- Ruben Jansen, a talented breakdancer from Cape Town, was fatally shot in Eerste River over the weekend.
- The incident has sparked outrage and sadness in the community, with calls to address gangsterism.
- Jansen’s legacy in the Hip Hop community is being honoured by those who knew him.
The Hip Hop community is in mourning after one of the most gifted breakdancers in Cape Town, Ruben Jansen, was gunned down over the weekend.
Ruben Jansen last year represented South Africa abroad in breakdancing.
Details about the shooting is still sketchy, but people from far and wide reacted with a mixture of anger and sadness about the news.
Renate van der Westhuizen, principal of Apex High School where Jansen matriculated in 2021, said on Facebook he was killed by ‘Horrible’, a known gangster in the area.
“I am not going to mention his name. He is 16 years old. Three weeks ago that same boy killed one of my grade 12’s brother, in front of him. He witnessed it, but he is walking around a free person. Ruben was not a gangster.
“He was just delivering pies. So I am reading all of these posts about what everyone will do, but this is what I am going to do.
“For the rest of this year, I am going to get rid of every single sign, graffiti or anything that looks like a gang sign.
“And then I will get rid of every single individual that associates themselves with gangsterism.
“If you talk like a duck, and you walk like a duck and you act like a duck, you are a duck.
“I am going to change our code of conduct to state that if your child does anything like that, you will take them out,” wrote Van der Westhuizen.
She vowed to do whatever is needed to address the bigger root of evil and gangsterism in Eerste River.
“Last year when one of my Grade 8 learners was killed the pastor said in his sermon that we cannot judge gangsterism. Now yes, I am a Christian as well, but my sin is not causing innocent people to lose their lives.
“The community said yes, we know she got killed by a gangster, but our Eerste River gangsters do a lot for us. And people are too blind to see that they are paying to keep your mouth shut.
“They have a right to not live in fear. We need to sort it out. The community knows exactly who does what. It is time to let your voice be heard,” she continued.
Condolences
The legendary DJ, MC Ready D, also spelled out his sadness at the passing of Jansen.
“Dear Ruben – Thank you for being a light that this world needed. We celebrate your impact and legacy. You were taken from this realm too soon, but we trust that the Almighty will keep you safe. Thank you for everything and keep the #HipHop and breaking spirit going in heaven. Rest well,” wrote Ready D.
Pastor Hubert Kemp, chair of the local community policing forum, says he is not sure what transpired when Jansen was killed, but that gangsterism is spiralling out of control.
“Just this past weekend four people were murdered and two hijackings took place. Young people are being murdered on a regular basis and we cannot go on like this. Eerste River is a war zone,” says Kemp.
Henry Prins, radio presenter at Radio Eersterivier, says Jansen was a great young man with the world at his feet.
says Prins.
Sgt Wesley Twigg, police spokesperson, confirmed the murder.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Sunday 11 August in Madagascar Street, Our Pride, Eerste River, where a 20-year- old man was shot and fatally wounded and two other males wounded are under investigation. Kleinvlei police responded to a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival on the scene they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies.
“The 20-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel while the other victims were taken to a medical facility.
“The motive for the attack is yet to be established. The unknown suspect or suspects who fled the scene are yet to be arrested. Kleinvlei police are investigating murder and attempted murder cases,” says Twigg.
