Over the past two weeks, Action Society has stood side by side with victims and families in courts across the country. Once again, we witnessed case after case postponed due to investigative, forensic and prosecuting capacity challenges. These constant delays not only retraumatise victims but also weaken public confidence in the justice system. Action Society believes that public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in fast-tracking justice – providing much-needed expertise and resources to help ensure that cases move forward without unnecessary postponements.
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
Poppy: Raped by school crèche driver*
Poppy* was brutally raped by a man entrusted with her safety – the driver of her crèche transport. The case has been marred by repeated postponements. On 28 August, the matter appeared in court but was once again postponed to 11 September for pre-trial proceedings.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Angela Koopman: Set alight by boyfriend
Angela Koopman’s tragic death shocked her community after her boyfriend allegedly set her alight on 22 March 2024, leaving her with fatal burn wounds. On 22 September, the case will have dragged along for one-and-a-half years. On 3 September, the matter was heard in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court but postponed to 8 and 9 October for trial.
Firdous Kleinschmidt: Shot at school
Firdous Kleinschmidt was gunned down at her school – a place where she should have been safe. Action Society has closely monitored the slow progress of this case. After appearing on 25 August, the matter was postponed to 27 August and then again to 3 September for further trial proceedings.
Lekesha Marthinus: Teenager killed by boyfriend
Teenager Lekesha Marthinus was brutally killed by her boyfriend, another devastating case of intimate partner violence. The matter appeared on 2 September and has been postponed to 16 September, when the trial is set to begin.
ATLANTIS REGIONAL COURT
Joshlin Marthinus: Murdered by boyfriend
On 15 September 2024, almost a year ago, Joshlin Marthinus lost her life at the hands of her boyfriend in a case that highlights the epidemic of gender-based violence in South Africa. On 27 August, the matter appeared before the Atlantis Regional Court but was postponed to 11 September for a pre-trial conference.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester: Repeat sexual offender dodging justice
Action Society has repeatedly raised alarm about a known sexual offender in Malmesbury who continues to manipulate the justice system to avoid accountability. On 25 August, the accused appeared for pre-trial, and the case was postponed to 21 October for a plea.
PROTEA COURT
Nomasonto Felicity Modzanane: Repeatedly driven over with a bakkie
In a horrific attack, Nomasonto Felicity Modzanane was repeatedly run over with a bakkie by her partner. On 1 September, the case was remanded at Protea Court to 6 October for plea.
CAPE TOWN REGIONAL COURT
Rosemary: Almost killed by lawyer boyfriend*
Rosemary* narrowly survived after her lawyer boyfriend allegedly tried to kill her in a vicious attack. The matter appeared on 28 August but was postponed to 3 October after the accused appointed a new attorney who now needs time to familiarise himself with the case.
*Names changed to protect the identities of the victims.
“The justice system continues to fail victims when cases are postponed again and again due to capacity challenges. It does not have to be this way – with proper collaboration through public-private partnerships, we can support investigations, ease backlogs, and ensure justice is not delayed indefinitely,” said Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape.
