KILLER OF RETIRED MAGISTRATE SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
03 FEBRUARY 2026
KILLER OF RETIRED MAGISTRATE SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
Bloemfontein, Free State – The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division sitting in Bloemfontein, has sentenced Bangile Dael to 22 years’ direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of retired magistrate Pieter (Piet) Christiaan Bester. The accused was convicted of murder in terms of section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. The sentence was imposed following the conclusion of plea and sentence proceedings.
The court heard that on 11 January 2025, the accused killed the deceased at his smallholding, Wag-’n-Bietjie, in Glen, Bloemfontein. The accused had been employed by the deceased for approximately 17 years at the time of the incident. The deceased succumbed to severe head injuries sustained during the attack. Evidence further revealed that the accused’s wife, who was initially charged as Accused 2, attempted to intervene but was pushed away. Due to insufficient evidence linking her to the offence, charges against her were later withdrawn. During sentencing, the deceased’s sister, Elsabe van den Berg, testified in aggravation of sentence, describing her brother as a compassionate and selfless individual who consistently placed the needs of others before his own.
The matter was prosecuted by Advocate Marius Strauss on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Free State Division. The National Prosecuting Authority reiterates its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. The right to life, enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, remains paramount.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division