Published: 2024-02-09 by, News Team

Gay Man Dies in Brutal Hate Stabbing: Cape Town Pride Community Mourns Loss

As Cape Town readies to mark Pride this month, sorrowful news emerges of the passing of Diego Jacobs, a 21-year-old gay man fatally stabbed in what appears to be a hate-driven attack.

Jacobs met his tragic end in the early hours of Saturday, February 3rd, in Delft, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Accounts suggest Jacobs, accompanied by two friends, was heading home when he encountered a 20-year-old former neighbor who had previously targeted him with derogatory remarks about his sexual orientation.

Despite Jacobs' attempts to avoid conflict by walking away, the assailant purportedly stabbed him in the neck with a knife, hurling homophobic slurs.

Jacobs, who was set to embark on a new job, tragically succumbed to his injuries in the arms of a friend.

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the murder, who is slated to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

Jacobs’ aunt, Naomi du Preez, disclosed that her nephew had faced threats from the suspect in prior altercations.

“Diego didn’t take it seriously because he understood many were intolerant of the LGBTQ+ community,” remarked du Preez, advocating for justice and the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Expressing shock, Cape Town Pride Festival Director Wentzel April decried the murder, which occurred shortly before the commencement of the annual three-week festival.

In response to the tragedy, a candlelight vigil and march will honor Jacobs’ memory and condemn LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Organized by the Del-Har Pride Support Group, the event is set to take place on Thursday, February 8th, in Delft, concluding at the scene of the tragedy.

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