A case that has affected families and drawn attention in the Eastern Cape, including around Jeffreys Bay where the Vosloo family held a joint funeral service in 2020, continues to generate discussion in our broader community.
Kevin Pretorius, owner of the Kliphuis Guesthouse on Zuuranys farm near Kareedouw, was convicted in the Gqeberha Regional Court on two counts of murder (under the doctrine of dolus eventualis) in connection with the April 2020 deaths of Mari Hoon (28) and Jéan Vosloo (25) from carbon monoxide poisoning at the property. In February 2026, he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently (effective 10 years). Pretorius is currently serving the sentence at St Albans prison following the denial of bail pending appeal.
However, the magistrate granted leave to appeal against both the conviction and the sentence, describing aspects of the case as “very unusual” and noting that another court might reach a different conclusion on the factual findings.
In community discussions and family statements, questions have been raised about elements of the investigation, trial process, and handling of the matter—such as evidence review, timelines during the early COVID period, and whether the intent threshold for murder was fully met. One family side (the Hoons) has expressed ongoing doubts and a wish for further examination, while others maintain the outcome reflects justice served.
A new legal team for Pretorius is preparing the appeal, with mentions in online community spaces of efforts to cover costs for independent forensic assessments and related legal expenses.
This matter involves people connected to our region, and many locals are following the developments closely. Reliable information can be found in reports from the National Prosecuting Authority, Algoa FM, IOL, and Daily Maverick.
