Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Media statements | Private prosecution Media statements

Private Prosecution Unit briefed to ensure alleged murder that went viral is properly investigated

ByAfriForum 19/10/202319/10/2023

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has taken the first steps towards ensuring justice prevails in the alleged murder of Hilton Pretorius, following intervention from AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit. Pretorius died in hospital 18 days after being punched by Werniech Botha outside a pub in Klerksdorp in September. Botha has been charged with one count of murder and another of attempted murder for punching another man at the same scene.

The unit acts for Linda May, the mother of the deceased, and her son, Danie Pretorius. She approached the unit because of concern that the police were not giving the matter the attention it deserves. Her anxiety stems from the fact that the accused is well known in Klerksdorp and has family in the police and NPA.

Today in court, the prosecutor dealt with a discrepancy in Botha’s bail application affidavit, which was identified by the unit and raised in a letter sent to the authorities last week. While Botha stated under oath that he did not possess a passport, yet travelled to Somalia where he works, just days after Pretorius died. Botha’s attorney placed on the record that the seemingly perjurious statement was in fact an error on his part.

Adv. Gerrie Nel, head of the 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.

“Our brief is to ensure that justice is done,” said Nel, who also referred to the letter sent to the SAPS and NPA. “We have identified areas that needed attention and we will monitor the case to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.”

After proceedings, May said she appreciated the support the unit had provided to her and her family.

The matter was postponed to 15 January 2024.