After more than two years of delays, the murder trial of Nadia Lotz is finally gaining momentum in the Strand Regional Court, with chilling witness testimony painting a harrowing picture of her final moments.

Lotz, a 32-year-old mother of three, was brutally killed by her long-term boyfriend, Charles Apollis, in March 2023 while they were travelling in a car. Her throat was slit and she was stabbed multiple times in a a crime described by many as a senseless act of violence.

During his initial court appearances, Apollis indicated he would not apply for bail. However, proceedings stalled for over a year due to a series of legal tactics, including repeatedly changing defence lawyers, which led to numerous postponements.

In March 2024, the magistrate warned Apollis to secure legal representation through either private means or Legal Aid after his previous lawyer withdrew. Despite this, Apollis again requested a new lawyer in August, delaying the case further.

By September, the court had issued a final warning: if no defence lawyer was present at the next appearance, the trial would proceed without one. Still, when Apollis returned to court, his legal representative was absent once again.

The magistrate reprimanded him for wasting the court’s time, and the prosecutor expressed frustration at the continued delays. A date was set, and the matter finally proceeded on 19 February 2025, later postponed to 19 March. The trial formally commenced in July, with Apollis pleading not guilty.

At his most recent appearance on 10 July, a key witness who had been in the car with the couple on the night of the murder gave chilling evidence. She described how a casual outing spiralled into horror after Apollis became enraged when other men spoke to Lotz at a local pub.

According to the witness, Apollis picked them up from work, after which they stopped at a bottle store before relaxing at a park. Lotz needed a bathroom, and Apollis suggested a nearby pub. They stayed to play pool, where two men began chatting with Lotz. One kissed her on the cheek, triggering an argument between her and Apollis. They were asked to leave the premises.

While driving home, the witness said Apollis, seated in the back, suddenly leaned forward and slit Lotz’s throat. She described blood gushing from her best friend’s neck as she tried to intervene all while still driving.

Lotz reportedly tried to escape, opening the car door while it was still moving. Apollis then pushed her out. When the witness tried to help, he pointed the knife at her and said, “I’ll do the same to you. Drive to the police station.”

Once there, the witness said Apollis wiped the knife and handed it to someone nearby. She later saw her friend wrapped in foil.

The case has been postponed to 24 July for further trial.

Civil rights organisation Action Society, which has been monitoring the case closely, welcomed the trial’s progress.

Kaylynn Palm, spokesperson and head of the Action Centre, said:

“Action Society will continue to attend proceedings and support Nadia’s grieving family.

“Every postponement deepens the trauma for families and undermines faith in the rule of law. That’s why Action Society remains present not only in courtrooms, but also alongside the families, offering support and demanding accountability. We are committed to ensuring that justice is not delayed indefinitely and that the voices of victims are never forgotten.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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