and killed in Mbekweni, Paarl. The following day, her body was found burned with acid near the Vlakkeland dumping site.
Last appearance: 21 Aug 2025 – Both the legal representative and prosecutor were absent, matter postponed.
Next appearance: 12 Sep 2025 – Plea.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Churchgoers: Sexual assault and rape
On Easter weekend, 9 April 2023, 19 women gathered at the Blessings Zion Church in Khayelitsha were attacked by armed men who forced them to undress and perform sexual acts in the sanctuary where they sought safety. Among the victims were pensioners and children who had slept over at the church while preparing for morning service.
Last appearance: 20 Aug 2025 – Continuation of trial.
Next appearance: 17 Sep 2025 – Further trial.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Shot outside school
On 30 January 2024, Grade 7 pupil Firdous Kleinschmidt was struck by a stray bullet while waiting for her school transport on the grounds of her Beacon Valley school. The shooting ended her life at just 13 years old.
Last appearance: 25 Aug 2025 – Matter postponed.
Next appearances: 27 Aug and 3 Sep 2025 – Further trial.
ATLANTIS REGIONAL COURT
Joshlin Mathinus: Murdered
On 15 September 2024, 27-year-old mother of two, Joshlin Mathinus, was lured from her mother’s home under the pretense of receiving money. Hours later, her body was found hidden under a bed in a wendy house, suffocated with a plastic bag. Joshlin’s death followed years of abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, described in a heartbreaking letter she left behind. Her case appeared in court on 27 August, just weeks before the one-year mark of her murder.
Next appearance: Pending scheduling after 27 Aug 2025.
WELLINGTON MAGISTRATES COURT
Paarl Photographer Rapist trial finally underway
In December 2021, 19-year-old Leighché (Leigh) Thomas was allegedly drugged and raped by a well-known Paarl photographer. After police investigations stalled, Action Society stepped in to assist her family in their fight for justice. More than three and a half years later, the trial is finally underway.
Last appearance: 22 Aug 2025 – Postponed.
Next appearance: 13 Nov 2025 – Trial continuation, shortly after the 1 500-day mark since the attack.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Aunt Protea: Elderly woman abused by neighbour
Aunt Protea*, a resident of Strandfontein, reported months of intimidation by her neighbour, which escalated into a violent assault on 20 October 2024 that left her injured on the pavement. Action Society assisted the victim in obtaining a protection order.
Last appearance: 13 Aug 2025 – Case withdrawn.
WYNBERG REGIONAL COURT
Melony Stoffels: Beaten to death with a hammer
On 7 August 2024 in Heideveld, 29-year-old Melony Stoffels, pregnant at the time, was brutally beaten to death with a hammer. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by her ex-girlfriend, with a male accomplice also implicated.
Last appearance: 26 Aug 2025 – Both accused charged with murder.
Next appearance: 15 Oct 2025 – Consultation with legal representatives.
STRAND REGIONAL COURT
Nadia Lotz: Murdered by long-term partner
In March 2023, 32-year-old mother of three, Nadia Lotz, was murdered by her long-term partner, Charles Apollis, who allegedly slit her throat and stabbed her repeatedly inside a moving vehicle.
Last appearance: 22 Aug 2025 – Trial proceedings.
Next appearances: 12 and 18 Sep 2025 – Further trial.
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Aster: Raped by pastor
In late November 2024, 14-year-old Aster* was taken by her pastor, who regularly transported her to church, not to a praise and worship session but to a rental house in Delft where he raped her. Action Society has been mandated by her family to oversee this case.
Last appearance: 25 Aug 2025 – Pre-trial.
Next appearance: 18 Sep 2025 – Trial.
CAPE TOWN REGIONAL COURT
Rosemary: Attacked and blackmailed by lawyer turned boyfriend
On 25 June 2024, Rosemary* was brutally assaulted by her former partner – a practising lawyer who had once represented her. She alleges he beat, choked, and attempted to suffocate her before fleeing the scene. Arrested on 4 July 2024, he now faces attempted murder and domestic violence charges.
Last appearance: 25 Aug 2025 – Defence attorney withdrew.
Next appearance: 28 Aug 2025 – New attorney to come on record.
*Pseudonyms for the protection of the victims
