Nadia Lotz murder trial faces potential dismissal after years of delays
The Defence in the nearly three-year-long trial of mother of three, Nadia Lotz, has indicated that they intend to bring a Section 174 application for acquitta, a move that could see the accused discharged without ever presenting a defence.
Nadia was brutally murdered in March 2023 when her long-term partner, Charles Apollis, slit her throat and stabbed her multiple times inside a moving vehicle. Witnesses recalled her desperate attempt to escape by jumping from the car before collapsing and dying in the arms of a stranger who tried to save her.
The State’s key witness previously told the court that when she tried to help her friend who had blood gushing from her throat, Apollis allegedly also threatened her, this was when Nadia jumped out of he moving car.
After more than two years of delays, the State closed its case on 18 September 2025, submitting all evidence including the post-mortem, death certificate, identification statement and transport records.
The Defence has now indicated it will argue on 27 October that the State has not presented enough evidence to justify continuing with the trial.
The magistrate has stressed that the matter will not be allowed to drag on further and is expected to rule shortly after the application is heard.
For Nadia’s father, Hendrik Lotz, the endless postponements have been devastating. “The case has been postponed again. We hope that on the 27th October we know what exactly is for what because too many times we needed to sit here and listen to excuses. Hopefully this time it’s the final postponement.”
Civil society groups have also voiced alarm. Kaylynn Palm, head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, said: “These delays are not just technicalities, they are retraumatising victims’ families, silencing communities, and undermining faith in the justice system.
“Every postponement sends a message to survivors and families that their pain can wait, while perpetrators continue to manipulate the system. Justice must be swift and sure, or it is no justice at all.”
The case continues on 27 October 2025 at the Strand Magistrates Court.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za