Action Society has issued an urgent appeal to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to take immediate steps to prevent the murder case of Sheri-Ann Pretorius from collapsing due to prosecutorial inefficiency.
The accused, Jacques Pretorius, stands charged with Sheri-Ann’s murder, yet the matter has been repeatedly delayed in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court. On 29 August 2025, the case was again postponed to 18 September after the defence indicated that they had received only a fraction of the particulars requested from the State.
Sheri-Ann was found dead in November 2021. Her death was initially treated as a suicide, but subsequent evidence suggested that the crime scene had been staged. Family members and investigators raised serious concerns, pointing to inconsistencies and forensic findings that contradicted the suicide theory. These findings led to Jacques Pretorius being charged with her murder.
“These constant postponements are unacceptable,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “Sheri-Ann’s life was brutally taken, and her family has been forced to endure years of uncertainty. The State’s inefficiency creates the very real risk that this case could be struck from the roll. That would be a grave miscarriage of justice.”
Action Society emphasised that the initial mishandling of the case, wrongly classifying Sheri-Ann’s death as a suicide despite mounting evidence to the contrary, has already eroded public confidence in the justice system. Any further delay will only reinforce the perception that justice is inaccessible to victims of violent crime, particularly women.
“We call on the NPA to ensure that the prosecution team is properly resourced and prepared, that all outstanding particulars are immediately disclosed, and that this case is monitored at the highest level,” added Du Preez. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and the Pretorius family deserves closure and accountability.”
Action Society further commended assigned Advocate Kepler Uys for his professionalism in handling the matter under difficult circumstances, but warned that systemic inefficiencies were undermining his ability to prosecute effectively.
“Prosecutors must be empowered and supported to do their jobs. The NPA cannot allow inefficiency and delay to deny Sheri-Ann her justice,” Du Preez concluded.
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