Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Media statements | Private prosecution Media statements

Private Prosecution Unit assists another GBV-victim

ByAfriForum 25/07/202225/07/2022

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is currently assisting Milena Hill in an assault case against her ex-boyfriend, John Schuurman (also known as Johnny Rocket). This follows after he allegedly assaulted her on 27 January 2022 to such an extent that he broke her nose. Today in the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria, Schuurman’s attorney, Elizma de Waal, indicated that he would plead not guilty to a charge of assault.

After De Waal and the prosecutor from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reached an agreement in advance, the case was adjourned for trial until 30 August 2022 because De Waal indicated that she wants to retain counsel to litigate the case.

Members of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit were also in court today to support Hill. “Although we are disappointed that the trial has been postponed, we know that there are only so many delaying tactics that the accused can employ before the trial must finally start. We are confident that the trial will begin on August 30 so that the complainant can finally get justice. We are almost in Women’s Month, but it seems that the State is only paying lip service to the fight against gender-based violence, especially in the courts where this fight should rightly be fought most fiercely. The Private Prosecution Unit will therefore continue to assist Milena to ensure that the case receives the necessary attention,” says Wico Swanepoel, prosecutor at AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit.

Hill, for her part, said that she was grateful for the unit’s assistance and that they were in court with her today. “I believe that justice must be done and am grateful to adv. Gerrie Nel and his team’s support.”