Jackie Pretorius, one of the most colourful characters SA motor racing has produced, and a driver in a couple of SAGPs in the 70s, was attacked in his home this week and savagely beaten up.
No need to go into the details; anyone familiar with the out of control crime situation in South Africa can figure it out.
He is on a ventilator in the trauma intensive care unit at the Sunninghill hospital in Sandton and was due to have a brain scan. He has severe facial injuries, among others.
Jackie lost his wife in a similar attack a couple of years ago. He was also injured in this attack and spent a long time in hospital.
Jackie Pretorius 1934-2009
Started by
Hieronymus
, Mar 05 2009 09:57
90 replies to this topic
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#2
fines
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 10:00
Sad news! 
Get well, soon, Jackie!!!
Get well, soon, Jackie!!!
#3
David McKinney
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 10:49
Appalling 
I'm sure all our thoughts are with him
I'm sure all our thoughts are with him
#4
Vitesse2
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 11:42
I can only echo Michael and David. 
Please keep us informed, Marius.
Please keep us informed, Marius.
#5
Speedy27
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 11:54
My thoughts are very much with you at this needlessly tragic time, Jackie - and willing you on to add a full and quick recovery to your long list of victories.
#6
ex Rhodie racer
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 12:05
You have no idea of the anger this news envokes in a normally placid person like me. 
Cowardly bastards.
I had the pleasure of spending time in Jackie´s company many, many years ago, and he is a great guy. Get well Jackie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you boet.
Cowardly bastards. I had the pleasure of spending time in Jackie´s company many, many years ago, and he is a great guy. Get well Jackie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you boet.
#7
Elford68
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 18:43
What a sad new. I think that there were more South African known drivers victim of attacks like this.
#8
barrykm
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 19:03
Holding out good thoughts for Jackie...
According to Jeremy Clarkson, Johannesburg is a place for softies...
According to Jeremy Clarkson, Johannesburg is a place for softies...
#9
Richard Jenkins
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Posted 05 March 2009 - 19:14
Terrible news. One only hopes he recovers physically quickly, and the mental scars don't take too long to heal either.
This is a bit of a worry - I'm likely to visit South Africa (Rustenberg) in 2010 - is it really that dangerous now that innocent people are being beaten in their homes?
This is a bit of a worry - I'm likely to visit South Africa (Rustenberg) in 2010 - is it really that dangerous now that innocent people are being beaten in their homes?
#10
barrykm
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Posted 06 March 2009 - 04:10
Originally posted by Richie Jenkins
Terrible news. One only hopes he recovers physically quickly, and the mental scars don't take too long to heal either.
This is a bit of a worry - I'm likely to visit South Africa (Rustenberg) in 2010 - is it really that dangerous now that innocent people are being beaten in their homes?
Generally quite OK for visitors Richie, but as with most countries there are no-go areas and sensible precautions to be taken. The kind of attack that I presume was visited on poor Jackie is where one is a 'sitting-duck' at home - but I don't know the details.
#11
Hieronymus
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Posted 06 March 2009 - 17:42
Jackie still in ICU and under sedation. Visitors allowed in for short periods, so perhaps it is a good sign.
#12
barrykm
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Posted 07 March 2009 - 05:08
Originally posted by Hieronymus
Jackie still in ICU and under sedation. Visitors allowed in for short periods, so perhaps it is a good sign.
Grateful for your updates, please keep them coming.
#13
Allen Brown
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Posted 07 March 2009 - 15:22
I have only just read this. What shocking news. I hope Jackie is able to recover fully from this and he can be better protected in the future.
I didn't realise things were quite that bad in South Africa.
I didn't realise things were quite that bad in South Africa.
#14
Hieronymus
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Posted 07 March 2009 - 15:50
Originally posted by Allen Brown
I have only just read this. What shocking news. I hope Jackie is able to recover fully from this and he can be better protected in the future.
I didn't realise things were quite that bad in South Africa.
The "outside world" don't know 1% of the situation here. SA has the highest murder & rape rate in the world. Elderly people and children are sitting ducks. Crime and corruption is out of control. Criminals are all over. Protection means nothing, if you are not safe in your own home. I'll leave it there, since I do not want to ruin this thread.
#15
Hieronymus
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Posted 16 March 2009 - 12:57
I just received a message from David Pearson, following a visit to Jackie Pretorius. David says that poor Jackie looks very damaged and that he has a nose tube to assist his breathing. David took some messages of old racing drivers along as well as a printout of this TNF thread
Jackie appreciated the messages and he said, "They say I'm making progress, but today, I don't know why, but I'm feeling ****."
A 'lot of the guys', Eddie Keizan, Dave Charlton, Peter de Klerk etc. have called in and the staff too said he has had lots of visitors.
Jackie appreciated the messages and he said, "They say I'm making progress, but today, I don't know why, but I'm feeling ****."
A 'lot of the guys', Eddie Keizan, Dave Charlton, Peter de Klerk etc. have called in and the staff too said he has had lots of visitors.
#16
Alan Cox
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Posted 16 March 2009 - 15:31
Thanks for the further update, Hieronymus. Please continue to keep us posted.
#17
Vitesse2
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Posted 16 March 2009 - 15:44
Thanks Marius. Were I religious, my prayers would be with Jackie. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery ....
#18
barrykm
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Posted 16 March 2009 - 16:55
Jeez....here's praying that Jackie makes a good recovery...
#19
zahistorics
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Posted 27 March 2009 - 23:43
Get well soon Jackie.
Hieronymus, any further news?
Hieronymus, any further news?
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#20
Hieronymus
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 09:26
David Pearson visited Jackie again this week, but it seems that Jackie is really in bad shape and that his prognosis is still difficult to judge. One would surely like to attend to his mental health as well, considering the trauma that he went through. David says that every little bit of support and messages from friends and enthusiast are highlights of the day for Jackie.
#21
fines
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 09:40
Sounds like it is his toughest race...
PULL THROUGH, JACKIE!!!!
PULL THROUGH, JACKIE!!!!
#22
rwhitworth
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 09:49
Let me add to the good wishes here. Jackie is a hero of mine from the years I was a regular spectator at Kyalami (1968-1973), and I've recently been enjoying reading more about his exploits in the Greg Mills book on Paddy Driver.
Get well soon, Jackie!
Get well soon, Jackie!
#23
Giraffe
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 10:03
...A good enough driver in his day to be called up by Frank Williams to replace an injured Nanni Galli in the 1973 South African GP and brilliant in the 1971 season with the Team Gunston Brabham BT26A.
By giraffe138
74 now, but still a winner I'm sure. All the best Jackie.
By giraffe138
74 now, but still a winner I'm sure. All the best Jackie.
#24
zakeriath
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 10:15
Sadly what happened to Jackie is now an all too common occurance, its one the main reasons I left SA afer a close friend was murdered in a similar way, and with still a lot of relatives and friends out there I still worry.
Get well soon Jackie, it was a pleasure meeting you and having the opportunity to talk to you way back when.
Get well soon Jackie, it was a pleasure meeting you and having the opportunity to talk to you way back when.
#25
Hieronymus
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 11:00
Several years ago, I was in regular contact with Jackie and his late wife. Here is a nice article that she gave me and that I wish to share with you all. A very fitting title, I think:
#27
barrykm
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 16:58
Big strongs to you Jackie, please get well! 
#28
fines
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Posted 28 March 2009 - 17:50
"The man who never gives up" -
#29
Hieronymus
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:16
Sorry to inform you, but Jackie passed away this morning. David Pearson tells me that Jackie suffered a heart attack.
#30
zahistorics
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:24
RIP Jackie. So sad.
You can read more here in an announcement on a South African site: http://www.africanmu....php?f=5&t=2319
You can read more here in an announcement on a South African site: http://www.africanmu....php?f=5&t=2319
#32
Gabrci
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:38
This is just shocking, an innocent, good man attacked in his home and beaten to death just for fun? Maybe I'm too naive, but this is beyond me.
RIP Jackie
RIP Jackie
#33
barrykm
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:45
Oh my word, very very sad news.
R.I.P. Jackie.
R.I.P. Jackie.
#34
Vitesse2
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:58
Thank you for letting us know, Marius.
A very sad end for a fine racing driver 
A very sad end for a fine racing driver
#35
Giraffe
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 12:09
Quite awful that a hero like Jackie should be battered to death in his own home after losing his wife in similar circumstances.
Ten years ago exactly I went down to Johannesburg on business to visit Mick Formato who used to race Formula Ford with some success against Scheckter, and his son Gary, the voice of F1 South Africa (I am told) and winner of the Kyalami 9 hours. It was at the time of the "taxi wars" when cab companies were machine gunning down their rival's customers. I stayed in Sandton, and witnessed no violence of any sort in that pretty but sanitised part of town. It did amaze me at the time how many of Mick's employees had been carjacked at sometime, and they seemed to consider it part of daily life.
By sheer coincidence, a day after my return to the UK I spoke with the author Wilbur Smith who I recall lived in Capetown. He told me a then recent story of his new nextdoor neighbour moving in without security fencing, floodlights, alarms etc for the first few days. He too had an uninvited nocturnal visitor whom he engaged in a violent tussle, eventually restraining him. It was at this point when he asked his wife to phone for the Police that the intruder advised him not to do so as he would get a short prison sentence after which he would return to rape his wife and burn his house down. The neighbour told his wife not to bother making the phonecall and to bring him his revolver................
Ten years ago exactly I went down to Johannesburg on business to visit Mick Formato who used to race Formula Ford with some success against Scheckter, and his son Gary, the voice of F1 South Africa (I am told) and winner of the Kyalami 9 hours. It was at the time of the "taxi wars" when cab companies were machine gunning down their rival's customers. I stayed in Sandton, and witnessed no violence of any sort in that pretty but sanitised part of town. It did amaze me at the time how many of Mick's employees had been carjacked at sometime, and they seemed to consider it part of daily life.
By sheer coincidence, a day after my return to the UK I spoke with the author Wilbur Smith who I recall lived in Capetown. He told me a then recent story of his new nextdoor neighbour moving in without security fencing, floodlights, alarms etc for the first few days. He too had an uninvited nocturnal visitor whom he engaged in a violent tussle, eventually restraining him. It was at this point when he asked his wife to phone for the Police that the intruder advised him not to do so as he would get a short prison sentence after which he would return to rape his wife and burn his house down. The neighbour told his wife not to bother making the phonecall and to bring him his revolver................
#37
Hieronymus
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 12:38
What angers me the most, about this attack and others, is that criminals and savages are allowed to control this country and idiots like FIFA wants to host a world cup here! These hypocrites washed out their mouths regularly about the previous government in South Africa, but they are completely silent now about crime, corruption, incompetence, etc. of the current group of clowns that "govern" South Africa and the fact that more than 50% of politicians have some sort of criminal record. Anything from theft, rape, assault and even murder.
When will they wake up to these facts? Jackie is now the third top driver that was killed here by the hands of thugs. Meyer Botha and John McNicol suffered the same fate.
When will they wake up to these facts? Jackie is now the third top driver that was killed here by the hands of thugs. Meyer Botha and John McNicol suffered the same fate.
#38
Giraffe
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:19
I love South Africa, it's a beautiful and friendly for the most part country, but it is far too dangerous a place to hold a major sporting or any other event there. South Africans have in my experience at least become conditioned to the danger and just live with it. If I was given an all expenses paid freebie to the World Cup, I would politely decline it, I'm very sorry to say. I'm pretty sure that it will all end in tears.
#39
ZA Perana
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:28
Originally posted by Giraffe
I love South Africa, it's a beautiful and friendly for the most part country, but it is far too dangerous a place to hold a major sporting or any other event there. South Africans have in my experience at least become conditioned to the danger and just live with it. If I was given an all expenses paid freebie to the World Cup, I would politely decline it, I'm very sorry to say. I'm pretty sure that it will all end in tears.
Sad but true....
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#40
zahistorics
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:40
Guys, not to negate the violence that killed Jackie, or you comments about it, they merit discussion.
But here in this thread lets rather keep this as a memorial to the the man.
But here in this thread lets rather keep this as a memorial to the the man.
#41
Hieronymus
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:56
Originally posted by zahistorics
Guys, not to negate the violence that killed Jackie, or you comments about it, they merit discussion.
But here in this thread lets rather keep this as a memorial to the the man.
I shall post some photos later tonight, when the madness in my mind is more under control.
#42
Giraffe
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:59
Originally posted by Giraffe
...A good enough driver in his day to be called up by Frank Williams to replace an injured Nanni Galli in the 1973 South African GP and brilliant in the 1971 season with the Team Gunston Brabham BT26A.
By giraffe138
74 now, but still a winner I'm sure. All the best Jackie.
I hope Frank Williams is aware of these sad events; even in those far off days, Frank selected his drivers on talent, just as he does now. He was the best South African available that day, and there were many talented drivers down there at the time.
#43
Richard Jenkins
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Posted 30 March 2009 - 14:41
Terrible, terrible news.
A real shame - when I saw the thread had jumped up to 41 posts, I knew my worst fears were realised.
A fine driver indeed - although I never met him, my understanding of him that he was a thoroughly decent man too.
Jackie's attack was the main catalyst for me to cancel my trip to South Africa in 2010 for the World Cup, with much regret. I hope to return in the future but if a sporting hero like Jackie can be attacked, what hope us mere mortals.
The only comfort I have (for those of us who believe in such things) is that Jackie is at least reunited with his wife.
RIP.
A real shame - when I saw the thread had jumped up to 41 posts, I knew my worst fears were realised.
A fine driver indeed - although I never met him, my understanding of him that he was a thoroughly decent man too.
Jackie's attack was the main catalyst for me to cancel my trip to South Africa in 2010 for the World Cup, with much regret. I hope to return in the future but if a sporting hero like Jackie can be attacked, what hope us mere mortals.
The only comfort I have (for those of us who believe in such things) is that Jackie is at least reunited with his wife.
RIP.
#46
Roger39
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Posted 31 March 2009 - 07:02
This is terrible news and sadly a way of life for us South Africans, famous or not, you are a target for these thieving bastards.
I feel like getting everybody in the country with a race car and driving in convoy to the Union buildings...
RIP Jackie..
I feel like getting everybody in the country with a race car and driving in convoy to the Union buildings...
RIP Jackie..
#47
Giraffe
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Posted 31 March 2009 - 09:16
All those years ago, I used to love reading about Charlton, Love ,de Klerk, Pretorius racing exotic Grand Prix cars under sunny African skies during our long dark winters. I loved to see cars I knew being driven in unusual but attractive alternative liveries and South Africa seemed to have more it's fair share of these. Jackie was indeed one of my dashing heroes of those days.
Can you imagine the reaction there would be in this country if three prominent ex-racing drivers were murdered in their homes? Questions would be asked in parliament, but I get the impression that it's all part of life in South Africa.
Can you imagine the reaction there would be in this country if three prominent ex-racing drivers were murdered in their homes? Questions would be asked in parliament, but I get the impression that it's all part of life in South Africa.
#48
GJBM
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Posted 31 March 2009 - 19:21
It is exceptionally sad when a character like Jackie passes on, the more so in these circumstances. However, I suspect that he is already hell-raising up there with Doug Serrurier and others!
If someone can tell me how to do this, I will post a photo taken of Jackie (along with Basil Green, Mary Tingle and host Janet Wilson) at the annual legends' lunch at Pringle Bay in December 2008 -- a great occasion to remember him and others by.
If someone can tell me how to do this, I will post a photo taken of Jackie (along with Basil Green, Mary Tingle and host Janet Wilson) at the annual legends' lunch at Pringle Bay in December 2008 -- a great occasion to remember him and others by.
#50
Giraffe
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Posted 31 March 2009 - 20:31
Originally posted by GJBM
It is exceptionally sad when a character like Jackie passes on, the more so in these circumstances. However, I suspect that he is already hell-raising up there with Doug Serrurier and others!
If someone can tell me how to do this, I will post a photo taken of Jackie (along with Basil Green, Mary Tingle and host Janet Wilson) at the annual legends' lunch at Pringle Bay in December 2008 -- a great occasion to remember him and others by.
I could never in a million years explain to anyone how to post; I just know how to do it! You are welcome to e-mail the photo to me on: giraffe138@hotmail.com & I will gladly post it on your behalf with pleasure, if that's of any help.
