Police say two on the run for Freitag’s murder

Police have shared the photos of two people they have obtained warrants of arrest for in connection with former high jump champion Jacques Freitag’s murder.

Freitag’s bullet-ridden body was found in a field near the Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria West on Monday afternoon, 1 July this year, during an extensive search operation for the missing man.

The former top athlete was allegedly also stabbed. The police’s search for the knife, projectile and bullet casings however yielded no results.

ALSO READ: Jacques Freitag: Chain-smoking former high jump star’s mysterious guesthouse stay

The towering 2.04m-tall giant turned 42 just days before he was picked up by a man in the early hours of Monday morning, 17 June from the Bronkhorstspruit home of his mother Hendrina Pieters.

He was dropped off hours later at a guesthouse in Pretoria West where he was last seen alive. The guesthouse is situated 4km from the cemetery where Freitag’s body was discovered.

On the run

Police said Chantelle Oosthuizen and Rudie Lubbe are believed to be on the run from the law following the discovery of Freitag’s body.

Lubbe and Oosthuizen are facing charges which include murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects is encouraged to contact the investigating officer Detective Captain Martin Smith on 082 778 9385 or SAPS CrimeStop number on 08600 10111.

ALSO READ: Jacques Freitag: Downward drug spiral of former SA world high jump champion

‘I am God’s mistake’

In July 2023, Freitag sought help for his years-long battle against drug and alcohol addiction at the Breakthrough Wellness Centre in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.

While he was at the centre, Freitag spoke in an interview with Witbank News about the trials and tribulations of his life.

“I am a druggie. A recovering addict. I am God’s mistake,” the former four-time South African gold medallist said.

Additional reporting by Cornelia Le Roux.