Beloved grandfather beaten to death — partner, tenants in custody

An open garage door and a shattered window were the first signs that something had gone terribly wrong at a Newton Park home — the scene of a brutal murder that left a man dead and his partner led away in handcuffs.

Danie de Jager was butchered to death in the early hours of Thursday in what was initially reported as a house robbery.

His partner, whose name is known to IOL, allegedly told police she had been tied up with a pillowcase placed over her head as intruders ransacked the home shortly after 2am.

About 40 minutes later, she called the police on Mangold Street.

But in a shocking twist, and to the disbelief of loved ones who had sent her messages of condolence, De Jager’s partner was arrested along with two tenants who lived in the backyard.

It is understood that the two tenants were not home at the time of the murder.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that two women, aged 36 and 57, and a 36-year-old man were taken into custody.

“Mount Road police are investigating a case of murder and house robbery after an incident in the early hours of Thursday in Newton Park,” Janse van Rensburg said.

“According to preliminary information, at about 2.20am, Mount Road police responded to a complaint of a house robbery in Mangold Street.

“On arrival, they found the female victim, who reported that she and her life partner were asleep when she heard a loud noise.

“She went to investigate, and in the passage, she was confronted by four unidentified suspects.”

The three suspects are expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Speaking to IOL, De Jager’s brother, Fanie, said he was still struggling to come to terms with the loss.

He described the heartbreaking moment he had to identify his brother’s body at the morgue.

“I didn’t see the whole body — just his face,” Fanie said.

“There weren’t visible knife marks that I could see, but I think he was beaten to death.

“His face was swollen, his jaw seemed broken, and his body was full of blood.

“It looked as though they hit him with something heavy — an iron or a pipe.”

He said it was brutal and that nobody should have to go through something like that.

Fanie remembered his brother as a warm, lively man who loved life and people.

“Danie was a lovely, bubbly person. He loved motorbikes and cars — that was his passion,” he said.

“He had one daughter and they had a very close relationship. Danie also had two grandkids.

“He adored her and always supported her.

“When she called, he would drop everything to speak with her. He had such love and patience — always polite, always gentle.”

De Jager, a qualified air-conditioning technician and businessman, was known for his practical skills and generous spirit.

He owned Siyalungisa Manufacturing in Sidwell and Siyalungisa Engineering and Construction.

His partner worked for him.

“Danie was good with mechanics, good with driving — just a hands-on, practical man,” Fanie said.

“What a good man with good manners, always doing what he could for his family. Personality-wise, he was quiet but loved joking around.

“He enjoyed a good conversation and would greet everyone warmly. Never aggressive — just a kind, respectful man.”

The brutal murder has left the De Jager family reeling as they prepare for a funeral they never imagined planning.

“Danie didn’t deserve this,” Fanie said.

“He had a big heart. He helped people — even those who ended up hurting him.”

Janse van Rensburg said the investigation was ongoing.

According to police insiders, the partner who was arrested was barred from speaking with family members after the murder.

A window at the back of the house was smashed and the garage door forced open.

In the yard, a white Mercedes stood parked in the driveway while another sat in the garage — both belonging to De Jager.

His Nissan Juke, stolen during the attack, was later recovered in Central.

IOL News

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now