Kareedouw Guesthouse Owner Convicted of Double Murder Due to Gas Leak Negligence

March 5, 2025 SAPAC Reporter

Kareedouw guest house murder conviction

In a landmark ruling that underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations in South Africa's hospitality industry, The convicted, a 47-year-old guesthouse owner from Kareedouw, was convicted of double murder. The Gqeberha Regional Court found Pretorius responsible for the tragic deaths of an engaged couple, Mari Hoon (28) and her fiancé, Jean Vosloo (25), who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to a gas leak from a faulty geyser at his establishment. Algoa FM

Incident Overview

In April 2020, Hoon and Vosloo were discovered lifeless in the bathroom of Pretorius's guesthouse. Toxicology reports confirmed that the couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning, a direct result of a gas leak from a geyser on the property. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the bathroom geyser lacked a flue pipe necessary to expel poisonous gases, leading to the fatal accumulation of carbon Algoa FM

Court Proceedings and Verdict

Magistrate Vusiwe Mnyani, presiding over the case, highlighted Pretorius's blatant disregard for guest safety. Despite being alerted to gas exposure issues on at least three prior occasions, Pretorius failed to engage qualified professionals to rectify the defects. Instead, he arrogantly considered himself an expert due to his personal experience with gas from a young age. The court found his attempts to deflect blame onto the geyser manufacturer unconvincing, emphasizing that his inaction, despite clear warnings, endangered his guests' lives. Algoa FM

The court further determined that Pretorius possessed the necessary criminal intent, labeling him an unreliable witness with a highly improbable version of events. State Prosecutor Johan Jansen successfully proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Pretorius's conviction on two counts of murder. Algoa FM

Guest Testimonies and Prior Warnings

During the trial, testimonies from previous guests revealed a disturbing pattern. Several had reported smelling gas and experiencing symptoms such as nausea, disorientation, severe headaches, seizures, vomiting, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. Despite these alarming reports, Pretorius dismissed the concerns, failing to take corrective action. Algoa FM

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards

This case brings to light the critical importance of adhering to South Africa's gas installation regulations. According to the Pressure Equipment Regulations promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, all gas installations must possess a Certificate of Conformity. This certificate ensures that installations have been inspected and deemed safe and leak-free by an authorized person registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS). Pressure Equipment Regulations

Furthermore, the South African National Standard (SANS) 10087-1:2013 specifies requirements for materials, construction methods, and installation of equipment used in liquefied petroleum gas applications for domestic and commercial installations. Compliance with these standards is mandatory to ensure safety and prevent incidents like the one at Pretorius's guesthouse. (SANS 10087-1:2013)

Industry Implications

The conviction of Pretorius serves as a stern warning to the hospitality industry about the consequences of neglecting safety regulations. Guesthouse owners and operators must ensure that all gas installations comply with national safety standards and that any reported issues are promptly addressed by qualified professionals. Failure to do so not only endangers lives but also exposes proprietors to severe legal repercussions.

Family Reactions

The families of the deceased expressed relief at the judgment. Maria Hoon, Mari's mother, stated that after four long years, they were grateful that justice had been served. Vosloo's mother, Christel, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional toll the incident had taken on both families. Algoa FM

Rationale on this Accident

This tragic accident underscores the non-negotiable importance of compliance with safety regulations in the hospitality sector. Guesthouse owners and operators must prioritize the well-being of their guests by ensuring that all facilities meet the required safety standards. Regular inspections, prompt responses to reported issues, and adherence to legal requirements are essential to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.