Across South Africa, victims and families continue to face the trauma of postponed cases, absent officials, and endless administrative delays. Yet, each of these cases represents more than tragedy – they are reminders of what must change. Action Society remains present in courtrooms across the country to ensure accountability is pursued relentlessly.
We continue to call for a justice system that is efficient, survivor-centred, and supported through strategic partnerships with the private sector to address backlogs and capacity failures. Real reform begins when every official, from the investigator to the magistrate, acts with the urgency victims deserve.
“Our courts are filled with stories of pain – but also with opportunities to restore faith in justice. Each delay is a choice. We need a system that chooses victims first, that prioritises efficiency over excuses, and that works with communities to rebuild trust and deliver justice that heals, not harms,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
GEORGE REGIONAL COURT
Sivenathi Toto: Beaten unconscious, left brain damaged and disabled
Last appearance: 18 July 2025
Next appearance: 20 November 2025
Sivenathi was dragged through the streets of Lawaaikamp by her boyfriends’ friend, Shaun Madonono, following a fight between her boyfriend and Madonono in August 2022, more than three years ago. Madonono lost the fight and in an apparent act of revenge, broke into Sivenathi’s house. Madonono dragged her all the way to his house where he beat her until she lost consciousness. He then put her in his bakkie and dumped her at a dumping site behind a petrol station. The severity of the beating has left the now 26-year-old with severe brain injuries. After the attack, she suffered a stroke, loss of speech and limited mobility which has restricted her to a wheelchair. According to a family spokesperson, Sivenathi can only communicate using noises, one when she is happy and another when she disagrees with something. The start of the trial in Sivenathi’s case has been postponed multiple times since July 2024. The case appeared before the George Regional Court again on 18 July this year and was postponed to 20 November 2025 to finally arrange a trial date.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Churchgoers mass assault case to continue soon
Last appearance: 6 October 2025
Next appearance: 10 November 2025
Nineteen women from Khayelitsha were sexually assaulted in church on Easter Sunday in 2023 while preparing for the service. Two men entered the church and forced the women to undress and perform sexual acts whilst beating them. The case appeared on 6 October 2025 in the Khayelitsha Regional Court for a new attorney to come on board after the previous attorney fell ill. The trial will continue on 10 November 2025.
PROTEA COURT
Bakkie murderer back in court soon
Last appearance: 6 October 2025
Next appearance: 5 November 2025
Nomasonto was an employee at the Randfontein Magistrate Court and had just finished her shift on 21 February 2024. She was walking across the street behind the court when a man driving a bakkie struck her with his car. As seen on CCTV footage, which has been circulating online, the suspect was speeding directly toward Nomasonto and then continued to reverse over her again after he first struck her. Her injuries were fatal. The case appeared in court on 6 October 2025 and was postponed to 5 November 2025 for arguments in the trial to be heard
PAROW REGIONAL COURT
Pastor abuses position of power in rape case of a minor
Last appearance: 13 October 2025
Next appearance: 24 – 25 February 2026
16 November 2025 will mark a year after Aster*, a 15-year-old girl from Delft, was raped by her pastor under the guise of religious mentoring and worship practice. The accused, a self-proclaimed “spiritual crime prevention leader,” exploited his position of trust and remains a danger to children whose parents may still entrust him with them. The accused appeared in Parow Regional Court on 13 October 2025 and the case was postponed to 24 -25 February 2026 for plea and trial.
ATHLONE / WYNBERG COURTS
Melany Stoffels – murdered with a hammer while pregnant
Last Appearance: 15 October 2025
Next Appearance: 5 November 2025
Melany, pregnant at the time, was brutally beaten to death with a hammer in Heideveld on 7 August 2024. The incident was orchestrated as an apparent hit ordered by her ex girlfriend. A male accomplice surrendered to police on 11 August, and the ex girlfriend was later arrested. The case is now scheduled to continue on 5 November 2025 after being postponed on 15 October 2025.
ROODEPOORT MAGISTRATES COURT
Marigold: Six-year-old raped by family member
Last appearance: 15 October 2025
Next appearance: February 2026
Action Society is conducting oversight in the sexual assault case of Marigold, a six-year-old girl from Gauteng. According to Marigold’s mother, she was raped by her father’s cousin in June 2023 during a visit to the father’s house. Even though the mother opposed bail in 2024, the accused’s application was successful. The case was supposed to continue on 15 October and is expected to continue in next year.
