Husband Charged in Murder of KZN Pastor: The Case of Liezel de Jager

The small coastal town of Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, is in a state of shock after recent developments in a two-year-old murder case that shook its community. In a somber unfolding at the local magistrate's court, 45-year-old Werner de Jager was charged with the murder of his wife, Liezel de Jager, a respected pastor at NG Kerk Suidkus, which occurred back in October 2021.

The court proceedings, overseen by Magistrate Zama Nyuswa, experienced a brief postponement on Monday as state prosecutors examined the police docket further. When proceedings resumed, it was made clear that Werner de Jager's attorney could not be present, yet assurances were given that legal representation would be available for the upcoming bail hearing. State prosecutor, Nqobile Mathibela, communicated the details of the next court date to the magistrate.

While bail discussions are set for December 7, Werner de Jager has been remanded to Westville Prison, as confirmed by Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The actions taken by the South African Police Service's (Saps) Cold Case Unit, led by Brigadier Bafana Gininda, have been decisive in bringing this case to its latest juncture.

Liezel's tragic murder took place shortly after her return from a morning jog. Startlingly, she was found murdered at her residence with her valuables discovered beside her. This horrific event transpired while her husband and children were reportedly within the home.

The community has been grappling with the loss of Liezel de Jager, whose life and service left an indelible mark. Her death was not only a loss to her family but to the entire town that valued her pastoral work and community engagement.

The case's prominence has been maintained by the steadfast work of the Saps Cold Case Unit, an entity committed to solving crimes that have, over time, remained unresolved. Through their persistence, a new chapter in the search for justice has opened, garnering close scrutiny from local citizens and media alike.

For those seeking to stay informed, The Citizen has provided avenues to receive updates on the case, amongst other news, via WhatsApp.

As this case continues to unfold, Satori News Agency remains committed to providing thorough and up-to-date reporting on the ongoing quest for justice for Liezel de Jager, a figure whose life and death continue to impact the community she once served.