Adv. Alexia Vosloo - De Witt

21/05/2026

Recent statistics released by Stats SA indicate that of the 24,202 divorces granted by South African courts in 2024, a total of 13,490 (55.7%) involved children under the age of 18.[1] This data underscores a critical legal and social reality: while a divorce formally dissolves a marital union, the....

15/05/2026

15/05/2026

When “Winning” Becomes Losing: The High Cost of Weaponised Litigation

When co-parenting becomes a battlefield, the first casualties are always the children.

We often hear about “co-parenting,” but in high-conflict cases involving narcissistic dynamics, co-parenting can become a dangerous myth. In these situations, we must shift towards parallel parenting, a strategy designed to limit conflict and protect both the parents and the emotional wellbeing of the child.

The Weaponisation of the Law

We are witnessing a deeply concerning trend: court applications being used not as a shield for the vulnerable, but as a weapon by the narcissist and her hired guns for retaliation. When false allegations are weaponised and courts are misled through ex parte orders, obtained without the other party being present, children inevitably suffer.

While the narcissistic parent may believe they are “winning” or maintaining control, they are, in reality, dismantling their child’s sense of safety, stability, and emotional security. The narcissistic parent is normally the one that all the others believe in the beginning, but never has any proof and the allegations are without any substance.

To the fathers and mothers facing this today:

If you have recently received a notice like the one pictured, where flase, but serious looking and sounding, allegations are being used in an attempt to silence, alienate, or even imprison you, your first instinct may be panic, fear, or anger.

Do not allow them to win by causing you to lose your composure.

They had no case and will be starting to build their case now. They need you reactions. They will also claim to have done nothing wrong.

Stay calm: Reactive behaviour is often exactly what the other side hopes to provoke. Their phone has become a recording device and they no longer communicate in the real world, they are doing everything for the eyes of the court.

Do not become passive: Remaining calm does not mean becoming a doormat. It means remaining strategic, composed, and precise.

Document everything: Facts, evidence, and consistency remain the strongest defence against false allegations. Like this application, the mother in this instance, will never be able to deny that she brought the application.

We see the person behind the case file. We understand the trauma of being sidelined, alienated, or legally (often based on lies and flase allegations) excluded from your child’s life.

You do not have to navigate this legal and emotional minefield alone. We are here to help ensure that the truth is not buried beneath conflict, manipulation, and overwhelming paperwork.

Protect your children. Protect your rights. Protect your peace.

Contact us today for guidance, support, and advocacy in high-conflict parenting matters. WhatsApp us on 076 900 7151 or email us at [email protected]

11/05/2026

Action Society is at the Pretoria Magistrates Court today for the case of Charlene Pretorius, a mother of three who was allegedly set alight by her estranged husband in front of their teenage daughter.

Charlene was rushed to hospital by her family after the accused allegedly fled the scene and left her for dead. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries.

The matter took an unexpected turn this morning when the accused’s legal representative, Adv Jacobs, brought an application to withdraw from the case. The defence raised concerns regarding an incomplete state post mortem report.

According to the defence, they intend relying on certain medical aspects allegedly not addressed in the original report and would like to obtain a private post mortem report. However, the accused cannot afford the services of a private pathologist.

Court adjourned briefly for state prosecutor Adv Molokome to explore possible alternatives through Legal Aid.

More updates to follow.

29/04/2026

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has barred lawyer Douglas Shaw from practising for his own account pending the LPC’s bid over missing Fidelity Fund Certificate, with hearing May 12.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/6wzwc4cp

05/02/2026

27/01/2026

A common misconception in family law is that the High Court, as the Upper Guardian of all minors, is always the quickest route to resolving parental disputes. However, the recent judgment in JHG v GWH and Another (7147/2024) [2025] ZAFSHC 133 offers an important reminder regarding the procedural boundaries of our legal system.

The Case at a Glance:

In this matter, a father approached the Free State High Court seeking an urgent order for contact during the festive season. However, the dispute was already pending before the Children’s Court. The High Court reaffirmed a critical principle: it will not step in to entertain matters that are already being dealt with by a specialized lower forum.

The judgment underscores the integrity of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. This legislation was designed to create accessible, specialized forums like the Children’s Court to handle the complexities of parental rights and responsibilities. By declining to hear the application, the Court sent a clear message against "forum-shopping", the practice of jumping to a higher court in hopes of a faster or different outcome when a competent specialized court is already seized with the matter.

In essence, bypassing the Children’s Court not only leads to unnecessary legal costs and delays when the High Court strikes the matter off the roll, but it also undermines the judicial economy. The High Court’s role as Upper Guardian is a safety net for extraordinary circumstances; it is not a shortcut to bypass the legislative framework of the Children's Act.