Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott both fell to the new ball and Andrew Strauss became Wayne Parnell's first Test victim before bad light halted play.
BBC: England on course for heavy defeat in Johannesburg Test
2.
Andrew Strauss's team wrapped up the final Ashes Test in Sydney on Friday by an innings and 83 runs to cap off a crushing series triumph with the only blemish coming in the third Test in Perth.
BBC: Hilditch defends Australia selectors despite Ashes loss
3.
Pietersen has passed 50 on only five occasions in his last 22 Test innings, while Strauss's opening partner Cook has scored 79 runs in five innings.
BBC: England captain Strauss backs Pietersen and Cook