Action Society is hopeful that two of our cases will move toward sentencing soon. Sadly one lady who was raped by a family member passed away before we could take the matter to court.
PRETORIA NORTH REGIONAL COURT
Charlene Pretorius: Set alight in front of her children
Action Society continued to support the family of Charlene Pretorius, a mother-of-three who was burned alive by her then husband in May of 2023. The accused continued his attempts to get bail. The matter was due to be heard in court on 28 August 2024 but was postponed to 10 September 2024. We will continue to fight to keep her killer behind bars to ensure the safety of her children.
KHAYELITSHA REGIONAL COURT
Nosiphiwo James: Killed with a screwdriver
The murder case of Nosiphiwo James continued on 28 August with the pathologist’s testimony confirming that Nosiphiwo was stabbed by a sharp object. It has been more than two years since the young woman was killed shortly after a mass shooting in the same area. The matter was postponed to 23 October 2024 for further trial and one more witness that will take the stand.
Churchgoers assaulted
Nineteen women from Khayelitsha were sexually assaulted 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 matter was heard in court on 29 August 2024 and was postponed to 17 October 2024 for trial to commence. October 9 will mark one and a half years since that awful morning.
CAPE TOWN REGIONAL COURT C
Candice Robertson: Tried to make her murder look like a suicide
Candice Robertson was murdered in a guesthouse in Green Point by her partner. He tried to make the murder look like a suicide, telling the police that she had hung herself. However once the police took a look at the scene, it was clear that there had been foul play and the man was arrested. The matter was heard on 28 August 2024 and was postponed to 17 October 2024 for the trial to commence, just two weeks short of two and half years since she was killed.
BISHOP LAVIS MAGISTRATES COURT
Elderly lady assaulted by family member
Action Society fully and unreservedly condemns acts of violence toward our country’s elderly. A house in Langa in Cape Town became another scene of terrible elder abuse, this time yet again at the hands of a close family member who tried to kill his grandmother. We signed a mandate and will be defending her cause in the courts. He was arrested on 12 July and appeared before the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court.The matter was heard in court on 29 August and was postponed to 12 September 2024 for a regional court date.
Elderly Strand rape
Action Society is saddened by the loss of an elderly lady in one of our cases. She was allegedly raped her grandson who is currently in custody. We will continue to fight for justice in this case. The suspect has abandoned his bail application and will remain in custody while he awaits trial. His next appearance in court will be on 2 October 2024.
MITCHELLS PLAIN MAGISTRATES COURT:
Iris: Raped by mother’s ex-husband *
Action Society has been supporting the 15-year-old girl who was repeatedly raped by the mother’s ex-husband, since last year. The matter was heard in court on 13 August 2024 and was postponed to 4 November 2024 for a pre-trial conference.
*pseudonym
MITCHELLS PLAIN REGIONAL COURT B
Firdous Kleinsmidt: Killed by a stray bullet
More than six months have passed since 13-year-old Firdous Kleinschmidt was killed by a stray bullet while awaiting transport to her school. The matter was heard in court on 4 September 2024 and was postponed to 19 September for a regional court date.
PAARL REGIONAL COURT
Mietjie Ontong: Elderly woman killed in her home
Mietjie Ontong, who was described as a pillar of her community was killed in her home in cold blood in Hermon on 11 October, 2023. The community has been deeply disturbed and shocked by the event and they want to see justice. The matter was heard in court on 6 September 2024 and was postponed to 16 September due to an electricity outage at the court. We welcome the fact that sentencing is expected in this case soon. This case shows how Action Society’s involvement and community pressure can help to turn the wheels of justice faster.
Lihle Zenzile: Killed by close family
Action Society is expecting to see the man accused of killing 10-year-old Lihle Zenzile to be given a sentence on his next appearance in court. It has been more than 600 days since the little girl was brutally killed and we are eager to see the family get the justice they have been pining for ever since that day. The matter was heard in court on 5 September and was postponed to 12 September 2024 for sentencing.
