A large group of community members, activists, political party representatives, and family gathered outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to show support for the #JusticeForAnathi campaign.
Mihlali Sizani, 28, appeared in court for the first time since his arrest on charges related to the alleged abuse and rape of his then-girlfriend, Anathi Nokulela, who was approximately eight months pregnant at the time of the alleged incidents.
The case has been postponed to 18 February 2026, to allow the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) time to consult further with the complainant, verify information about the suspect’s criminal history, and prepare for a formal bail application.
According to court proceedings, Sizani is accused of sexually assaulting the complainant on two occasions and physically assaulting her, including beating her abdomen while she was pregnant.
Community members, activists, political party leaders, and family members gathered outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court in support of the #justiceforAnathi case that was being heard in court today.
Nokulela reportedly recorded video footage of the abuse in secret on one of the nights she was attacked because she feared for her life and the life of her unborn baby. She later posted the video on social media under the name “Anathi Entle”, which quickly spread online and led to Sizani’s arrest.
Nosipho Nokulela, Anathi’s older sister, said the family hopes he will remain in jail until sentencing.
She said: “We are hoping for the harshest sentence possible. He should rot in jail for what he has done to my sister. How could he rape and beat her like that while she was pregnant? It’s so inhumane.”