By OBAKENG MAJE
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) said it was shocked to report that, Klerksdorp parking lot assault victim, Hilton Pretorius (32) had on Wednesday, succumbed to his injuries in hospital and died. The MRM Provincial Interim Committee convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said, they call for the R2000 bail granted to the accused, Wernich Botha (33), who was arrested in connection with the vicious attack to be immediately revoked.
“We send our heartfelt condolence messages to the Pretorius family and condemn the incident that cost the life of their son as tragic and heart-wrenching. It would be miscarriage of justice for the accused to freely roam our streets and to be only formally charged with murder when he appears in court on the 19 October 2023.
“The rule of law must be upheld and justice seen to be done for the bereaved family to find closure. This development will undoubtedly further complicate the life of Botha, who had allegedly run amok in a fit of rage instead of sensibly processing the situation, exercising restraint, and walking away from it after finding his girlfriend with Pretorius who was her ex,” he said.
Kgwele highlighted that, the vicious attack has not only destroyed the lives of two young men who were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Natasha Fisher, but also affected PW Roos who was among the men that were allegedly also attacked by the enraged Botha at the scene.
He further said, Roos purportedly had to get 17 stiches, suffered a concussion and injuries to his shoulder after he was floored by Botha’s powerful punch like Pretorius.
“We urge men who are experiencing pressure in their relationships to seek professional help, instead of taking matters into their own hands. Violence is not an answer. We must as part of reclaiming community moral values outlined in the Charter of Positive Values, promote fidelity as well as counter senseless violence including aggressive and rude behaviour,” added Kgwele.
The Guardian 