PODCAST | 'Let’s kill her' — The matricide of Santa Pretorius

In 2001, Santa Pretorius became a victim of matricide when her 16-year-old daughter, known in the press at the time as Eve, and her boyfriend, known as Adam, stabbed and strangled her to death while she slept.

Police in Elukwatini have arrested six suspects aged between 16 and 19 in connection with the murder of a fellow pupil. Stock photo.
Police in Elukwatini have arrested six suspects aged between 16 and 19 in connection with the murder of a fellow pupil. Stock photo. (123RF/ Markus Schnessl)

Matricide is the killing of one’s own mother. It’s a crime that is, perhaps, only made more unthinkable when the perpetrator is a minor.

In 2001, Santa Pretorius became a victim of matricide when her 16-year-old daughter, known in the press at the time as Eve, and her boyfriend, known as Adam, stabbed and strangled her to death while she slept.

The investigation and ensuing trial would reveal a downward spiral of drugs, alleged neglect and teenage angst that culminated in an orgy of violence.

Listen to the story here: 

In episode 72 of True Crime South Africa, we delve into the murder of a mother who seemingly only ever wanted to help her daughter and why in “Eve’s” mind that care became a motive for murder.  

For more episodes, click here.

Community Intervention Centre (24-hour trauma helpline): 082-821-3447

Join the conversation on Twitter at #TrueCrimeSA

E-mail the show: wordsmith195@gmail.com


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