The body of a paramedic was found in his home on Saturday after he was robbed and murdered two days earlier.
Police have since arrested two suspects and also recovered the vehicle of Leon Jacobs, 52, who was found by a relative in his home in Venus Road, Matroosfontein.
Jacobs had been a volunteer at Western Cape Emergency Metro Services since 1990.
He was last seen by his family on Thursday after he drove a couple to their matric ball in his larney VW Golf 7.
His stolen car was found by police in Delft.
His sister Marlene Jacobs, who lives opposite Leon in Matroosfontein, says they are devastated by his death.
“We were extremely close. We have another brother that also lives close to us,” she tells the Daily Voice.
“Leon had no children and we last saw him on Thursday after he returned from driving to a matric ball.
“We found his body on Saturday. Our family is broken, but we have family and friends popping in.
“Leon was very popular and a joker. There could be no other like him.”
She says Leon was stabbed to death.
“His house wasn’t broken into, he knew his killers, they were his friends,” she claims.
Leon’s friend of 23 years, Henry James, says he loved children.
“He was such an amazing person. He had been a paramedic for years and he totally adored his family and children, even though he never had any children himself,” Henry says.
Spokesperson for the Emergency Medical and Forensic Pathology Services, Robert Daniels, confirms Leon was an EMS volunteer.
“Leon’s official designation was that of Intermediate Life Support Volunteer,” he says.
“He was stationed at our Western Division in Pinelands and was well-known in the areas he regularly worked in, namely Kensington, Athlone, Bonteheuwel and surrounds.
“He was off duty when the incident occurred and to our knowledge there’s no reason to believe that the incident was EMS-related, but this does not lessen the tragic loss we’re faced with.
“Our sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
A vigil for Leon is to take place today at 7pm on the corner of Emms Road and Venus Way, Matroosfontein.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms: “On Saturday at 6.47pm and on arrival at the scene, in Venus Way, Matroosfontein, the lifeless body of a 52-year-old male was found.
“The deceased’s sister informed officers that his VW Golf 7 was missing. The vehicle was recovered in Delft with an arrest made and another suspect for the murder was also arrested.”