Action Society demands that the National Prosecuting Authority urgently finalise arrangements for a judicial inquest into Sheri-Ann Jacobs’s death after charges against her husband, Jacques Pretorius, were withdrawn in the Cape Town High Court today. Almost five years after her death, her family must now endure another legal process instead of the criminal trial they had waited for.
The matter is to return to Somerset West for a judicial inquest. The NPA must first complete the necessary procedural steps, and no hearing dates have been confirmed. According to feedback received from today’s proceedings, the same witnesses and evidence are expected to be presented at the inquest.
“This is a devastating setback for Sheri-Ann’s family. Today was supposed to mark the start of a trial after almost five years of waiting. Instead, the charges have been withdrawn, and they are left waiting for another hearing with no confirmed date. The NPA owes this family an apology for the ordeal and must act urgently to ensure that the inquest proceeds,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
Sheri-Ann died on 20 November 2021, shortly after marrying Pretorius. Her death was initially investigated as a suspected suicide and inquest matter, while her family maintained that the scene had been staged. The investigation continued for several years, including delays awaiting toxicology results.
Pretorius was arrested in March 2025 after new forensic evidence reportedly supported the conclusion that Sheri-Ann had been strangled and the scene staged. He faced charges including premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Before today’s appearance, Sheri-Ann’s father informed Action Society that the NPA had told him the charges would be withdrawn because the State pathologist was no longer prepared to state that the cause of death was strangulation and was unwilling to testify against the defence’s expert witness.
The inquest will examine the cause or likely cause of Sheri-Ann’s death and whether it resulted from an act or omission prima facie involving an offence by any person. Action Society is calling for all relevant evidence, including the conflicting forensic opinions, to be thoroughly examined.
“The withdrawal does not answer the questions surrounding Sheri-Ann’s death. Those questions must still be tested through evidence and testimony. The NPA must now give her family a clear timetable, keep them informed and ensure that this matter does not disappear into another prolonged cycle of delays,” says Du Preez.
Action Society also rejects criticism raised by the defence about the organisation’s statement before today’s proceedings. Its statement was based on information supplied by Sheri-Ann’s father about the decision communicated to him by the NPA.
“We will not apologise for demanding answers and supporting a bereaved family. We raised concerns about a withdrawal that the NPA had already communicated to Sheri-Ann’s father and that has now taken place in court. Criticism from the defence will not silence Action Society. Our demand remains that the evidence be properly examined and that Sheri-Ann’s family receive answers,” says Du Preez.
“Today’s outcome is deeply disappointing, but our pursuit of justice for Sheri-Ann continues. Her family has waited long enough. The NPA must move this process forward with urgency.”
