City mourns beloved businessman slain in shooting
THE HEART-wrenching news of Jayson Afrique’s untimely death has left the community of Kimberley in shock. The 28-year-old was fatally shot on Wednesday evening last week by an unknown assailant at his residence in New Park.
According to Jayson’s father, the drive from KwaZulu-Natal to Kimberley was the most difficult journey he had ever undertaken after learning of the death of his son. His anguish was compounded by the fear of breaking the devastating news to his wife, Sonia.
The tragic incident occurred at around 9pm on July 31 when Jayson and his 27-year-old wife were parked in front of their gate. The gunman, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, opened fire on the couple before fleeing the scene. Authorities are still working tirelessly to trace the suspect.
Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce, but it is believed that nine shots were fired on the scene. The bereaved family revealed that five bullets were removed from Jayson’s body. Shockingly, it appears that some of these bullets were intended for his wife, who miraculously escaped physical harm but now bears emotional scars.
Vaughn, the father of the late Jayson, revealed the emotional turmoil he faced after receiving the devastating news. Originally planning to travel to Kimberley on Thursday last week, the family had to abruptly change their plans and leave for Kimberley on Wednesday night.
Vaughn said that one of his two surviving sons had called him shortly after the shooting on Wednesday evening to inform him about what happened.
With a heavy heart, Vaughn explained to his wife that they needed to leave earlier due to a significant problem at home. He wanted to shield her from the heartbreaking truth during the long drive, especially because she was deeply attached to her sons.
"I asked them not to inform my wife until I do so. I then told my wife that we had to leave earlier because there was a big problem at home. I did not want to break the news or upset her because we were still going on a long drive. Also, because she was very close to her three sons," said Vaughn.
Despite the emotional strain, Vaughn managed to remain composed throughout the nine-hour journey. His wife, unaware of the tragedy, believed they were rushing to see her father. Only upon arriving at their Kimberley destination did Vaughn finally reveal the heartbreaking reality to her.
"We were already packed and ready to leave the next day. I also switched off her phone and managed to put on a brave face and remain calm for the whole nine hours of our journey. Although she remained calm, she thought it was her dad we were rushing to. It was only after we pulled into the driveway in Kimberley that I told her the truth," said Vaughn.
Jayson, a well-known businessman in Kimberley, successfully managed multiple ventures, including a scrap metal business, a pawn shop and a small-scale transportation business. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, he was an avid biker and an active member of the CC Riders community.
"He was the second of my three sons and the most loved in the community,” said Vaughn.
"He was a respectful, bubbly, selfless and protective child, with a bright future ahead of him. He got married 18 months ago and was staying with his new bride after moving out of his home. He was supposed to be celebrating his 29th birthday next month in September.”
The family preferred not to make any speculations on who killed one of their own. They said they will allow the law to take its course in catching the murderer.
The grieving family has refrained from speculating about the identity of their loved one’s killer. Instead, they express their trust in the legal process to apprehend the murderer.
"We can't think of any reason why anyone would take the life of someone so friendly and lovable in such a brutal manner. We were here visiting them three weeks ago and have been speaking on a regular basis. He never even mentioned to anyone that his life was in danger or if he was in trouble," said Jayson’s devastated mother.
"Although nothing we do or say will bring him back, we just pray that justice will be served."
Jayson’s family believe he inherited his passion for bikes from his late grandfather, Keith Afrique, who was a co-founder of CC Riders.
They described him as a gentle soul, a socialite, a people person and a hard worker.
"He was very protective of the ones he loved and family-orientated. He loved the family camping sessions we usually went on.
“It is not a surprise that he took the bullets for his wife. That is very much like him. He adored his marriage to his wife so much. She is still very traumatised. That is why we have agreed to send him off in his wedding suite. He looked very handsome in it."
Jayson, deeply involved in the motorsports and stance car community, actively participated in their campaigns and programmes.
In a heartfelt tribute, members from various biker clubs and motorsports gathered for a wreath-laying ceremony at Jayson’s home on Sunday, August 4. The clubs organised a solemn motorcade from the city centre to honour their fallen comrade.
On Tuesday, a moving memorial service took place at the City of Hope church. The family then held a private cremation ceremony for Jayson on Wednesday.
