Action Society remains committed to securing justice for Charlene Pretorius after the State closed its case in her murder trial today. The court admitted a statement by the accused’s late father, heard testimony about petrol found in bottles in a vehicle, and received confirmation of a protection order contravention attached to the case.
Charlene was allegedly doused with petrol and set alight at her Pretoria North home on 27 May 2023. She later died in hospital from her injuries. Her husband, Stephan Pretorius, is standing trial for her murder.
“Charlene sought protection through the courts, yet her family is now fighting for justice after her horrific death. Today’s testimony again brings the protection order into focus. Police must treat breaches as urgent threats to a woman’s safety and act before violence escalates,” says Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society.
Proceedings began with the judge ruling that a statement made by Willem Pretorius, Stephan’s deceased father, was admissible as evidence.
Constable Drienie Pretorius, who initially investigated the case, then testified. She confirmed that Willem’s statement described Stephan driving into and damaging the gate, as well as the Uno driven by Charlene’s son, Jason Venter.
According to Willem’s statement, he also found three Jägermeister bottles and a cola bottle containing petrol in one of Stephan’s other vehicles. Constable Pretorius further confirmed that a contravention of a protection order was attached to the case.
Following the closure of the State’s case, the defence indicated that it intends to bring an application for discharge under section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Such an application asks the court to acquit the accused at the close of the prosecution’s case if there is no evidence upon which a reasonable court could convict.
The application has not yet been heard. It is scheduled for 19 November 2026, when the trial continues.
“Charlene’s family has already waited more than three years. They deserve a thoroughly prepared prosecution and a fair assessment of all the evidence before the court. Action Society will continue to press for justice for Charlene and support her family through this process,” says Du Preez.
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