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The former world champion high jumper Jacques Freitag was found dead near a cemetery after being missing for a fortnight.
Former world champion high jumper Jacques Freitag had been missing for a fortnight before being found dead near the Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria West.
The tragic discovery was made following his last sighting on June 17 when he left his mother’s house with another man.
Reports confirmed that Freitag had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, prompting South African police to open a murder case.
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South African Police spokesman Brigadier Brenda Muridili has revealed how the 42-year-old met his death.
“Freitag had been shot several times and that a murder case has been opened," he said as per Independent.
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Freitag's sister Chrissie Lewis led the search efforts for her brother and had appealed for help on social media.
"We weren't close at all over the last few years because of the drugs. I am a single mother and have had to look after my kids and protect them. He has been on drugs for most of the time," he started.
Jacques Freitag’s illustrious athletic career saw him reach remarkable heights.
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In 2003, he clinched the gold medal in the high jump at the IAAF World Championships in Paris, clearing 2.35 meters.
This achievement placed him in an elite group of athletes, alongside the likes of Usain Bolt, who have won world titles at youth, junior, and senior levels.
Athletics South Africa Commission chairperson Hendrick Mokganyetsi reminisced the memories.
“On the fifth of March 2005, I remember he cleared 2.38 meters - that was a national record. He was a four-time SA champ in high jump. In 2000, he won gold at the world junior champs that were held in Santiago, Chile.
In 2003, he won the gold medal at the world champs in Paris with a jump of 2.35 meters. This victory made him the first South African to win a gold in high jump at the world champs," he noted.
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Despite his athletic prowess, Freitag’s post-sport life was fraught with challenges.
He retired from the sport in 2013 and subsequently struggled with addiction.
His sister revealed that in recent years Freitag had been sleeping on the streets or sofa surfing unable to maintain a full-time job.
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