- On Thursday, parents Mareldia and Junaid, along with family, held a class party for the Grade Rs and 1s of Littlewood Primary School in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain, a school he attended, followed by the launch of a music video and song created for him by Mr MP and Kattie.
- He would have celebrated his 8th birthday on Thursday 30 November, but instead his family had to honour his wish for a class party without him.
- Zubair Jacobs’ tragic murder on Tuesday 7 November has left a void in his family’s lives.
He would have celebrated his 8th birthday on Thursday 30 November, but instead his family had to honour his wish for a class party without him.
Zubair Jacobs’ tragic murder on Tuesday 7 November has left a void in his family’s lives.
On Thursday, parents Mareldia and Junaid, along with family, held a class party for the Grade Rs and 1s of Littlewood Primary School in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain, a school he attended, followed by the launch of a music video and song created for him by Mr MP and Kattie (“Remembering Zubair”, People’s Post, 21 November 2023).
The video was filmed at the memorial service held for him in Kameel Street in the area on Tuesday 14 November and was screened and projected in the street on Thursday evening.
The fatal shooting, which also claimed the life of a 20-year-old man, occurred on Tuesday 7 November at 19:25 in Kameel Street, just outside his parents’ home where the family lived for about 16 years.
His parents were both at work at the time of the shooting and recall receiving the call from son.
Zubair, one of eight siblings, was running away to escape the shooting, despite being shot, but was shot twice more. He collapsed and died at the scene.
Provincial police spokesperson, Capt FC Van Wyk confirmed two counts of murder had been registered, the motive unknown.
Brig Jan Alexander, station commander at Mitchell’s Plain Police Station, confirmed one arrest had been made in connection with the shooting. The suspect was later released for lack of evidence.
While the suspect had been released, police were diligently working on the case, they say, in constant contact with them.
The case as also seen the resumption of an investigation into the shooting incident involving three of their older sons in September last year.
READ | 7-year-old boy among victims killed in Eastridge shooting in Mitchell’s Plain
“They were shot for just sitting in their father’s car,” said Mareldia. “In this section of Eastridge, there has not been many, many shootings, but when they come, they shoot to kill.”
“He wasn’t a child playing on the street. Most of the time he was inside. It was only if a friend or cousin called him to play, he would go,” she continues.
Many children live in the area, and family live close by as well, the Jacobs’ say.
He will be remembered for his love of storytelling, his admiration of law enforcement and his wanting to always eat well and live life to the fullest.
The youngest of eight, his death has hit the family hard.
“His siblings cry all the time. He was the youngest, but he always spoilt everyone in the house,” says Mareldia.
He wanted to be a policeman or journalist – telling stories.
Leon Jacobs, Zubair’s uncle says the family is living in constant fear after these two shootings.
“It is very emotional. When people talk about him or see a picture, it stirs emotions. As an anti-crime activist, I analysed this crime and we need to see justice served. This is really unacceptable,” he says.
Through his foundation, they catered to 500 children for both the school and community.
His former teacher, Vadia Taylor recalls hearing about the shooting and hoping it was not one of the learners from the school. The tragic news came as a shock to the staff. “It was very sad. When I went to the classroom, it was quiet and everyone was crying in the class. Everyone at school took it very hard,” she says.
“Zubair was a hard-working student, always smiling and never in trouble for discipline or anything like that. He was a very good storyteller, even though he was quiet, he would tell the story.”
Emotions were evident as the children created the number 8 in honour of Zubair, followed by singing Happy Birthday.
Breaking down in tears, Mareldia just wants justice.
“I want the people who shot him to come forward so I can look them in the eye and ask them why they killed my child. They came to shoot, but they saw there were children and they still opened fire,” says a heartbroken Mareldia.
The music video for “Zubair Jacobs” is available to view on Youtube.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information can call CrimeStop on 08600 10111.
