Klerksdorp – Werniech Botha accused of the murder of Hilton Pretorius has appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court in the North West.
Pretorius died in hospital 18 days after being punched by Botha outside a pub in Klerksdorp in September.
Botha, who has been charged with one count of murder and another of attempted murder for punching another man at the same scene, appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor dealt with a discrepancy in Botha’s bail application affidavit.
While Botha stated under oath that he did not possess a passport, it emerged that he had travelled to Somalia, where he works, just days after Pretorius died.
Botha’s attorney placed on the record that the “seemingly perjurious” statement was an error on his part.
The anomaly had been pointed out by AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, which acts for Linda May, the mother of the deceased, and her son, Danie Pretorius.
The matter was postponed to 15 January 2024.
After proceedings, May said she appreciated the support AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit had provided to her and her family.
May approached the unit because of her concern that the police were not giving the matter the attention it deserved.
Her anxiety stems from the fact that the accused is well known in Klerksdorp and has family in the police and National Prosecuting Authority.
Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, attended court proceedings accompanied by several members of his team.
“We have a fairly uncomplicated yet essential brief, and that is to ensure that the case is fully investigated and all the available evidence is gathered and presented during trial,” said Advocate Nel.
“Our brief is to ensure that justice is done.
“We have identified areas that needed attention and we will monitor the case to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.”
