Residents of Carletonville, on the border between Gauteng and North West, are seemingly shocked after the killing of a well-known businessman over the long weekend.

As far as could be determined, Jaco Blaauw (49), the owner of Blaauw’s Towing, was relaxing at his home on Koedoe Street in Carletonville on September 22. The family and friends were having a children’s party.

At approximately 22:30, someone spotted an unknown man wearing an orange jacket on the CCTV camera and informed Blaauw.

He went out to investigate and reportedly found the man and his accomplice had stolen a 125cc offroad motorbike from the yard. Police suspect that Blaauw confronted the men, and they shot him.

Friends attending the party heard gunshots and, when they went out to investigate, they found Blaauw with a gunshot wound to his chest. He had already passed away.

Blaauw was known to be active in the fight against crime in his community. He was also known for helping others.

The part of Carletonville where the incident happened is one of the areas with the highest crime rate, as it is on the side of town and surrounded by bushes where illegal mining activities are known to occur.

There are also many overgrown parks where criminals are known to hide. Several house robberies and other violent crimes have happened there in the past year.

He leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and three children.

His memorial service will be held on October 6 at 10:00 at the NG Church in Vlei Street.