Latest news with #Casoojee
The Star
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Casoojee's plea to Justice Minister regarding his partenal struggle
Sifiso Mahlangu | Published 1 hour ago In an emotional and public plea, Cape Town businessman Asif Casoojee has called on Justice Minister Mmamoloko 'Nkhensani' Kubayi to urgently intervene in what he describes as a deeply painful legal struggle that has kept him separated from his children for more than a year. Casoojee accuses attorney Kaamilah Paulse, who represents his ex-wife, of manipulating the legal system to isolate him from his children and deny him meaningful access. Once married to Paulse, Casoojee says their post-divorce custody dispute has turned into a campaign of alienation, with him being systematically removed from his children's lives. Speaking to the media outside the Western Cape High Court this week, Casoojee described how his rights as a father have been eroded through what he calls calculated legal tactics. 'I am pleading with Minister Kubayi to look into this case. I have followed the law and respected the court process, but I am being punished for wanting to be a father. The system has been used to silence me.' Casoojee claims Paulse has overstepped her role as attorney, taking on functions beyond legal representation, such as appointing herself as the children's main school contact. Despite paying school fees and supporting his children financially, Casoojee says he is treated like an outsider. He recounted being denied entry to a Father's Day event in 2024, saying the school told him that Paulse was registered as next of kin. 'That day broke me,' he said. 'I was told I could not participate in an event made for fathers. My children saw that. They saw me being turned away.' Earlier this year, the Legal Practice Council's Appeals Tribunal found prima facie evidence that Paulse had committed professional misconduct. According to The Star and IOL , the case includes allegations of parental alienation, as well as an alleged attempt to condition Casoojee's access to his children on a R300,000 payment. The matter has since been referred to the LPC's Disciplinary Committee. Civil society organisations such as Fathers for Equality and Right to Justice have stepped in to support Casoojee's call for intervention. They argue that his case is not an isolated one, but part of a larger problem where fathers are stripped of rights due to unchecked legal practices. 'Too many fathers are being erased from their children's lives not because they are unfit, but because the system enables legal manipulation,' Casoojee said. 'This is not just about me. It is about the thousands of fathers who quietly suffer while their children grow up believing their dads abandoned them.' Attorney Kaamilah Paulse, through her law firm Herold Gie Attorneys, has denied any wrongdoing. The firm has stated it intends to challenge the tribunal's findings and maintains that Paulse acted lawfully and ethically throughout. Still, Casoojee remains determined. 'I want my children to know I never walked away. I was kept away,' he said. 'Minister Kubayi, please help fathers like me reclaim our rightful place in our children's lives.'
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Casoojee's plea to Justice Minister regarding his partenal struggle
Cape Town businessman Asif Casoojee has called on Justice Minister Mmamoloko 'Nkhensani' Kubayi to urgently intervene Image: File In an emotional and public plea, Cape Town businessman Asif Casoojee has called on Justice Minister Mmamoloko 'Nkhensani' Kubayi to urgently intervene in what he describes as a deeply painful legal struggle that has kept him separated from his children for more than a year. Casoojee accuses attorney Kaamilah Paulse, who represents his ex-wife, of manipulating the legal system to isolate him from his children and deny him meaningful access. Once married to Paulse, Casoojee says their post-divorce custody dispute has turned into a campaign of alienation, with him being systematically removed from his children's lives. Speaking to the media outside the Western Cape High Court this week, Casoojee described how his rights as a father have been eroded through what he calls calculated legal tactics. 'I am pleading with Minister Kubayi to look into this case. I have followed the law and respected the court process, but I am being punished for wanting to be a father. The system has been used to silence me.' Casoojee claims Paulse has overstepped her role as attorney, taking on functions beyond legal representation, such as appointing herself as the children's main school contact. Despite paying school fees and supporting his children financially, Casoojee says he is treated like an outsider. He recounted being denied entry to a Father's Day event in 2024, saying the school told him that Paulse was registered as next of kin. 'That day broke me,' he said. 'I was told I could not participate in an event made for fathers. My children saw that. They saw me being turned away.' Earlier this year, the Legal Practice Council's Appeals Tribunal found prima facie evidence that Paulse had committed professional misconduct. According to The Star and IOL, the case includes allegations of parental alienation, as well as an alleged attempt to condition Casoojee's access to his children on a R300,000 payment. The matter has since been referred to the LPC's Disciplinary Committee. Civil society organisations such as Fathers for Equality and Right to Justice have stepped in to support Casoojee's call for intervention. They argue that his case is not an isolated one, but part of a larger problem where fathers are stripped of rights due to unchecked legal practices. 'Too many fathers are being erased from their children's lives not because they are unfit, but because the system enables legal manipulation,' Casoojee said. 'This is not just about me. It is about the thousands of fathers who quietly suffer while their children grow up believing their dads abandoned them.' Attorney Kaamilah Paulse, through her law firm Herold Gie Attorneys, has denied any wrongdoing. The firm has stated it intends to challenge the tribunal's findings and maintains that Paulse acted lawfully and ethically throughout. Still, Casoojee remains determined. 'I want my children to know I never walked away. I was kept away,' he said. 'Minister Kubayi, please help fathers like me reclaim our rightful place in our children's lives.'
The Star
15-06-2025
- 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
15-06-2025
- 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.
