Charlene’s murder on 27 May 2023 shocked Pretoria.
11 May 2026 -almost 3 years later YET ANOTHER DELAY.
The matter took an unexpected turn this morning when the accused’s legal representative, Adv Jacobs, brought an application to withdraw from the case. The defence raised concerns regarding an incomplete state post mortem report.
According to the defence, they intend relying on certain medical aspects allegedly not addressed in the original report and would like to obtain a private post mortem report. However, the accused cannot afford the services of a private pathologist.
Court adjourned briefly for state prosecutor Adv Molokome to explore possible alternatives through Legal Aid.
42-year-old Charlene Pretorius, who was killed after being set alight allegedly by her husband Stephan Pretorius in May 2023 repeatedly sought protection having endured years of domestic abuse during her 16-year marriage.
The matter appeared in the Pretoria High Court on Monday, 27 October 2025, but was moved to Tuesday due to the presiding judge being ill. On Tuesday, 28 October, the case was postponed again because the toxicology report remains outstanding.
The matter was postponed for 2–6 February 2026.
While the post-mortem report is complete, the outstanding toxicology report has again stalled progress. This is symptomatic of the wider DNA and forensic backlog that continues to cripple prosecutions across South Africa. Latest public figures indicate that around 140 000 DNA-related cases remain outstanding nationwide, a crisis that directly undermines timely justice for victims and their families.
Charlene’s murder on 27 May 2023 shocked Pretoria. Having endured years of domestic abuse during her 16-year marriage, she had repeatedly sought protection from her husband, Stephan Pretorius, who threatened to shoot her and their children and violated multiple court protection orders. She filed for divorce and obtained her final protection order in February 2023. On that tragic day she was doused with petrol and set alight by her husband in front of their teenage daughter. He fled the scene, leaving her for dead; although family rushed her to hospital, she succumbed to her injuries a few days later. The children are now left without their mother, and the case has become a painful symbol of how victims of gender-based violence often wait far too long for justice while critical forensic work remains undone.
Action Society will remain present in court, support Charlene’s family, and continue to demand swift, diligent prosecution so that justice is not delayed any further.
thank you : actionsociety.co.za
Police investigations are continuing. REMEMBER keep your eyes peeled and report ALL crime. If you know anything about this case or any similar crimes, Kindly consider to do the right thing. Call SAPS Crime line 086 00 10 111 OR download The My SAPS App. It's FREE and you could save a life. Teach your children how to use The My SAPS App. You can aslo call or visit your local police station. Call 10 111. #MySAPSApp. #WANTED #murder #StopGBV #NoBail #ChildRape #StopRape For the full story click on the link : ercwn.blogspot.com
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