Newton Park Grandfather Beaten To Death As Partner And Tenants Arrested

An open garage door and shattered window were the first chilling signs that something had gone terribly wrong at a quiet Newton Park residence — the site of a horrifying murder that has left a community in disbelief.

Danie de Jager, a much-loved grandfather and businessman, was found dead in the early hours of Thursday after what was initially believed to be a house robbery gone wrong.

His partner allegedly told police she was tied up with a pillowcase over her head as intruders stormed their Mangold Street home shortly after 2am. About 40 minutes later, she reportedly called authorities to the scene.

However, the case took a shocking turn when De Jager’s partner — along with two backyard tenants — was arrested shortly afterwards. Loved ones who had earlier sent messages of sympathy were left stunned by the development.

Police Investigation and Arrests in Newton Park 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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: NCC’s Fadiel Adams Files Criminal Complaint Against Police Chief Masemola Over Nepotism Claims

De Jager’s brother, Fanie, said he was struggling to come to terms with the loss and described the painful moment he had to identify his brother’s body.

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

Fanie said nobody should ever experience such brutality. He remembered his brother as a warm, cheerful man who loved life, motorbikes, and cars.

Family Devastated as Police Probe Continues

“Danie was a lovely, bubbly person. He loved motorbikes and cars — that was his passion,” Fanie recalled. “He had one daughter and two grandkids, and they were very close. He adored her and always supported her.”

De Jager, a qualified air-conditioning technician, owned Siyalungisa Manufacturing in Sidwell and Siyalungisa Engineering and Construction. His partner also 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. Never aggressive — just a kind, respectful man.”

The family remain heartbroken as they prepare for his funeral.

“Danie didn’t deserve this,” Fanie said. “He had a big heart. He helped people — even those who ended up hurting him.”

According to police, the investigation is ongoing. A window at the back of the house was smashed and the garage door forced open. Two Mercedes vehicles belonging to De Jager were found on the property, while his stolen Nissan Juke was later recovered in Central.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky