Members of the media are invited to attend the sentencing proceedings of Charles Appolis, who was found guilty of the brutal murder of Nadia Lotz. The sentencing will take place at the Strand Regional Court.
Date: 19 March 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: Strand Regional Court, Strand
Nadia Lotz was murdered on 4 March 2023 during a violent attack inside a moving vehicle. At the time, the vehicle was occupied by Nadia, her best friend who was driving, and the accused, Charles Appolis, who was seated behind her.
Evidence before court showed that Appolis allegedly leaned forward from the back seat and attacked Lotz in the confined space of the vehicle, stabbing her fifteen times and slitting her throat. In a desperate attempt to escape the violence, Lotz opened the door and leapt from the moving vehicle, collapsing on the road with catastrophic injuries. She died shortly afterwards despite efforts by members of the public to assist her.
After a protracted legal process lasting 1 084 days, the court rejected the accused’s version of events and found him guilty of murder.
Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, says the sentencing marks another important milestone for the victim’s family. “While no sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by Nadia’s family, sentencing represents an important step in ensuring that accountability follows conviction. Justice must not end with a guilty verdict. It must be carried through to a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime and affirms the value of the victim’s life.”
Action Society will be present at court and will continue to support the family during the sentencing proceedings.
Members of the media who wish to attend are encouraged to arrive ahead of proceedings to ensure access to the courtroom. Action Society representatives will be available for comment at court.
