Former Witness Protection Participant Eugene Jacobs Shot Dead In Elsies River

The Elsies River community is mourning the death of 36-year-old Eugene Jacobs, a well-known community worker who was shot and killed in Clarke Estate on Saturday afternoon.

Jacobs, affectionately known as Gene or Queen Sparkle, was gunned down in Glen Road while spending time with friends. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, where he was known for his volunteer work and involvement in local initiatives.

Police have opened a murder investigation and are searching for those responsible.

Former Witness Protection Participant Killed In Clarke Estate Shooting

Jacobs had previously been placed in a witness protection programme in Johannesburg after testifying in a murder case.

After the matter was concluded, he returned to Elsies River and became actively involved in community work through the Elsies River Community Advice Office.

His mother, Shireen Bennett, said her son had voiced concerns about his safety before his death.

“I don’t know exactly what happened because I am in Belhar.

“I just received a call to say that he was shot in the head. He was sitting with friends when he got shot, but now nobody knows anything because they are also scared.”

Family Says Eugene Jacobs Feared For His Safety

Bennett described the loss of her son as devastating and said the family is struggling to come to terms with what happened.

“We are coping with his passing and taking it day by day. It is a big shock for everyone and not easy because I have never lost a child before.”

She said Jacobs had returned to Elsies River after leaving the witness protection programme.

“He was in a witness protection programme and lived in Joburg, but when the case was finished, he moved to Elsies River, living close to his father.

“Apparently, one of the murderers whom he testified against was released.

“He spoke to the people around him and told them that he did not feel safe.”

Bennett remembered her son as a caring and energetic individual who was loved by many.

“Eugene will be missed. He was very vibrant; he was a people’s person, and the kinders was mal oor hom.”

Tributes Pour In As Police Investigate Eugene Jacobs Murder

Messages of condolences and tributes have flooded social media following Jacobs’ death, with many community members expressing disbelief.

A Clarke Estate community leader said the shooting has left residents stunned.

“I did not know Eugene personally, but I know him by his face and the work he does in the community.

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“This is a big shock for everyone, just the fact that it was him, it is so unexpected.”

Western Cape police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that a murder case has been opened.

“This office hereby confirms a shooting incident that happened in Glen Road, Clarke Estate on Saturday, 30 May at about 5.10pm.

“A 36-year-old male was shot and declared deceased at the crime scene by medical personnel.”

Mpendukana said Jacobs was not involved in any current witness matters.

“The deceased was not a witness on any current pending cases; he was a witness on a case that was finalised a couple of years ago.

“A murder case was opened for further investigation at Elsies River SAPS following this incident, and no arrest has been effected yet.”