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The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Heartbreak on Father's Day: Asif Casoojee denied access to his children during ongoing legal battle
As fathers around the world were honoured on Sunday, Johannesburg father and businessman Asif Casoojee marked yet another Father's Day alone, cut off from his children and emotionally drained by what he calls a 'systemic failure to protect fathers' rights. 'For the fourth consecutive year, Casoojee was not allowed to spend the day with his two children, nor attend the Father's Day event hosted at their prestigious private school on Friday — an institution he continues to fund despite being denied access. 'I wasn't even invited,' Casoojee told The Star 'The school told me the next of kin is the lawyer Kaamilah Paulse and that I wasn't welcome. It's not just heartbreaking. It's dehumanising.' Casoojee places the blame for his exclusion squarely on attorney Kaamilah Paulse, who represents his ex-spouse in an ongoing legal dispute that has spanned over four years. 'She's made every effort to alienate me from my kids. Calls are ignored, emails bounce back, and I've been locked out of school records and events. And still, I pay the fees,' he said. 'I'm their father, not a ghost.' His allegations are supported by a March ruling from the Appeals Tribunal of the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which found prima facie evidence of misconduct by Paulse. The tribunal found that a protection order obtained against Casoojee was potentially granted without proper service, and flagged Paulse's alleged interference in his parental relationship — actions they described as amounting to 'parental alienation.' The tribunal also cited Paulse's alleged involvement in a private WhatsApp group where confidential financial and business information about Casoojee was discussed, despite no legal basis for such disclosures. In response to claims about child alienation, Paulse denied any wrongdoing and defended her role through her legal team. Speaking to The Star through her attorneys at Herold Gie, Paulse said: ' We point out that the statement contained is unsubstantiated, vague and lays no factual basis for the allegations made. We record that Ms Paulse denies the allegations, as stated by you'. Her firm added that the LPC Appeals Tribunal had ''not made any final findings'', but had merely referred the matter back to the Disciplinary Committee for further examination. Despite the legal assurances, Casoojee says the real damage is not to reputations, but to children.'My son asked me once, 'Why don't you come to my school anymore?' And I couldn't answer. Because the truth is — I'm being blocked.' He is now petitioning the High Court to have Paulse removed from the matter, citing conflict of interest and alleged unethical conduct. He also plans to ask the court to reinstate full parental access and to review the circumstances under which communication and visitation were restricted. Legal experts say his case is far from unique. 'There is an emerging pattern in the South African family law system where fathers feel increasingly sidelined,' said family law advocate Lesedi Mokoena. 'While the law recognises equal parental rights, the practical application can lean heavily in favour of one parent, often the mother.' Mokoena added that the legal profession must take its constitutional obligation to act in the best interests of children more seriously, noting, 'We cannot allow attorneys to become agents of division between parents and their children.' Casoojee echoed that sentiment.'This is about more than one day a year. It's about a lifetime of moments that are being stolen. I'm not perfect, but I'm a father — and I'm fighting to stay in my children's lives.'As the legal process unfolds, Casoojee says he remains hopeful, if not for a swift resolution, then for public awareness. 'We need to start asking hard questions about how the system treats fathers. Father's Day should be a celebration, not a reminder of injustice.' This story is part of The Star's ongoing coverage of family law, children's rights, and legal ethics in South Africa.*
IOL News
7 days ago
- IOL News
Heartbreak on Father's Day: Asif Casoojee denied access to his children during ongoing legal battle
As fathers around the world were honoured on Sunday, Johannesburg father and businessman Asif Casoojee marked yet another Father's Day alone, cut off from his children and emotionally drained by what he calls a 'systemic failure to protect fathers' rights. 'For the fourth consecutive year, Casoojee was not allowed to spend the day with his two children, nor attend the Father's Day event hosted at their prestigious private school on Friday — an institution he continues to fund despite being denied access. 'I wasn't even invited,' Casoojee told The Star 'The school told me the next of kin is the lawyer Kaamilah Paulse and that I wasn't welcome. It's not just heartbreaking. It's dehumanising.' Casoojee places the blame for his exclusion squarely on attorney Kaamilah Paulse, who represents his ex-spouse in an ongoing legal dispute that has spanned over four years. 'She's made every effort to alienate me from my kids. Calls are ignored, emails bounce back, and I've been locked out of school records and events. And still, I pay the fees,' he said. 'I'm their father, not a ghost.' His allegations are supported by a March ruling from the Appeals Tribunal of the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which found prima facie evidence of misconduct by Paulse. The tribunal found that a protection order obtained against Casoojee was potentially granted without proper service, and flagged Paulse's alleged interference in his parental relationship — actions they described as amounting to 'parental alienation.' The tribunal also cited Paulse's alleged involvement in a private WhatsApp group where confidential financial and business information about Casoojee was discussed, despite no legal basis for such disclosures. In response to claims about child alienation, Paulse denied any wrongdoing and defended her role through her legal team. Speaking to The Star through her attorneys at Herold Gie, Paulse said: 'We point out that the statement contained is unsubstantiated, vague and lays no factual basis for the allegations made. We record that Ms Paulse denies the allegations, as stated by you'. Her firm added that the LPC Appeals Tribunal had ''not made any final findings'', but had merely referred the matter back to the Disciplinary Committee for further examination. Despite the legal assurances, Casoojee says the real damage is not to reputations, but to children.'My son asked me once, 'Why don't you come to my school anymore?' And I couldn't answer. Because the truth is — I'm being blocked.' He is now petitioning the High Court to have Paulse removed from the matter, citing conflict of interest and alleged unethical conduct. He also plans to ask the court to reinstate full parental access and to review the circumstances under which communication and visitation were restricted. Legal experts say his case is far from unique. 'There is an emerging pattern in the South African family law system where fathers feel increasingly sidelined,' said family law advocate Lesedi Mokoena. 'While the law recognises equal parental rights, the practical application can lean heavily in favour of one parent, often the mother.' Mokoena added that the legal profession must take its constitutional obligation to act in the best interests of children more seriously, noting, 'We cannot allow attorneys to become agents of division between parents and their children.' Casoojee echoed that sentiment.'This is about more than one day a year. It's about a lifetime of moments that are being stolen. I'm not perfect, but I'm a father — and I'm fighting to stay in my children's lives.'As the legal process unfolds, Casoojee says he remains hopeful, if not for a swift resolution, then for public awareness. 'We need to start asking hard questions about how the system treats fathers. Father's Day should be a celebration, not a reminder of injustice.' This story is part of The Star's ongoing coverage of family law, children's rights, and legal ethics in South Africa.*
The Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
ATM urges calm and child-centred approach amid allegations involving Kaamilah Paulse
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for calm and responsibility in the wake of public allegations against prominent Cape Town attorney Kaamilah Paulse, stressing the need to prioritise the rights and well-being of children entangled in ongoing legal disputes. In a media statement released Tuesday, ATM President Vuyo Zungula said the party was deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological toll the matter may have on the children involved. 'At the heart of this issue are the lives and well-being of children,' Zungula said. 'It is essential that all public discourse and legal processes keep their best interests as the top priority.' The statement comes amid mounting controversy following a ruling by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) Appeals Tribunal, which found prima facie evidence of professional misconduct by Paulse. She stands accused of using legal tactics to alienate a Johannesburg father, Asif Casoojee, from his children. Paulse is currently a senior attorney at Herold Gie Attorneys. Casoojee complained about being denied access to his children over a four-year legal battle with his ex-wife, whom Paulse represents. The Tribunal ruled in March that Paulse had improperly obtained a protection order without ensuring due process and had actively contributed to restricting Casoojee's access to his children, including their school and medical records. The Tribunal labelled her actions as 'parental alienation' and criticised her for failing to adequately respond to serious allegations, including her involvement in a WhatsApp group where confidential financial information about Casoojee was shared. ATM has urged the Legal Practice Council to continue holding legal professionals to the highest standards. 'Our justice system depends on ethical conduct and public trust,' said Zungula. 'The LPC must act with integrity and transparency, especially when the lives of children are impacted.' Retired judge and Legal Services Ombud Siraj Desai also weighed in, saying he would be monitoring the proceedings closely. 'This is a sensitive matter involving allegations of undue influence in family litigation,' Desai said. 'Such complaints are unfortunately common, and we will ensure that this one is handled thoroughly and fairly.' In a response submitted to The Star , Herold Gie Attorneys defended Paulse, saying they 'strongly disagree' with the Tribunal's findings and confirmed she intends to challenge the allegations at the Disciplinary Committee. 'No final determination has been made,' the firm stated. In her own brief comment, Paulse said, 'I have served with integrity for over a decade and stand by my conduct. I trust the process and will fully cooperate.' Meanwhile, fathers' rights groups have rallied behind Casoojee, calling for reform in the family law system and decrying what they say is a systemic bias against paternal rights. ATM concluded its statement with a broader appeal to society: 'Let us not forget that at the centre of this story are children. Their rights, safety, and emotional well-being must be the guiding principle in how we respond as a nation.' The matter is now before the LPC's Disciplinary Committee, and may yet return to the High Court — where the future of one father's relationship with his children, and the ethical standing of a legal professional, hangs in the balance.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ATM urges calm and child-centred approach amid allegations involving Kaamilah Paulse
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for calm and responsibility in the wake of public allegations against prominent Cape Town attorney Kaamilah Paulse, stressing the need to prioritise the rights and well-being of children entangled in ongoing legal disputes. In a media statement released Tuesday, ATM President Vuyo Zungula said the party was deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological toll the matter may have on the children involved. 'At the heart of this issue are the lives and well-being of children,' Zungula said. 'It is essential that all public discourse and legal processes keep their best interests as the top priority.' The statement comes amid mounting controversy following a ruling by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) Appeals Tribunal, which found prima facie evidence of professional misconduct by Paulse. She stands accused of using legal tactics to alienate a Johannesburg father, Asif Casoojee, from his children. Paulse is currently a senior attorney at Herold Gie Attorneys. Casoojee complained about being denied access to his children over a four-year legal battle with his ex-wife, whom Paulse represents. The Tribunal ruled in March that Paulse had improperly obtained a protection order without ensuring due process and had actively contributed to restricting Casoojee's access to his children, including their school and medical records. The Tribunal labelled her actions as 'parental alienation' and criticised her for failing to adequately respond to serious allegations, including her involvement in a WhatsApp group where confidential financial information about Casoojee was shared. ATM has urged the Legal Practice Council to continue holding legal professionals to the highest standards. 'Our justice system depends on ethical conduct and public trust,' said Zungula.
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Senzo Meyiwa trial: Witness grilled on glitch in system of LPC's Fidelity Fund
JOHANNESBURG - A glitch in the systems of the legal practitioners' Fidelity Fund took centre stage at the Senzo Meyiwa trial on Monday. The court heard evidence on the credentials of a lawyer who is linked to one of the accused, Bongani Ntanzi. According to the State, Ntanzi was legally represented by a lawyer named Dominic Mjiyako when he signed a confession statement before a magistrate at the Boksburg court in June 2020. On the witness stand on Monday was Khulani Sambo, an officer from the Legal Practice Council (LPC), who confirmed Mjiyako's credentials. Sambo's testimony confirmed that Advocate Dominic Mjiyako was registered as an attorney when he allegedly represented Ntanzi when he wrote and signed a statement confessing to the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. But Sambo also revealed that in 2020, through a complaint, that he became aware of a systems glitch that resulted in Mjiyako sharing a Fidelity Fund certificate number with another lawyer. Sambo said that a unique number was usually issued to each legal practitioner. This is where the defence centred its cross-examination on Monday, with Ntanzi's lawyer Sipho Ramosepele questioning Sambo on this glitch. "Have you ever heard of where practitioners collude with certain staff members from the LPC and those practitioners obtain FFC fraudulently?" Ramosepele asked. Sambo: "Not to my knowledge, no." While Ramosepele and his colleague, Advocate Charles Mnisi, questioned Sambo on instances of alleged corruption and fraud at the Legal Practice Council, none of them were linked to Mjiyako.
