“If we don’t stand up now, who will be next?”
This was asked by Gansbaai community leader John Jacobs less than a month ago following the gruesome murder of Ricardo Tobias, whose body was found with several stab wounds and his face disfigured reportedly by a concrete slab that had been thrown onto his head.
Jacobs’ worst fears came true over the weekend when another young man, talented Black Leaves rugby player Eben Olyn (34), was slain in cold-blood on Saturday evening as he was relaxing with a friend.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, a provincial police spokesperson, confirmed Gansbaai police had responded to the scene in Roos Street, where Olyn’s body lay with several gunshot wounds.
“He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” he said. “The suspects fled the scene. We can confirm two adult males have since been arrested for murder and will make a court appearance once charged.”
Reports indicate two men wearing masks entered the premises where Olyn was relaxing around 21:00 and shot him at close range. Six shots were reportedly fired.
“From what I understand, Eben was sitting in a position where he couldn’t see the shooters, but his friend could,” said Jacobs. “The friend left the area for fear of being targeted.” The reason for Olyn’s senseless killing, said Jacobs, is unclear as he wasn’t involved with gangs.
“Rumour has it that he was taken out because he was allegedly a state witness in a big case that is currently in court.”
The case is believed to be that of eight suspects charged with the murder of Cameron Padayachee, a young man from Blompark gunned down in December 2021. They also face charges relating to contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act concerning alleged gang activity, illegal possession of abalone, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, intimidation and attempted murder. (“Katjies’ back in court”, Hermanus Times, 16 April 2025, page 3). The police did not confirm whether Olyn was indeed a state witness.
Jacobs has called on the Gansbaai community to stand together and join forces to combat crime. The community was due to gather at Roos Street on Tuesday night to light candles in memory of Olyn.
“People have reached a point where they want to exact their own justice,” Jacobs said. “This is the second senseless killing in our community in a month. Enough is enough! Before, we could walk around freely at night, but now things are out of hand due to smuggling – abalone and drugs.”
A protest is planned for 5 May when the two suspects charged with Tobias’ murder are due to apply for bail.