Police investigate former Blue Bulls chairman’s murder

Loate police are investigating the murder of 59-year-old former chairman and director of a Pretoria rugby club.

Jaco Basson met his untimely death on November 12.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police had earlier received a complaint of a shooting at Modise Stand in Winterveldt.

“The victim was reportedly shot by an unknown person and the circumstances that led to the shooting are also unknown at this stage.”

Basson was declared dead at a clinic in the vicinity of Soshanguve.

She said police requested anyone with information about the incident to please contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Blue Bulls Rugby Union CEO Dr Eugene Hare was shocked and in disbelief about the murder of Basson.

According to Hare, Basson was fatally shot in an armed robbery.

“I battle to find words to express my emotions as this is a terrible tragedy. Jaco was such a selfless soul who did so much for club rugby, notably at Pretoria RC in the past few years.

“What always struck me about him was how unselfish he operated… always willing to share his time, energy and wealth of expertise as his contribution to the betterment of the game. Jaco never said ‘I did it’, but always ‘we did it’.

“My sincere condolences go to his family and friends. He will be remembered as a giant among giants.”

Basson’s sister, Rialta Van der Mescht said the family lost Basson after he responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement.

In a Facebook post, she wrote: “We lost money but my husband and boys walked away from the situation unharmed. On Sunday, he and a friend went to look at a vehicle advertised on Facebook, and it cost him his life.”

The friend reportedly escaped unscathed.

Berinda Basson via her social media said: “Our hearts are broken! There are no words that can describe the void dad leaves in the lives of mom, us and grandchildren. In the lives of all your children, the family and friends. We love you dad and will miss you forever!”

Union deputy president Ben Eybers said: “Jaco belonged to a rare breed of individuals who always put rugby first. He was a true legend and leaves a rich legacy.”

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