Stephen’s father speaks about his son’s death
“I didn’t know how to feel or how to react. I just sat there on the sidewalk.”
EVERY parent’s worst nightmare happened to the Jacobs family on May 28 when their eldest child Stephen Jacobs (28) was attacked and fatally stabbed in Alberton North.
The family had just finished dinner when Stephen and his brother left in his car to go and run some errands. The brothers stopped on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Gerrit Maritz Street to pick something up from a nearby location. On returning to the car, Stephen was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant before he could get back in the car. Stephen attempted to fight back but it was already too late as he was mortally wounded by the knife. His brother saw him fall and tried to assist in stopping the suspect but the suspect fled the scene.
A car hooted outside the Jacobs residence and informed Stephen’s father Dawie Jacobs that Stephen was in trouble and that he needed to come immediately.
“At first I didn’t understand what was going on when I arrived on the scene,” Dawie told the Alberton RECORD.
Also Read: UPDATE: Man fatally stabbed in Alberton North
When he noticed his son lying on the ground he tried everything to help his son and tried to save him. Stephen was still awake at this time. Despite authorities and medical services being on the scene at the time, Stephen tragically died in the arms of his brother and father.
“After he died my feelings went blank,” said Dawie.
“I didn’t know how to feel or how to react. I just sat there on the sidewalk.”
Dawie described it as a total feeling of helplessness, which eventually gave way to anger that this happened to his son and nothing was done to attempt to save him.
“The entire experience felt unreal,” said Dawie, comparing the happenings to a movie.
“You never expect something as terrible as that to happen to you.”
“Stephen wasn’t someone that looked for trouble,” said Dawie.
“He always helped the people in the area and was more than happy to give to anyone that needed something. I don’t understand why this happened to him.”
Dawie expressed his anger with the suspect, especially for fleeing the scene rather than owning up to his actions. He condemns this act of cowardice as he sees it.
“Afterwards you are left with only one question: Tell me why?” expressed Dawie.
“Why did it have to happen to him?”
The Jacobs family would like to express their thanks to all those who have supported them in the trying time following the incident. They especially would like to say thank you to the Gospel 3C Church and pastors Justice and Steve.
Stephen was laid to rest on June 8.
A suspect handed himself over to the investigating officer involved with the case on May 30. He appeared in court on June 8 and was granted bail of R2 000. He is scheduled to appear in court again on August 3.
Also Read: BREAKING NEWS: Man fatally stabbed in Fifth Avenue Corner of Gerrit Maritz Street, Alberton North.
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