A civil rights organisation has revealed that it is planning to take legal steps against the police as no arrests have been made in a year since the murder of Amanzimtoti pastor, Liezel de Jager.

Liezel (38) was the resident pastor at NG Kerk Suidkus. She died on the morning of October 13, 2021 at her home on Dan Pienaar Road after returning from jogging with friends. Her husband, Werner de Jager, told the police that he found her dead in the yard of their home.

Civil rights organisation Action Society has said steps against the police will be taken for failing to solve the case.
Kaylynn Palm, who is Action Society’s coordinator, has blamed the case’s stalled progress on the lack of skills and leadership in the police.

“The complete lack of investigative know-how of local police forces has led to yet another unsolved case, one year after the murder. The case has ground to a halt with no feedback to the family,” she said.

A police spokesperson said the matter is still under investigation. “We are unable to disclose any further details with the investigation at this point. We will issue a statement as soon as there is a breakthrough,” she said.

Reverend Liezel de Jager’s death – the timeline:

October 13, 2021
Reverend Liezel de Jager is found dead in her yard by her husband, Werner, after returning from her morning jog. She has strangulation marks on her neck. Her cellphone, handbag, and gate keys are found next to the body. The gate is locked. The home they are staying in is owned by the church.
October 19, 2021
A memorial service is held to bid farewell to Liezel. Close friends and family pay tribute to her at the NG Kerk, while the wider community meet at several other venues for a virtual ceremony.
October 24, 2021
Liezel’s father, Henk van Zyl, reports to the police that Werner is missing after he fails to make contact with him over an extended period. A manhunt ensues.
October 27, 2021
Werner is found by an Illovo farmer, sitting in his car in a sugarcane field. He is dazed and disoriented, and there are two jerry cans full of petrol next to his car. He is airlifted to the hospital.
November 10, 2021
Henk van Zyl, files papers at the Free State High Court. Van Zyl claims that the marriage between Werner and Liezel had been troubled for many years. He claims Werner was a danger to himself and others as he had allegedly attempted suicide in 2015. He also alleges that Liezel, having to carry the burden of supporting the family financially, when Werner was not working, caused a strain on the marriage.
February 24
A case of theft is opened at the Amanzimtoti police station after a bicycle is stolen from the De Jagers’ home. Amanzimtoti police keep the identity of the person who opened the case confidential. No one is said to be living in the house as Werner has moved out.
April 1
Amanzimtoti SAPS spokesperson Captain Charlene van der Spuy reveals that the investigating team is working with SAPS’s Forensic Investigative Psychology Unit. Officers from the unit are confirmed to have spent a week at the De Jagers’ home, going through evidence and interviewing neighbours. They are also said to be examining the CCTV footage that they have been able to obtain.