‘If he planned to take his life, he took a coward’s way out’- Shock as Liezel de Jager husband ‘found dead’ (VIDEO)

Murder accused Werner de Jager has reportedly killed himself in the Westville Prison in Durban, where he was being held.

Werner was accused of murdering his wife, Rev. Liezel de Jager, in 2021.

Ian Cameron who was involved with Action Society when Rev. Liezel was murdered, shared news of Werner’s reported death.

“Werner De Jager, accused of and awaiting trial for the premeditated murder of his wife, Liezel De Jager almost two and a half years ago has died of an alleged overdose in the correctional facility where he was held in Durban, KZN.”

The incident apparently happened on Monday morning.

Watch Warner in court, standing trial for his wife’s murder:

He was set to stand trial on a charge of premeditated murder and two charges of fraud.

“If he did plan to take his own life, he took a coward’s way out. There are still so many questions that need to be answered. It is very unfair,” Cameron told Netwerk24.

Speculation and shock

The murder case sparked wide speculation from the start. First the beloved Rev. Liezel from Amanzimtoti was murdered and then came the shocking news that Werner had been arrested and charged with murdering her.

De Jager has been in custody since November. From here he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court at Amazimtoti several times while applying for bail.

The issue that Werner has tried to take his own life several times in the past, has been argued repeatedly by the state in court as a reason why he should not be granted bail.

His bail application was turned down on February 22, after which he was in court one more time when his legal team withdrew and he had to apply for legal aid.

ALSO READ: Liezel de Jager’s husband Werner charged with her murder

Where to get help

Anyone with mental health problems can call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (Sadag) 24-hour mental health helpline on 0800 456 789.

Sadag’s WhatsApp counseling line can be contacted from 09:00 to 16:00 on 076 882 2775.

The South African Mental Health Federation can be reached on 011 781 1862 and LifeLine South Africa on 0861 322 322.