Action Society notes progress in nine notorious rape and GBV cases across South Africa

The civil rights organization Action Society said on Tuesday that it had made progress in nine cases of rape and gender-based violence in which its volunteers had supported victims.

There is particular optimism about justice in the case of Violet*, a young girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle, as the case approaches closing arguments, and in the case of the rape of a young girl, which is nearing sentencing.

Churchgoers raped

Nineteen women from Khayelitsha were sexually assaulted on Easter Sunday as they prepared to attend church services. Two men entered the church and allegedly forced the women to undress and perform sexual acts while beating them. The case has been provisionally adjourned to July 8 so that lawyers can obtain the charge sheets and the state can interview witnesses.

Candice Robertson: Murder disguised as suicide

The case against Candice Robertson’s partner, who allegedly killed her on April 30, 2022 and tried to make it look like a suicide, continued in Cape Town in June. Her killer reportedly called the owner of the guesthouse where they were staying and reported that Robertson appeared to have committed suicide in the room. However, when authorities and paramedics arrived at the scene, doubts arose about what had happened and he was arrested. The case was scheduled for hearing on June 24, 2024 and was adjourned to August 6 for defence advice.

ALSO READ: Man gets life sentence plus 10 years for burning NWU students alive

Violet: Raped by her uncle

Action Society supported Violet*, a teenager who was allegedly raped by her uncle in Paarl in 2019. Action Society said the case had been frustrating as it had been postponed at least 14 times. The case was scheduled for hearing on 26 June 2024 and was adjourned to 18 July 2024 for closing arguments.

Daisy: Pursued and stabbed

Despite a protection order, the boyfriend of a 16-year-old continued to stalk her and attempted to take her life by allegedly stabbing her in the head on 17 July 2023. The case was heard in Paarl on 18 June this year and was adjourned for trial until 11 October 2024.

Asiphe Cetywayo: Body thrown into landfill

Asiphe’s mutilated body was found by a shepherd at the Vlakkeland landfill in Paarl on 4 March 2024. She had been raped and murdered the previous day and her body was badly burned with acid. The trial was scheduled for 24 June 2024 and was postponed to 24 July 2024 pending DNA results.

Photographer Rapist

June 27, 2024 marked 500 days since the man accused of raping a 19-year-old aspiring model was arrested. He used his notoriety and fame to lure her to a photoshoot where he allegedly raped her. He last appeared in the Paarl Regional Court on May 24, 2024, where the case was adjourned to July 29, 2024.

READ ALSO: Northern Cape man who attacked ex-girlfriend and son with an axe sentenced to 21 years in prison

Nadine Klaase: Strangled in bed

Nadine Klaase was strangled in her bed in Vredendal North on October 6, 2023. The suspected killer was her then-boyfriend, who was arrested the night her body was discovered. Her body had numerous scratches on her skin, a bloody nose and a shoelace around her neck. The case was heard in court on June 26 and postponed to July 30, 2024.

Iris: Raped by her mother’s ex-husband

The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her ex-husband in Mitchells Plain has turned to the Action Society. He allegedly raped her while he was bathing her. The case was heard in court on June 21 and has been adjourned to July 3, 2024, pending a date in the Regional Court.

Orchid: Raped teenager

Orchid*, a teenager who survived a gruesome rape over a year ago, is closer to closure after her rapist was found guilty on March 25, 2024. The Action Society has supported Orchid since she was raped by a teenager. The case has been adjourned for sentencing until July 1, 2024.