As South Africa approaches the one-year anniversary of the Khayelitsha barbershop killings on 8 June, and the first anniversary of Dorcas Lekganyane’s tragic death on 11 July, the slow pace of justice remains a painful reality for many families. Courtroom delays, unexplained postponements, and systemic backlogs continue to cast long shadows over the pursuit of accountability. Yet, through every adjournment and every trial date, Action Society remains resolute – standing with the women and children who have borne the brunt of violent crime, and fighting to ensure that justice is not denied, merely delayed.
JOHANNESBURG HIGH COURT
Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane – murdered by husband
Last appearance: 11 February 2025
Next appearance: 10 October 2025
Case update: Cecil Kekana stands accused of the brutal murder of his wife, Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane, a celebrated scientist and recipient of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans award. In July 2024, Didi was allegedly stabbed multiple times in their Bramley home while their three-year-old daughter was present. Reports suggest that Didi was in the process of leaving Kekana due to prior abuse. Following the incident, Kekana reportedly attempted suicide and was found next to her body. The case has faced multiple delays, including a recent postponement due to a power outage at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. The next court date is set for 10 October 2025 at the Johannesburg High Court.
BLUE DOWNS REGIONAL COURT
*Poppy – molested by creche transport driver
Last appearance: 5 May 2025
Next appearance: 4 June 2025
Case update: Poppy, a four-year-old girl from Mfuleni, was molested by an older creche transport driver in October 2024. The accused was denied bail and remains in custody. The case was heard on 5 May 2025 and postponed to 4 June 2025 for consultation.
Janelle Laattoe, Nadine Maarman and Tamsyn Kuilsrivier – facing a serial abuser
Last appearance: 13 May 2025
Next appearance: 10 June 2025
Case update: Janelle Laattoe and two other women are pursuing justice against a man who allegedly abused them during their relationships with him. The case has faced multiple delays, including a postponement due to the magistrate’s retirement. The matter was heard on 13 May 2025 and postponed to 10 June 2025 for legal representation.
KHAYELITSHA MAGISTRATES COURT
Barbershop Massacre
Last appearance: 26 May 2025
Next appearance: 8 July 2025
Case update: Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko face charges related to a mass shooting at a Khayelitsha barbershop on 8 June 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three children and a 30-year-old man, and left several others injured. The accused have been charged with four counts of murder, 11 counts of attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. The case has been postponed to 8 July 2025, with no reason recorded for the postponement.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Churchgoers Sexual Assault Case
Last appearance: 6 May 2025
Next appearance: 17 June 2025
Case update: Two men are on trial for the sexual assault of 19 women during an Easter weekend service at the Zion Church in Site C, Khayelitsha, in 2023. The accused allegedly forced their way into the church during a power outage, robbed congregants of their cellphones, and sexually assaulted the women at gunpoint. The trial commenced with emotional testimonies from the victims. The matter has been postponed to 17 June 2025 for the continuation of the trial.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT
Angela Koopman – burned alive
Last appearance: 27 May 2025
Next appearance: 5 June 2025
Case update: Angela Koopman was doused in petrol and set alight by her partner on 22 March 2024. She was rushed to hospital, where she eventually died from the severe burns she sustained. The accused was denied bail and remains in custody. The trial was scheduled for 27 May 2025; however, the legal representative for the accused needed to consult with the accused. The state has indicated readiness for trial. The matter has been provisionally postponed to 5 June 2025 for consultation.
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT
Firdous Kleinschmidt – killed by stray bullet
Last appearance: 9 May 2025
Next appearance: 9 June 2025
Case update: Firdous Kleinschmidt, a 13-year-old girl, was tragically killed by a stray bullet while awaiting transport on her school grounds in Mitchells Plain. Her death underscores the reality that innocent children are often caught in the crossfires of gang violence. The murder trial is ongoing, with the next court date set for 9 June 2025.
MALMESBURY REGIONAL COURT
Malmesbury Molester
Last appearance: 21 May 2025
Next appearance: 19 June 2025
Case update: A man accused of molesting three children in Malmesbury has been declared fit to stand trial after nearly a year of postponements. The accused was first arrested in 2021 but was let go on a warning. He has since changed lawyers multiple times, causing significant delays. Action Society continues to push for the accused to be permanently removed from society. The matter was heard on 21 May 2025 and postponed to 19 June 2025.
Action Society remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting victims and their families, advocating for justice, and ensuring that these cases progress through the legal system.
