Action Society is demanding justice for a second woman allegedly raped by Achmat Alexander, known as the alleged Paarl “Photographer Rapist”, after her case was postponed today because the magistrate was unavailable. The matter, scheduled for plea at the Ceres Magistrates’ Court on 14 October 2026, was postponed to 10 March 2027 for trial. Alexander remains out on bail in both her case and the separate rape case involving Leighché Thomas.
Action Society’s private investigators discussed the matter with the Regional Court Prosecutor today. The organisation has been mandated to provide victim support and court oversight for the woman, whom we will call Zinnia* to protect her identity.
Zinnia’s alleged rape occurred on 18 December 2020, almost six years ago, and predates the attack reported by Leighché.
“Zinnia now faces another five-month wait because the magistrate was unavailable. Behind every postponement is a woman who must return home without progress, knowing that the man she has accused of rape remains free,” says Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society.
“Two women have reported rape by the same accused, yet he remains out on bail in both cases. For survivors, seeing the man they have accused walk free after a bail payment can feel like a dismissal of what they endured. It does little to build confidence in a justice system they have already waited years to see deliver.”
Zinnia initially met Alexander through the Miss Dashiki competition. On 18 December 2020, he contacted her about a photoshoot in Cape Town. Uncomfortable travelling alone with him, she asked whether her brother could accompany them. Alexander allegedly told her there would be no space because his girlfriend would be joining them. However, when he collected Zinnia in Ceres, he was alone.
According to Zinnia’s account, Alexander promised that she would become the face of his agency. Those promises never materialised. During the journey, he offered her a drink and allegedly insisted that she drink it after she initially declined. He then stopped at a picnic spot in the Ceres area on the way to Cape Town, where he allegedly raped her.
Zinnia reported the rape to police in 2023 after speaking to Leighché’s father.
Action Society also supports Leighché, who was 19 when Alexander allegedly lured her to a photoshoot in December 2021 and raped her at an isolated location. After the investigation stalled, Action Society helped locate him and worked with SAPS towards his arrest in February 2023. Leighché’s trial began in August 2025 and is scheduled to continue in January 2027.
“We believe there may be more victims, and we urge anyone who has been harmed by this accused to come forward and report what happened. Zinnia reported her rape after speaking to another survivor’s father. That connection helped her take a step towards justice,” says Du Preez.
“Action Society will continue supporting both women and maintaining oversight of their separate cases. We demand that the authorities use the time before the next appearance to ensure that Zinnia’s case is ready to proceed to trial. She deserves a prosecution that moves forward, with her dignity and safety taken seriously.”
Zinnia is a pseudonym used to protect the victim’s identity.
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