The long-awaited trial of Stephan Pretorius, accused of the brutal murder of his wife 42-year-old Charlene Pretorius, was expected to begin in the Pretoria High Court today, but proceedings were once again postponed after the defence claimed they could not continue without an outstanding toxicology report.
The State confirmed that the post-mortem report has been completed and that it was ready to proceed. However, the defence argued that they needed the toxicology report and additional time to consult with the accused. The defence also unsuccessfully requested that the case be provisionally struck from the court roll, alleging that Pretorius has been in custody for too long.
The presiding judge ordered the state to follow up immediately on the outstanding toxicology report and made it clear that further delays will not be tolerated. The call to the doctor in charge of the report was made while in court.
The charges stem from the horrific events of 27 May 2023, when Pretorius allegedly set Charlene alight in front of their teenage daughter at their home in Pretoria North. He allegedly watched her burn before fleeing the scene, while his parents and sister rushed the severely injured Charlene to hospital. Pretorius was later apprehended after his vehicle suffered a flat tyre.
Charlene’s murder followed years of domestic abuse. During their 16-year marriage, Pretorius repeatedly threatened to shoot Charlene and their children. She obtained several protection orders, all of which he violated. In February 2023, she filed for divorce and obtained her final protection order shortly before her death.
This case has now become another example of how forensic backlogs continue to delay justice for victims and families across South Africa. Action Society has consistently highlighted the crippling impact of outstanding forensic evidence – including DNA and toxicology reports – on thousands of gender-based violence and murder cases nationwide.
“We are deeply frustrated that the trial did not begin today,” said Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez. “Charlene’s family has waited far too long for justice. Every delay prolongs their trauma. Forensic backlogs like this are not administrative hiccups, they are a national crisis denying victims their right to justice.”
Action Society is once again calling on government to partner with the private sector to clear these backlogs.
“Public-private partnerships could resolve this crisis within months,” Du Preez added. “There are qualified laboratories and experts ready to assist, yet red tape and political paralysis keep the system frozen. Victims deserve more than promises; they deserve a functioning justice system that works for them.”
Action Society will continue to monitor proceedings and support Charlene’s family in their ongoing fight for justice.
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