Justice on hold: The heartbreaking stories of gender-based violence in the Cape

Two significant gender-based violence (GBV) court cases in the Cape will be heard in their respective courts, casting a stark light on the persistent issues surrounding delayed justice and the failures of both the police and court systems to protect victims.

Tuesday, 4 March 2025, marks two years since Nadia Lotz was brutally attacked by her long-term boyfriend while they were travelling in a car together. 

Her throat was slit open in what has been described as a senseless act of violence. 

Now, two years later, Nadia's family and friends are still desperate for answers. 

The accused, Charles Appollis, became known for repeatedly employing a series of legal delay tactics to avoid facing justice, including constantly requesting new defence lawyers, resulting in numerous postponements.

In March last year, the magistrate warned Appollis that he would need to appoint a lawyer, either privately or through Legal Aid, after his previous lawyer withdrew. 

Despite appointing a new legal representative, Appollis once again requested a new lawyer in August, resulting in further delays.

In September, the magistrate informed the court that the case would be postponed one final time for trial, and if no lawyer was present at the next hearing, the trial would proceed without a defence lawyer. 

Yet, when Appollis appeared in court, his lawyer was once again absent. 

The prosecutor expressed frustration, reiterating that enough time had passed for the accused to secure legal representation. 

The magistrate reprimanded Appollis for wasting the court’s time, stressing that if a lawyer is present at the next appearance, they must be ready for trial. 

The matter was last heard on 19 February 2025 and postponed to 19 March, but it is not for trial.

At the same time, Gender-Based-Violence and support group, Action Society is supporting the harrowing case of a 16-year-old girl, who was nearly killed by her ex-boyfriend in July 2023. 

Despite a protection order in place, he continued to stalk her and, on 17 July, stabbed her in the head in a vicious attempt on her life.

The accused appeared in the Paarl Regional Court on 11 February 2025, but the matter was postponed to 14 March for plea and trial.

Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society's Action Centre, said: "Action Society is pushing for a specialised SAPS task force to address the backlog of gender-based violence cases. It has already facilitated faster case resolutions through funding for forensic support. 

“We aim to improve the efficiency of case resolutions, reduce victim distress, and strengthen public safety through a public-private partnership with SAPS, exemplifying the impact of collaborative efforts on justice."

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

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