Action Society has been officially mandated to provide oversight in the murder case against Jacques Pretorius, the founding Managing Director of Absa iDirect who also served on the joint executive committee of Absa Insurance Company and Absa iDirect.
Pretorius was arrested on 11 March 2025 at his home in Somerset West. Initially, his wife’s death was treated as a suicide. However, new forensic evidence led investigators to conclude that Sheri Ann was strangled and that the crime scene had been staged to mislead authorities. Pretorius faces charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice. He pleaded not guilty and was granted R 5 000 bail during his first appearance in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court.
The case returned to Court C at the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2025. Proceedings did not go ahead, as the prosecution requested more time to complete investigations and add further charges. At this appearance, the defence also requested that Pretorius’s bail conditions be amended so he would only report to the police on Wednesdays between 08:00 and 20:00—rather than three times a week. The court granted this request. The case was postponed to 4 July 2025.
Action Society will closely monitor all future developments in this matter to ensure due process is followed and accountability is maintained. “It took years for this case to be taken seriously,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “Now that the truth has started to come to light, we will ensure it is not buried again. Our oversight role is to protect the integrity of the investigation and court proceedings, and to help ensure justice for Sheri Ann.”
Media Invitation
Members of the press are invited to attend the upcoming court appearance of Jacques Pretorius:
Date: Friday, 4 July 2025
Time: 08:00
Venue: Somerset West Magistrate’s Court, Courtroom C
Address: 33 Caledon Street, Somerset West, 7130, Western Cape
