Tension, tears and divided opinions after suspected drug dealer dies during police raid in Homelite

MORE than a hundred people gathered outside a residence in Homelite, Kimberley, on Tuesday afternoon after a dramatic police raid ended in the sudden death of 44-year-old Chad Jacobs - a suspected drug dealer who was well known in the community.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) descended on the property just after midday, drawing a large crowd and a significant police presence to the area. Eyewitnesses described a tense and emotional scene that unfolded both inside and outside the house.

In an exclusive interview with the DFA, a female eyewitness who was inside the home during the raid claimed that the police operation was aggressive and left many in shock.

“The police arrived at the house and asked Chad to open the gate. Chad told them, ‘If you want to come in, you can come in on your own.’ Then they broke open the gate and threw a stun grenade into the yard where the dogs were,” she recounted. “They entered the house, grabbed Chad, and started beating him in the face and chest, asking why he didn’t open the gate – he could see them on the cameras.”

She added that Jacobs had been suffering from heart problems and high blood pressure. According to her, police then took him to the back of the property and instructed him to show them where the drugs were. Moments later, he collapsed.

“He was lying there like a dog. They didn’t worry about him. I asked them to help me lift him up, but they ignored me. I begged them to phone an ambulance, but they refused. It is their fault Chad is dead. Nobody else. They killed him,” she said emotionally.

Outside, the atmosphere was equally charged. Family members wept inconsolably as they were surrounded by relatives and friends offering support. A forensic vehicle eventually arrived to remove Jacobs’ body, further intensifying the sombre mood.

But across the road, sentiments were markedly different.

“Our children walk around here high on drugs, stealing everything we own just to buy from him. I am not sorry at all. At least there is one drug dealer off the streets,” said one woman, who asked not to be named.

Another resident echoed similar frustration.

“Drugs have been destroying this area for years. He was the one supplying our children. Those people crying – they’re his close friends, the ones he gave food and money to. I feel sorry for his kids, but not for him.”

The DFA reached out to SAPS for comment and clarification on the events of the day. In response, police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened.

“The Roodepan SAPS are investigating an inquest into the death of a 44-year-old man in the Roodepan policing precinct. On 27 May 2025 at approximately 14:35, the deceased collapsed while police were executing operations at his house in Homelite,” said Kock in a statement.

“Emergency services were contacted immediately and, upon arrival at the scene, declared him deceased. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.”

Community members have been left divided - some mourning a man they say helped many in his circle, and others expressing relief that someone they believe had poisoned their neighbourhood is no longer around.

The SAPS has appealed to the public for any information related to the incident. Details can be provided to Detective Sergeant Piladelphia Snyders at 082 495 4625, via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or through the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially.

As the community processes the shocking events, questions continue to swirl - about police conduct, the impact of drugs in Homelite, and the death of a man whose name evokes both grief and resentment.