Prominent Cape Town attorney accused of demanding payment for father to see his children

Herold Gie Inc, Kaamilah Paulse is under intensifying scrutiny as fresh allegations emerge that her firm, acting for a mother in a heated custody dispute, allegedly demanded a R300 000 payment in exchange for a father to see his children. The fresh allegations are made by the father, Asif Casoojee, and his defence, Parkar Attorneys Incorporated.

The claim, described by legal experts as “unprecedented” and “deeply unethical if proven,” has now been added to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) investigation on Paulse.

The dispute stems from Casoojee's application to the Western Cape High Court earlier this year, seeking permission for his children to attend his brother’s wedding in Johannesburg. The father, separated from his children who live in Cape Town, argued that an interim court order entitled him to “as much contact as possible” with them.

Despite the children allegedly expressing enthusiasm for the trip—including the daughter choosing outfits and sending them to her father — Paulse, acting on behalf of the mother, refused the request.

In a shocking twist, Parker claims that Paulse’s team, through Advocate Adri Heese, made a settlement offer to him before the court hearing: Casoojee could have access to the children that weekend, if he paid R300 000 into the trust account of Herold Gie Attorneys.

“My client firmly instructed that his children are not items for sale and he was not prepared to pay over such a sum to Paulse in exchange for his children attending his brother’s wedding,” Parker told the court. “We were stunned. As legal practitioners, we have never been asked by an opposing side for money in return for access to one’s own children.”

The Western Cape High Court heard the urgent application in February 2025. Though the Family Advocate’s office supported the trip, noting it would “strengthen familial bonds,” the matter remains unresolved, and contact between Casoojee and his children continues to be contested.

This latest controversy comes on the back of a damning March 2025 ruling by the LPC Appeals Tribunal, which found prima facie evidence of professional misconduct by Paulse. The ruling has led to formal disciplinary proceedings.

The Tribunal found Paulse improperly obtained a protection order against Casoojee without proper service or due process and allegedly contributed to parental alienation by obstructing his access to school, medical, and emotional communication with his children.

The Tribunal also flagged Paulse’s alleged use of unlawfully obtained financial documents and her participation in a WhatsApp group where personal details about Casoojee’s business were circulated.

The Casoojee matter is not isolated. Paulse also faces allegations in a separate case brought by businessman Zamer Harneker, who has accused her of similar conduct during his custody battle. Harneker alleges Paulse interfered with his rights as a parent, citing instances of alienation and misuse of confidential financial information.

On a call with The Star’s editor, Paulse denied all accusations. “Adri Heese did no such thing. I will send a complete pack of what happened. Mr Casoojee gave you the wrong information. It is not my side of the story; it is my client’s side of the story. What he’s alleging is not true”

Previously, Paulse denied all wrongdoing. “We point out that the statement contained in your WhatsApp message is unsubstantiated, vague and lays no factual basis for the allegations made. Mr Harneker was, in fact, represented by an attorney during the course of his divorce proceedings, which were finalised in March 2024. We record that Ms Paulse denies the allegations made by Mr Harneker, as stated by you.”

Nonetheless, watchdog organisations, including Right to Justice and Fathers for Equality, have urged transparency and called for Paulse’s suspension pending the LPC’s final disciplinary determination.

In the past, Herold Gie Attorneys has echoed her sentiment, stating that the firm “strongly disagrees” with the Tribunal’s decision to refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee, and confirmed Paulse will challenge the findings.