Domestic violence related double murder accused appears in court

Paul Prinsloo (61) appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court today for the alleged domestic violence related double murder of his wife, Catherina Magdalena Prinsloo (58) and stepdaughter, 31-year-old Ruzanne Weideman.

He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday, 6 December. The accused’s court appearance emanated from an apparent domestic violence incident reported at about 14:30 on Monday, 27 November 2023, in Kosmos, Hartbeespoortdam.

Allegedly, the accused was involved in an argument with his wife and stepdaughter. He then took a hunting rifle and allegedly shot both women who were declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS). Paul Prinsloo was arrested on the scene, shortly after the incident. The motive of the incident is yet to be determined.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena is appalled by the incident, which occurred at the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children, and at the victim’s own home where they were supposed to feel safe and that the crimes were regrettably perpetrated by someone who was supposed to be their protector.

He urged the public to work together with the police and various stakeholders to accelerate actions to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).