Yesterday marked one year after Charlene Pretorius was set alight in front of her teenage daughter by her husband Stephan Pretorius. Stephan watched as she slowly died and he was apprehended after suffering a flat tire during his attempt to escape. Today, the monster from Pretoria North appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s court where the case was postponed to 26 July for a high court date. After her death Stephan continued to act belligerent and aggressive, going as far as to threaten his own children, saying he will burn them too.
Charlene’s marriage with Stephan was marked with violence and abuse. During their 16-year marriage he threatened to shoot her and the children. She obtained various protection orders, which he violated repeatedly. She filed for a divorce in February last year and obtained what would be her last protection order.
Charlene’s son says all he wants is closure and peace.
“I am still heartbroken about what happened to my mother, especially now that it’s exactly one year ago. I just want this case to be over with as soon as possible so I can move on with my life with the knowledge that my mother’s death wasn’t for nothing and that he is punished for what he did to her,” he said.
“Charlene’s family has been suffering for more than a year. The image of her mother being burnt alive will haunt her daughter for the rest of her life. The least we can do is ensure this monster is behind bars for life, and never given the chance to go near her children, or any other potential victims, ever again,” said Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez.
