The killing of a well-known community volunteer and former murder trial witness has left residents of Elsies River searching for answers after he was shot dead in broad daylight over the weekend.
Eugene Jacobs, 36, affectionately known in the community as Gene or Queen Sparkle, was killed on Saturday afternoon while spending time with friends in Glen Road, Clarke Estate.
Jacobs, who had previously been placed in a witness protection programme in Johannesburg after testifying in a murder case, had returned to Cape Town after the matter was concluded. Since then, he had dedicated much of his time to community work, volunteering at the Elsies River Community Advice Office and becoming a familiar face in the area.
His death has devastated family members, friends and residents who knew him for his vibrant personality and commitment to helping others.
According to police, the shooting occurred on Saturday, 30 May, in Glen Road, Clarke Estate. Emergency medical personnel declared Jacobs dead at the scene.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that a murder case had 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.
“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.”
As investigators work to establish a motive, Jacobs’ family is grappling with the sudden loss.
His mother, Shireen Bennett, who lives in Belhar, said she received the devastating news through a phone call and has struggled to come to terms with what happened.
“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.”
Bennett said the family is trying to cope with the tragedy one day at a time.
“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 revealed that Jacobs had previously spoken about concerns for his safety after returning to Elsies River from Johannesburg.
“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.”
While police have not linked the murder to Jacobs’ past role as a witness, his mother's comments have raised questions within the community about whether his fears may have been justified.
Friends and residents have described Jacobs as someone who brought energy and warmth wherever he went. His involvement in community initiatives and his willingness to assist others made him a respected figure in the area.
“Eugene will be missed. He was very vibrant; he was a people’s person, and the kinders was mal oor hom,” Bennett said.
News of Jacobs’ death quickly spread across social media, where tributes poured in from community members expressing their grief and disbelief.
Many described him as a caring and dedicated individual whose presence would be deeply missed.
One resident wrote that “it feels so unreal”, echoing the sentiments of many who struggled to comprehend the loss.
A community leader from Clarke Estate said the news had stunned residents.
“After my meeting on Saturday, while I was making my way home, het ek op die toneel afgekom as I was passing Clark Primary School.
“I did not know Eugene personally, but I know him by his face and the work he does in the community.
“This is a big shock for everyone, just the fact that it was him, it is so unexpected.”
The killing has once again highlighted concerns about violent crime in communities across the Western Cape, particularly when incidents involve individuals who have previously assisted law enforcement.
For many residents, however, the focus remains on remembering the man they knew rather than the circumstances that led to his death.
Jacobs had become a familiar figure through his volunteer work and community involvement. Those who worked alongside him say his commitment to helping people was evident in everything he did.
As police continue their investigation, no arrests have been made and authorities have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, family members, friends and community members are left mourning a man they describe as compassionate, energetic and deeply connected to the people around him.
His death has left a void in Elsies River, where many are remembering not only a former witness who once assisted the justice system, but also a devoted community worker whose life touched many others.
