Shocking new evidence brought in Werner de Jager’s bail application for the murder of his wife Liezel should serve as even more reason to deny his bail. The application was previously postponed to sort out various administrative details and continued today in the Amanzimtoti Magistrates Court. De Jager will remain in custody until 24 January, when the bail application resumes.
The court today heard that the prosecution will bring a schedule 6 murder charge because evidence suggests the murder was pre-meditated. De Jager will also face fraud charges for trying to claim the life insurance policies against Liezel’s name even after the investigation officer told him he was not allowed to do so. Other evidence suggests that De Jager lied about his activities at the time of Liezel’s murder.
“This man – like any other suspect arrested on suspicion of violence against women or children – should not be allowed to put a foot outside of jail while he is being investigated,” said Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety at Action Society. “De Jager has put Liezel’s loved ones, including her parents and two daughters through intense pain and sorrow, and he continues doing so by lying. His actions following Liezel’s death have also caused suffering for other families. He should remain in custody to protect any further life-taking incidents.”
Cameron thanked the current investigating team for their continued efforts to keep the momentum in the De Jager case.
“We will, however, not give up on holding the South African Police Service (SAPS) accountable for the original team’s neglect and failure.”
In 2024, Action Society will continue and do even more to make examples of those who perpetrate violence against women and children and those who fail to serve them justice.
