The Amanzimtoti Magistrate’s Court yesterday ruled that Werner de Jager‘s murder charge should be classified as premeditated murder.

De Jager was arrested on November 23 for the murder of his wife, Reverend Liezel de Jager, who was killed at their house in Amanzimtoti in October 2021.

The state alleges that the murder was committed to benefit from life insurance policies totalling R3.29m.

De Jager’s bail application has been dragging on for weeks.

The state and De Jager’s defence have been at loggerheads on whether the case should be heard as a Schedule 5 or 6 charge.

Magistrate Zama Nyuswa put De Jager’s application on hold until she ruled on the matter.

Cases of murder are usually classified under Schedule 5, while those of premeditated murder are classified under Schedule 6.

The court’s ruling that the matter should be heard as a Schedule 6 offence, means the defence must provide compelling reasons why the accused should be granted bail.

De Jager has denied any involvement in his wife’s murder.

His bail application will resume on February 5.