Former Cheetahs, Griquas rugby star Piet Bester murdered

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."

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.