Piet Bester playing for Free State in the 1990s. (Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images)
- Piet Bester, a former rugby star for the Cheetahs and Griquas, was murdered on his smallholding in the Free State over the weekend.
- He was found with multiple wounds,
having been hit with a sharp object. Two suspects were arrested, thanks to the
swift cooperation between the local farming community and the police. - Bester, a retired magistrate, was renowned
as a strong scrummager during his rugby career. - For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section.
Piet Bester, a former Free State
Cheetahs and Griquas tighthead prop, was murdered on his smallholding in the Glen district outside Bloemfontein over
the weekend.
Bester, a retired magistrate, was 63.
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Captain Loraine Earle, a police spokesperson in the Free State, confirmed
that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the murder.
It is believed that Bester was hit with a sharp object on his head.
A police statement read: “The arrests were made possible through the close
cooperation and swift action of the local farming community and police.
“On Sunday, 12 January 2025, the body of Mr Bester was discovered by a
worker at his residence in the Glen district at approximately 09:00. He was
lying in a pool of blood, having sustained multiple wounds.
“Thanks to the invaluable support of the farming community resulting in the
apprehension of two suspects. This breakthrough demonstrates the strength of
community-police collaboration in addressing crime.
“Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear
in court soon. The investigation officer remains available for further
information and appeals to the public for any additional details that may
assist in this case.”
Piet Bester and his brother Andre during a Currie Cup match against Northern Transvaal at Loftus Versfeld in 1996. (Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)
Bester made waves playing Currie Cup rugby for Free State and Griquas in the 1990s. He also played for the Junior Springboks against the All Blacks in 1992.
He was renowned as an incredibly strong scrummager despite not being particularly big for a tighthead prop. At the start of his career, he weighed less than 80kg but later bulked up to 95kg.
His brother, Andre, also played hooker for Free State and Griquas.
Src: News24.com
