The Pinetown Regional Court has postponed convicted road-rage murderer Anthony Edward Ball’s (71) appeal application to September 23, reports Highway Mail.

The application, challenging his conviction and 12-year sentence for the murder of Dean Charnley, was postponed today (August 28).

The proceedings could not go ahead after Correctional Services informed the court that a staff shortage had prevented Ball from being transported to court.

The matter was further complicated by the state prosecutor’s indisposition, resulting in a colleague taking over the case.

The new state prosecutor assured the court that they would prepare for the matter to ensure there are no further delays.

Road-rage shooting

The case dates back to March 2022, when Charnley (49) was shot and killed during a confrontation with Ball on the Everton Road turn-off from the M13 in Kloof.

Ball, who was 67 when he was arrested, pleaded not guilty to murder.

During the trial, Ball claimed Charnley had been tailgating him on the M13 before stopping his Nissan in front of Ball’s Subaru on Everton Road.

Ball told the court that Charnley approached his vehicle, shouted at him and hit the roof of the Subaru. He said he fired a warning shot through the open window before Charnley allegedly reached into the vehicle and grabbed him.

Ball claimed the second shot, which killed Charnley, was fired accidentally during the ensuing struggle.

The state disputed Ball’s version of events. A key witness, Timm Wegmann, testified that there had been no scuffle and that Charnley had not reached through the Subaru’s window.

Ball was convicted of murder in March 2025 following the lengthy trial. His sentencing was subsequently delayed several times.

Charnley’s wife, Robyn, welcomed the 12-year sentence, saying she was happy that her husband’s death had finally resulted in justice.

Defence cites deteriorating health

Ball is challenging both his conviction and sentence and is also seeking to have the proceedings reviewed.

Ball’s legal representative, Advocate Gideon Scheltema SC, told the court that the defence had learned that Ball’s health had severely deteriorated.

“A serious situation has developed and this matter should receive serious and urgent attention,” Scheltema said.

Scheltema told the court that it intends to bring a further bail application.

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