Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Pretorius, of Elsburg. Johannes Lodewicus Pretorius was killed during Ops Askari, the attack on Cuvelai on 4 January 1984. The Ratel in which he was an occupant was knocked out by a T-54 tank. Wikus and five fellow soldiers were killed. His parents learned of his death when a parcel they have sent him for his birthday at the end of January was returned with the word "oorlede" (died) written on it. This must be the worst case of parents learning of their son being killed in the war! Even today Wikus is not mentioned in publications about Ops Askari. Usually it is stated that five soldiers were killed in the Ratel. He has known grave
https://www.izkor.gov.il (Israeli Fallen Soldiers & Victims of Terrorism database — search by name)