Estelle Le Grange Sentenced to 25 Years for Murder of Partner Daniel de Jager in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Estelle Le Grange, A 57-year-old woman who orchestrated the murder of her elderly partner, has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment by the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Gqeberha. Estelle Le Grange was convicted for her role in the murder and robbery of 65-year-old Daniel de Jager, who was killed at his Newton Park home on 29 October 2025.
Estelle’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that exposed a carefully planned conspiracy involving Le Grange and two accomplices, Anke-Mari Cilliers, 39, and Lee-Roy Scholtz, 38. Prosecutors said the trio worked together to murder De Jager and disguise the crime as a robbery.
How Daniel de Jager Was Murdered in Newton Park, Gqeberha
According to evidence presented before the court, Le Grange repeatedly approached Cilliers and Scholtz, who were romantically involved and rented a flatlet on De Jager’s property, asking them to assist her in killing the elderly man.
On the evening of 29 October 2025, the three met and finalised their plans. The court heard that Le Grange played a central role in organising the attack and ensured her accomplices would have access to the property.
Shortly before midnight, after confirming that De Jager was asleep, Scholtz and Cilliers entered the main house. They proceeded to the victim’s bedroom, where Le Grange allegedly pointed out a hammer and instructed Scholtz to assault him.
Evidence before the court revealed that Scholtz repeatedly struck De Jager while Le Grange encouraged him to continue the attack. Prosecutors argued that the actions of all three accused demonstrated a clear intention to kill the victim.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that De Jager died from severe head injuries and a sharp-force injury to the neck.
Robbery and Attempts to Cover Up the Crime
After the murder, the trio attempted to stage the scene to resemble a housebreaking and robbery.
Court documents revealed that several items belonging to the deceased were stolen, including his motor vehicle, jewellery, wallet, bank cards, and laptop. Investigators established that Scholtz and Cilliers used De Jager’s bank cards in the early hours of the following morning to withdraw R4,500 from his accounts.
The stolen vehicle was later abandoned and subsequently recovered by police.
Investigators also uncovered extensive communication between the accused before, during, and after the murder. Prosecutors said this evidence played a crucial role in proving the existence of a conspiracy to kill and rob De Jager.
The accused were charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and contravention of Section 30 of the Older Persons Act.
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Earlier Convictions of Co-Accused Anke-Mari Cilliers and Lee-Roy Scholtz
Le Grange’s sentencing follows the earlier convictions of her co-accused, Cilliers and Scholtz.
The pair entered into plea and sentence agreements in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. During their plea explanations, they admitted that Le Grange had repeatedly requested their assistance in carrying out the murder.
Their admissions provided investigators and prosecutors with important evidence regarding the planning and execution of the crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the case demonstrated how coordinated investigative work and strong prosecutorial efforts can uncover the truth behind crimes that are initially staged to mislead authorities.
The involvement of multiple accused and the planning that preceded the murder were significant factors considered during the court proceedings.
NPA Welcomes Estelle’s Sentence and Justice for Daniel de Jager
The court sentenced Le Grange to 25 years’ imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and five years for contravening the Older Persons Act.
However, the court ordered that the sentences on the remaining charges run concurrently with the murder sentence. As a result, Le Grange will serve an effective sentence of 25 years’ direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the outcome.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Samkelo Mtwana praised prosecutor Adv Liezel Landman and the investigating team for securing the convictions.
According to the NPA, the sentences send a clear message that individuals who target vulnerable victims and engage in carefully planned violent crimes will be held accountable.
The prosecution authority also stated that the outcome reflects the effectiveness of cooperation between investigators and prosecutors in ensuring justice is served.
The case brings a measure of closure following the death of Daniel de Jager and highlights the serious consequences faced by those involved in violent crimes against older persons. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring offenders are brought before the courts.
Readers can follow our ongoing crime and court coverage for further developments from courts across South Africa.
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