FRIENDS, family and other well-wishers commemorated what would have been Reverend Liezel de Jager’s 40th birthday on Sunday, July 23, while also demanding that justice be served for her murder.
Her congregation, NG Kerk Suidkus, shared a statement to show that although she is gone, she is not forgotten.
“Dearest Liezel, you were in our thoughts on Sunday. We remember your beautiful laugh, fun, warm hugs, welcoming coffee, sparkling personality, adventurous personality and love for life. Even though your laugh is no longer heard on Earth, we know that it echoes in Heaven; you will forever be remembered. We miss you dearly and will forever treasure the time we were given with you. We will always keep your family in our prayers, Rest in peace,” it said.
Also read: Missing husband of murdered Amanzimtoti reverend found
Liezel died by strangulation at her home on October 13, 2021, and no arrests have ever been made. Some of the case’s most basic reports have apparently not been concluded almost two years after the investigations started. According to an official police report, Liezel had just returned home from a morning jog when she was killed moments later. All her valuables, including her cellphone, wallet and gate keys – which was locked – were found next to the body which was found in her yard. Her husband, Werner, and their two young children were at home at the time of the murder.
Ian Cameron of Action Society, a civil rights organisation that has embarked on a call for justice for Liezel’s murder, said the police’s indifference and investigative neglect have left Liezel’s friends and family with no answers as the case has seemingly gone cold.
In May, Liezel’s father, Henk van Zyl, revealed that the post-mortem report had not been completed, and he had been stonewalled by the police in his quest for answers. He last received any update regarding the case in December 2022.
Cameron also revealed that there is a person of interest whose cellphone might contain pertinent information that, along with information from Liezel and her husband’s phones, can lead to a breakthrough in the case.
“We also know that skin was found underneath Liezel’s fingernails, indicating that there was some form of struggle between her and her killer. We believe that these two pieces of evidence could shed much-needed light on the case and bring us closer to bringing Liezel’s killer to justice,” he said.
Questions sent to the police regarding the case had not been answered at the time of going to press.
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