The Kariega community is once again in mourning after the murder of another rising rugby talent.
Progress Rugby Club player and father Jade-Lee Booysen was shot dead when an armed man entered a sports bar in Young Street on Sunday and opened fire.
Two other patrons were wounded.
In disturbing footage of the incident, an unidentified man is seen entering the bar.
He lifts his weapon and opens fire.
A group of people then scurry around, with some falling to the ground.
In an even more disturbing second video, a man is heard asking Booysen for his surname, and the 30-year-old, sprawled on the floor and covered in blood, tries to mumble an answer before losing consciousness.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said one count of murder and two of attempted murder were under investigation.
“We can confirm that an unknown male entered a sports bar in Young Street, Kariega, and opened fire on the people in the bar,” Beetge said.
“A 30-year-old male sustained several gunshot wounds to his head and upper body and passed away on the scene.
“Another male sustained a gunshot wound to his cheek, and a female was wounded in her arm and leg.
“The suspect fled after the shooting.”
In a post on Facebook, Progress member Marcel Jonkers said it was with a sad and heavy heart that the club announced the death of one of its players, Jade-Lee Booysen, also known as “Jatkat”.
“The club as a whole is saddened by his untimely passing and is calling on the community at large to keep his parents, child, girlfriend, and the broader family in your prayers during their time of grief,” he wrote.
“Jatkat will always be remembered for his love for this beautiful game of rugby.
“He had an inviting personality and made you feel warm and appreciated in his presence.
“Throughout the games he played this year, I was able to capture his growth, but also saw how influential he was in ensuring the guys remained motivated, regardless of the score.
“He truly left an indelible mark on the Progress players, management and supporters.”
Booysen’s family was too traumatised to comment on Monday.
Ward councillor Georgen Miggels, speaking from the family home, said they were all devastated.
“No-one could have foreseen this brutal and sudden death,” Miggels said.
“The family are too saddened to speak to the media at the moment.”
Progress president Kosie Basson said the club would assist in trying to put together the pieces of exactly what had happened.
Basson said the club would be meeting Booysen’s family.
Less than a month ago, another Kariega rugby star, Allezahr de Bruin, 21, was gunned down in his home.
De Bruin was shot multiple times in the head and upper body, cutting short his promising future as a lock forward for the U21 side of the Gardens Rugby Football Club.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.