PROJECT: THE MURDER OF JACQUES FREITAG - INVESTIGATION, COURT PROCEEDINGS AND LEGAL POSITION (PART 5)
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
The murder of former world champion high jumper Mr. Jacques Freitag has sent shockwaves through South Africa, not only due to his status as a celebrated athlete, but also because of the serious criminal elements emerging from the investigation.
This matter highlights critical concerns around violent crime, firearm-related offences, and the manipulation of evidence—
issues that remain at the core of South Africa’s ongoing crime crisis.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE:
On 1 July 2024, Mr. Jacques Freitag was found deceased in the Pretoria West area, specifically at Zandfontein Cemetery.
The cause of death was identified as a gunshot wound.
Following investigations, two individuals were arrested:
Mr. Rudie Lubbe.
Ms. Shantell Oosthuizen.
Both accused are facing serious criminal charges linked to the incident.
CRIMINAL CHARGES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK:
The accused face multiple charges, including:
Murder.
Conspiracy to commit murder.
Contraventions of the Firearms Control Act.
The inclusion of firearm-related offences significantly elevates the severity of the case, particularly within the context of South Africa’s strict legislative framework governing illegal possession, use, and disposal of firearms.
PROFILE OF THE PRIMARY ACCUSED:
Mr. Rudie Lubbe presents a particularly concerning profile:
A former attorney who has been struck off the roll
Arrested alongside the co-accused at a guesthouse
Identified by the State as a flight risk at the time of arrest
This combination of legal knowledge and alleged criminal conduct raises additional concerns regarding the ability to evade justice and manipulate legal processes.
BAIL APPLICATION AND COURT FINDINGS:
The bail applications of the accused have been rigorously contested and consistently denied.
COURT POSITION:
Bail was refused in the Pretoria Regional Court.
The matter falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, indicating extremely serious offences.
The court found no compelling circumstances to justify release.
KEY REASONS FOR BAIL REFUSAL:
Use of false identities.
Contradictory statements made to SAPS investigators.
Alleged destruction of the murder weapon.
Demonstrated flight risk.
Personal circumstances deemed insufficient.
MEDICAL GROUNDS RAISED:
Asthma.
High blood pressure.
Allergies.
Alleged need for stomach surgery.
COURT FINDING ON MEDICAL CLAIMS:
The court ruled that:
Adequate medical treatment can be provided within the correctional system.
The conditions presented do not meet the threshold required for bail on medical grounds.
The accused, particularly Mr. Rudie Lubbe, therefore remain in custody.
COURT PROCESS AND CURRENT STATUS:
The judicial process has experienced delays, largely due to complications surrounding legal representation.
PROGRESS OVERVIEW:
Trial initially scheduled for February 2026 in the High Court.
Postponed due to legal representation issues.
Legal Aid assigned to Ms. Shantell Oosthuizen, who expressed dissatisfaction.
Bail appeal by Mr. Rudie Lubbe dismissed.
CURRENT POSITION:
Trial rescheduled for October 2026.
Both accused remain in custody pending trial.
KEY INVESTIGATIVE AND LEGAL INSIGHTS:
The State’s case appears to be strengthened by several critical factors:
Evidence suggesting attempted flight.
Allegations of evidence tampering, including the destruction of the murder weapon.
Inconsistent and unreliable statements by the accused.
JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION:
The court has clearly indicated:
A lack of trust in the accused.
A high risk to the integrity of the investigation should bail be granted.
The murder of Mr. Jacques Freitag is not only a high-profile criminal case but also a stark reminder of the broader risks associated with violent crime, illegal firearms, and organised criminal behaviour in South Africa.
The continued detention of the accused reflects the seriousness with which the courts are treating offences involving premeditation, conspiracy, and the obstruction of justice. As the matter proceeds to trial in October 2026,
further evidence will be critical in securing a final outcome.
The public is reminded that cases involving violent crime and firearm offences often involve complex investigative processes, and cooperation with law enforcement and professional investigative bodies remains essential.
Victims of serious crime, or individuals requiring professional investigative assistance, are strongly advised to contact Specialised Security Services and the Specialist Investigators under the leadership of Mr. Mike Bolhuis
for expert intervention and support.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis appointed a Specialist Task Team to spearhead this investigation.
If you have relevant information, contact the SSS Specialist Investigators:
MR. LUKE ENSLIN
Contact number: +27 82 222 5821
Email address: luke@mikebolhuis.co.za
MR. HENNIE VILJOEN
Contact number: +27 79 997 1132
Email address: henniev@mikebolhuis.co.za
RELEVANT SSS PROJECTS:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
