Action Society invites members of the media to attend the expected judgment in the murder trial of Nadia Lotz, scheduled to be delivered on 20 February 2026 at the Strand Regional Court.
The matter returns to court following closing arguments presented on 30 January 2026. The prosecution argued that it has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and described the accused Charles Appolis’ version as false and contradictory to the objective evidence. The State maintained that eyewitness testimony, forensic findings and photographic evidence firmly place Appolis as the attacker.
In contrast, the defence attacked the credibility of the State’s witnesses and advanced an alternative version, alleging that Lotz’s co-worker had a motive and may have committed the attack from the back seat. The defence further suggested that Appolis was driving the vehicle at the time and was himself stabbed while attempting to assist Lotz.
After hearing both sides, the Magistrate postponed the matter for final judgment on 20 February 2026.
Nadia Lotz was brutally murdered on 4 March 2023. She was stabbed three times and had her throat slit while seated in a vehicle. In a desperate attempt to escape, she leapt from the moving car and later succumbed to her injuries.
This case has already endured numerous delays, placing immense emotional strain on Nadia’s family. The judgment on 20 February is expected to bring long awaited clarity and accountability nearly three years after her death.
Members of the media are invited to attend:
Date: 20 February 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: Strand Regional Court, 1 Gordon’s Bay Road, Strand, Cape Town
Action Society’s Head of the Action Centre in the Western Cape, Kaylynn Palm, said the organisation will continue to stand alongside the family. “Nadia’s family has endured nearly three years of postponements, contradictions and courtroom trauma. The evidence has been fully ventilated before court. We now expect a judgment that reflects the seriousness of the violence inflicted on Nadia and restores faith in the rule of law.”
Action Society will be present in court and remains committed to oversight that ensures transparency and accountability in the justice process.
