My wife’s death was shocking – De Jager

WERNER de Jager has not only denied killing his wife and committing insurance fraud, but he has also had the opportunity to give his side of the story.

De Jager (45) was arrested on November 23, 2023, in Bloemfontein, for Reverend Liezel de Jager’s murder and has been shuttled between Westville Prison and Amanzimtoti Magistrate’s Court ever since as he tries to convince the court to release him on bail. He also denied that he took out life insurance policies totalling R3.29 million, without his wife’s knowledge, to benefit after she died.

Also read: Toti court rules on De Jager case

In an affidavit read by De Jager’s attorney, Advocate André May, on January 15, he said that on the morning of October 13, 2021, he discovered his wife’s body on the driveway of their Amanzimtoti home, lying on its back.

“Her running shorts and underpants were lowered to just above her knees. Additionally, I observed that the property’s automatic gate was partially open. Upon discovering the deceased, I promptly contacted the security firm to notify them and to seek assistance, deeply shocked by the situation,” he said in the affidavit.

He also noticed, the affidavit said, a wound on her throat, which led him to the immediate realisation that a horrific event had occurred, leaving him ‘extremely shocked’. After making a call to a security firm and the police, De Jager said he returned to his wife’s body and covered her private area with a top that was tied around her waist.

“My motivation for doing so was the presence of our children in the house as I did not want them to witness her in such a state, all the while grappling with the shock of the situation. After the arrival of the police, I underwent extensive questioning and cooperated fully with them from the outset, despite my state of extreme shock,” the affidavit said.

Also read: Second arrest imminent in De Jager murder case

De Jager has made it known that he intends to enter a not-guilty plea as he vehemently denies any involvement in the death of his wife. The life insurance policies, the affidavit said, were mutually taken for the surviving spouse’s benefit. The police, however, allege that De Jager phoned the insurer the same day his wife died to make enquiries about lodging a claim.

De Jager admitted that he has psychological problems but said these are under control as he takes his medication. The state contended that these mental issues have led De Jager to try killing himself 12 times. Because of that reason and others, the state said it opposes bail as he might take his life if released. Even though he is unemployed and relies on family members, he has told the court that he can afford a R5 000 bail, but if required, he can secure additional funds from supportive networks.

De Jager appears in court again on February 5 to continue with his bail application.

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