Action Society has raised serious concerns following yet another postponement in the sentencing of Aaron Thamsanqa for the murder of Nomasonto Felicity Modzanane, despite the accused having pleaded guilty more than six months ago.
Nomasonto, an employee of the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court, had just completed her shift on 21 February 2024 when she was struck by a bakkie while walking behind the court building. CCTV footage of the incident, widely circulated online, showed the vehicle driving directly towards her before reversing over her after the initial impact. She died from her injuries.
The accused pleaded guilty in November 2025 and the matter was postponed for sentencing to 5 February 2026. Since then, the case has been postponed repeatedly, first to 26 March, then to 14 May, and now again to 19 June 2026.
According to Action Society, the continued delays raise serious questions about the ability of South Africa’s justice system to deliver timely justice, even in cases where guilt has already been admitted.
“South Africans are repeatedly told that court backlogs are caused by complex investigations, contested evidence, or lengthy trials,” said Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society. “None of those explanations apply here. The accused has already pleaded guilty. The evidence is clear. The facts are not in dispute. Yet more than six months later, the court has still not reached the sentencing stage. The public has every right to ask what exactly is causing these delays.”
Du Preez said cases such as this contribute to growing public frustration and diminishing confidence in the criminal justice system.
“If South Africa cannot sentence a murderer who has already admitted guilt and whose actions were captured on video, then we have a much bigger problem than court backlogs. We have a justice system that is struggling to perform one of its most basic functions, namely delivering justice within a reasonable timeframe.”
She said the consequences extend far beyond a single case.
“Every unnecessary postponement sends a damaging message. Victims’ families are forced to continue reliving their trauma while they wait for closure. Communities begin to lose faith that justice will ever be delivered. Most concerning of all, criminals see a system that struggles to impose consequences even after guilt has been established.”
Action Society warned that delays at the sentencing stage undermine the deterrent effect of the criminal justice system.
“The purpose of the justice system is not simply to secure guilty pleas. It is to ensure that crimes are met with meaningful consequences. When sentencing drags on month after month, the deterrent value of the system is weakened and public confidence suffers.”
Action Society will continue monitoring the matter and supporting the victim’s family as they await the conclusion of the case.
The matter is expected to return to court on 19 June 2026 for sentencing.
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