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Woman found guilty of killing her partner, and attempted murder of his mom

Damning evidence

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The court heard how, on the night of November 5, 2023, the woman called her ex-boyfriend to the house before leading him to her partner's bedroom.

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Antoinette Maritz has been found guilty of the premeditated murder of her partner, Wayne Henderson, and the attempted murder of his mother by the Pretoria High Court

The 37-year-old, from Petit, was also found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice after hearing detailed and damning evidence against her.

On April 15, 2025, her co-accused, Johan George Pratt, received a 30-year direct prison sentence after reaching a plea and sentencing agreement with the State.

"On arrival, Maritz opened the gate and allowed Pratt to enter through the window at the back of the house," National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said.

This set in motion a deadly chain of events inside the Suiderberg home she shared with the victim and his mother.

The court heard how, on the night of November 5, 2023, Maritz had called her ex-boyfriend, Pratt, to the house before leading him to Henderson's bedroom.

"Pratt began to assault the deceased and stab him multiple times on his body while he slept."

In a chilling sequence, the court found that the pair dragged his lifeless body to another room before hiding until morning. But the horror was far from over.

At dawn, the violence escalated further.

"Praat assaulted the deceased’s mother with an ashtray several times on her head, tied her up, and took her belongings," added Mahanjana.

The pair then loaded Henderson's body into his mother's vehicle, drove to a remote veld in Standerton, and dumped it before fleeing.

Despite Maritz pleading not guilty and denying any role in the crime, the State presented compelling evidence, including testimony from both Pratt and the surviving victim, which proved her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The matter has been adjourned to June 17 for sentencing.

THE POST