Amanzimtoti pastor murder: friends and family speak out about their sometimes difficult relationship

She had so much going for her – a congregation enamoured with her open style and outgoing personality, two little girls she adored, many friends, a full life.

So when Dutch Reformed minister Liezel de Jager (38) was found slain in the driveway at her home in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, the community was in shock. An autopsy confirmed she died by strangulation. Nothing had been stolen – her keys, cellphone and handbag were all found at the scene.

There were so many unanswered questions – and the mystery deepened when her husband, Werner de Jager (43), went missing 10 days after her murder.