A man who is facing murder charges following a violent altercation in a parking lot in Klerksdorp, North West, has not fled his trial. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the accused, Wernich Botha, works in Somalia and has returned to work in that country.
NPA spokesperson in the North West division, Henry Mamothame, stated, “The State has verified with his employer that he works in Somalia. We are aware that he has returned to work.”
Mamothame also clarified that the court did not impose any restrictions on Botha’s movement when he was granted bail of R2,000. He emphasized that it would be premature to speculate on Botha’s appearance in court next month, adding, “We know he works in Somalia… call me when he does not honour his next court date.”
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The investigating officer took Botha’s passport upon his arrest but returned it after bail was granted. “We know he works in Somalia. He was given back his passport for work purposes. His movement is not restricted,” Mamothame explained.
Botha is facing murder charges in connection with the death of Hilton Pretorius, whom he allegedly assaulted on September 2 in the parking lot. Pretorius spent more than two weeks in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Tshepong Hospital
. Botha is also accused of assaulting PW Roos, and the charge against him is assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The attempted murder charge in the Pretorius case is expected to be changed to murder at Botha’s next court appearance on October 19.
The incident, captured on video, went viral on social media platforms, resulting in Botha’s arrest. News24 reported that Botha left South Africa just days after Pretorius died in the hospital. However, Pretorius’ family revealed that they were misled. Danie Pretorius, the victim’s brother, expressed his disappointment, saying, “I spoke to the police, and they told me that they could not confirm if he had left the country and that I should contact the NPA for confirmation.” The Pretorius family is doubtful that Botha will return to face trial for the murder.
The NPA’s Mamothame reassured the public, stating, “We expect the accused to be present in court on October 19.”
