Well-known Capetonian breakdancer, Ruben Jansen, who represented South Africa at a competition in Paris last year, was shot dead in Eerste River on Sunday night.

The 20 year old was reportedly sitting with friends in a bakkie when gunmen walked up to the vehicle and shot at them.

Jansen died on the scene, while his 2 friends were wounded.

The young man was in Paris last year representing South Africa in breakdancing competitions, and worked at the SA Sea Cadets.

No-one has been arrested yet. The police’s Wesley Twigg says the motive is also still unknown.

“The circumstances surrounding an incident where a 20-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded and two other males wounded are under investigation. The 20-year-old victim was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel while the other victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack is yet to be established. The unknown suspects who fled are yet to be arrested.”

The senseless killing has left the community reeling, with tributes pouring in for Jansen.

Leading tributes was Apex High School. Jansen matriculated at the school in 2021.

”It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our beloved alumni, Ruben Jansen.

Ruben was more than just a student; he was a beacon of dedication, talent, and friendship.

A gifted dancer, Ruben’s passion and hard work took him to stages across the globe, where he proudly represented our country.

His unwavering discipline was not only evident in his art but also in his commitment as a Sea Cadette with T S Birkenhead in Hawston.

Above all, Ruben was a loyal friend, a kind soul who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

As we mourn this tragic loss, we also celebrate the incredible impact Ruben had on all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Ruben. Your legacy will forever dance in our hearts.”

The South African Sea Cadets – TS Woltemade – also paid tribute:

”Ruben Jansen. He started as a cadet at TS Woltemade at the tender age of 12yrs old and stayed until he finished matric. He then stayed on as a CI until his family moved home, where he then joined TS Birkenhead for a while. He returned to TSW earlier this year, but he has been on leave for a short while now to pursue his dancing career. He represented SA in breakdancing in Poland in 2023. He was gunned down and killed yesterday. He was a real gentleman. Never a week went by when he did not call to check up on us. He will be missed by his TSW family. RIP Ruben.”

Dance crews and hip-hop industry players also expressed their condolences to Jansen’s family, and paid tribute to him.