PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The family of Claudine Saaiman (36) has appealed to the authorities to review her murder case, raising concerns about the outcome of proceedings against the three accused arrested in connection with her death. The accused, one aged 28 and two aged 29, were arrested on 2 May 2025 in connection with Saaiman's murder in Kwanokuthula on 27 April 2025.
In a letter addressed to stakeholders, the family said it had been informed that the accused were back in the community, reportedly due to a lack of evidence. The family questioned why they had not been notified of the outcome, despite an undertaking by the provincial head's office to monitor the investigation and provide progress reports.
The family called for an urgent review and requested written responses within 14 days. Their questions include whether the charges were withdrawn, the case was struck from the court roll or the accused were acquitted, as well as the reasons for the decision. The family also requested information about forensic evidence, possible investigative delays, the handling of witness statements and whether the investigation remains open.
They further asked whether the case docket was reviewed by senior prosecutors and requested access to the docket status report and the prosecutor's written decision, where permitted by law. "As a family, we seek the truth and justice for Claudine and her children, not publicity," the letter stated.
Separately, Victoria Rowe, founder of Shield GBV Response & Safeguarding Consultancy, who has supported the family throughout the court proceedings alongside the Bitou Women's Forum, said all three accused were found not guilty in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday 5 October.
Rowe said the outcome had been devastating for the family, particularly Saaiman's mother, Bettie Jacobs. She said both organisations had followed the proceedings and supported the family throughout. However, the family's letter questions whether the case was struck from the roll or the accused were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The precise legal outcome and reasons for the decision had not been independently confirmed at the time of going to press.
Jacobs previously told this publication about the loss of her son, Nigel, who was stabbed to death during a tavern fight in Brackenhill, Knysna, 16 years ago at the age of 25. In that earlier report, she spoke of the anguish of losing both her children, with no convictions in either case.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila was approached for clarification on the court outcome and the reasons for the decision. No response had been received at the time of going to press.
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