Mother of Two Fatally Shot in Front of Children

Family Recounts Years of Abuse and Warnings

Gouda, Netherlands – A community is reeling after **Joeweela**, 39, was tragically killed Tuesday in Gouda, allegedly by her ex-husband, **Driekus K.**, while their young children witnessed the horrifying event. The news has deeply shaken her childhood home in Amstenrade, Limburg.

A Nine-Year Nightmare of Violence

Joeweela, who grew up in a caravan camp in Amstenrade, had moved to Eindhoven nine years ago to be with **Driekus K.** Her uncle, **Heino**, and aunt, **Frouke**, shared their profound distress with local news outlet L1. They revealed a history of escalating violence and intimidation from **Driekus K.**, whom **Joeweela** met while he was incarcerated for a previous attempted murder.

“We warned her countless times, but why she stayed with him, no idea,” stated **Heino** and **Frouke**. The family alleges **Driekus K.** confiscated **Joeweela**’s passport and controlled her finances, leaving her isolated and dependent. Despite these severe restrictions, **Joeweela** reportedly returned to him on multiple occasions, possibly due to fear or a lack of perceived options.

Escalating Fear and Threats

The situation became so dire that **Joeweela** felt unable to visit her family in Amstenrade. “We have reported a report several times,” **Heino** explained. **Driekus K.** had even appeared at the camp once but was denied entry by the family. Threats extended to the family itself, preventing **Joeweela** from seeking solace with them.

Seeking Refuge Amidst Peril

In her final years, **Joeweela** sought refuge in several women’s shelters across the Netherlands, including locations in Maastricht, Eindhoven, and Den Bosch. For the three weeks leading up to the shooting, she and her children were staying in Gouda. Her family expressed bewilderment at how **Driekus K.** managed to locate her, suggesting she may have been lured out of the safe house.

“We have told the police all of that, I hope they are all investigating that, because perhaps there may be any more complicit,” **Heino** remarked, highlighting the family’s concerns about potential complicity and the repeated failure to prevent the violence.

Criticism Over Law Enforcement Response

The family has voiced strong criticism regarding the perceived inaction of police and the judiciary. “How is it possible that someone is still walking around freely after so many threats and reports,” questioned **Heino de Gelder**, referring to **Driekus K.**’s alleged public threats on Facebook. The fact that the children survived the incident unharmed was a small mercy, but the family lamented the near-fatal outcome.

Domestic violence remains a critical issue globally. In 2022, a study by the World Health Organization indicated that approximately 27% of women aged 15–49 years who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of the problem **Joeweela** tragically faced.

Final Farewell Planned

Arrangements are underway for **Joeweela**’s funeral, which will be held next Friday in Amstenrade. Following the service, a procession will proceed to Helmond for her burial in a family grave.