Justice delays: a chilling reminder for South Africa's vulnerable populations

The new year dawns with a chilling reminder of the precarious state of justice for South Africa's most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Justice advocacy group Action Society said as the first Courtwrap of 2026 unfolds, it is highlighting the grim reality that delays in the justice system are more than mere procedural inconvenience.

"For many, they are a source of renewed trauma and, in some heartbreaking instances, a jeopardy to life itself."

Entering 2026, Action Society  said it remains steadfast in its dedication to bridging the chasm between victims and a legal framework that often falters under its weight. Over the past year, this advocacy group has been an unwavering presence in courtrooms nationwide, monitoring cases, supporting families, and applying incessant public pressure on systems that fail to deliver. And as the new year unfolds, their commitment to this cause is only set to intensify.

"Action Society’s advocacy focuses on addressing systemic shortcomings that allow violence to fester and investigations to collapse, delaying the necessary prosecutions. They argue that without reform, the process of court appearances becomes a ritual of postponement instead of a genuine pathway to justice.

"In 2026, we will enhance our calls for localised policing, placing experienced officers within communities," said a representative from Action Society. "This is vital for improving response times, intelligence-sharing, and accountability." The group also plans to escalate efforts to eliminate DNA backlogs that plague sexual offence prosecutions, ensuring that offenders are not permitted to roam free. A significant push will be made to prioritise domestic violence cases, with the aim of taking early warning signs seriously to prevent tragic escalations into murder.

The gruesome nature of cases that are currently being handled serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of these reforms. Presently, several high-profile cases are pending adjudication:

• Angela Koopman:  Burned alive by her boyfriend in March 2024. After numerous delays, the case has been postponed to 15 January 2026, with the next trial date set for 9 February 2026.
• Churchgoers Sexual Assault Case: Nineteen women subjected to robbery and sexual assault inside a church on Easter Sunday 2023. Following another postponement, the next appearance is scheduled for 20 January 2026.
• Thimna Kuze: At just 13 years old, Thimna was raped and murdered in March 2023. The trial will continue on 2 February 2026 after extending from late November 2025.
• Candice Robertson: The alleged murder, disguised as suicide under questionable circumstances, was last delayed until 27 January 2026 due to defence inactions.
• Viral child abuse case: Disturbing footage led to the exposure of three adults accused of abusing a young child. The case will continue on 28 January 2026.

These cases are not isolated tragedies; they are symptomatic of broader systemic failures that Action Society is determined to confront. With continued documentation, advocacy, and direct action, the organisation vows to hold institutions accountable until justice is not just a dream but a tangible reality for all.