WC dam level increase significantly as more rain set to make landfall

Cape of Storms that wreaked havoc last week has seen dam levels in the Western Cape increase significantly.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) recorded a 10% increase in dam levels across the province

According to this week’s hydrological report, the Cape Town Water Supply System is up by about 10% from 64,65 to 73,11. During the same period in 2024, dam levels was at 68,06%.

The DWS said the increase is an improvement compared to the past four weeks, when dam levels rose by approximately 2% per week.

SUPPLIED: DWS

Despite the raising levels of the provincial dams, DWS still encourages water users to use water sparingly.

“Even though we have received some rain over the past few days and seen a slight increase in our dam levels, water users are encouraged to continue using water sparingly. We cannot predict future weather patterns due to the impacts of climate change, but we remain hopeful for more rain as we move further into winter,” said Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, Western Cape Provincial Head of the DWS,

Bila-Mupariwa says the department will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to safeguard the province’s water resources. She urged all residents, businesses, and industries to minimise unnecessary water use and adopt water-saving practices to help sustain the province’s water supply until substantial rainfall occurs.

The South African Weather Service issued a yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rain for the Western Cape from Wednesday.

 

Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain
Validity period: 04 - 06 July 2025
Affected area: Western Cape (central & western parts) #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/ZSE2uipfTn

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 1, 2025

Done By: Mitchum George

Man arrested in connection with Gugulethu mass murder

Western Cape police made a breakthrough regarding the mass murder in Gugulethu over the weekend. Officers arrested a 35-year-old man in the Cape Town City Centre, on Monday evening.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Seven men were murdered in the Kanana informal settlement on Saturday. Police said the group were socialising in the kitchen when they were ambushed by unknown assailants. SAPS added that three other men who were asleep elsewhere in the house at the time of the attack escaped unharmed.

‘’While the investigation continues and the search for an additional suspect is underway, the arrested individual is currently being processed for his imminent court appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, following formal charges,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Police are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing Loyiso Matinisi, who is sought in connection with the case. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Sergeant Sithembele Sambunjelwa of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit at 073 416 5224.

‘’The SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to confronting violent crime with the full might of the law. Those who choose to disregard the rule of law can expect to face its full consequences,’’ said Traut.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Baby kidnapped at Belville mall reunited with family; woman arrested

Baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar has been reunited with his family.

COURTESY: Pink Ladies Organisation

The mother of the nine day old baby at the time was at a local shopping complex in Bellville on Saturday when she fell ill. She left the child in the care of a women who was with her when she went to the bathroom. Upon her return the mother could not locate the woman and her baby.

Police confirmed that the baby was found in Mitchell’s Plain and an arrest has been made.

‘’ Owing to the meticulous investigation and the analytical approach to the information at their disposal, the team pounced on an address in Honolulu Street in Tafelsig on Monday 30 June 2025 where they found the child and in the process detained a 37 year old female for kidnapping,’’ said Captain F.C. van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Once charged the suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Bellville Magistrates’ court on the mentioned charge. 

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Jobseekers Reminded to Update Details for EPWP Opportunities

The City of Cape Town has issued a reminder to jobseekers registered on the Jobseeker Database to update their details. This is a requirement for those who wish to remain eligible for temporary work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Jobseekers who have not updated their details in the past 12 months will be automatically deactivated from the database starting November 1, 2025. To avoid being deactivated, jobseekers are encouraged to update their information as soon as possible.

Jobseekers can update their details by visiting:

- A subcouncil office

- A SmartCape Centre in a library

- The EPWP Walk-In Centre at 50 Wale Street

 

They can also contact the EPWP HelpDesk on 021 400 9406 or email epwp.help@capetown.gov.za for assistance.

 

Required Documents

- ID document

- Proof of address

- Contact information

- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with skills and experience information

 

Registration and Updates are Free

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Library patrons once again given the opportunity to return books without being fined

Library patrons are once again given the opportunity to return books without being fined.

|The City of Cape Town is hosting its fine free week between 30 June – 5 July and it is specifically encouraging learners to return books during the first week of the winter school holiday.

PICTURE - Mitchum George 

The amnesty applies at every City of Cape Town public library. Patrons may return the items to any branch, regardless of where they were borrowed.

‘’The Fine Free week during the school holiday is a wonderful opportunity for young readers to return books and to enjoy the many activities at libraries. It is also an opportunity for learners to join and become a member at their nearest library. Our libraries are popular knowledge centres to visit with family and friends and we sincerely hope that late items will be returned so that other patrons and new members also have an opportunity to enjoy a returned item. Let us all support this initiative to return library material to the shelves where they belong,' said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Items that are covered during the amnesty week includes all overdue children’s and young adult books, comics, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and CDs. The previous Fine Free week which took place during the South African Library Week (17 to 23 March 2025), saw 13 178 library items returned.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Everyday people Drive show (@everydaypeopledri)

Higham said that replacement fees for lost or damaged items will still apply with only late-return fines that are waived.

The objective of the fine free week is to give young readers a clean borrowing slate for the new term.

 

Below a list of the top ten books outstanding (children and young adult books)

 Top 10 Books outstanding   Copies outstanding

The deep end / by Jeff Kinney      29

Wrecking ball / by Jeff Kinney       29

The getaway / by Jeff Kinney       26

Big shot / Jeff Kinney  23

Double down / by Jeff Kinney       23

The meltdown / by Jeff Kinney     23

Peppa loves reading / adapted by Lauren Holowaty        20

Hard luck / by Jeff Kinney    19

Cinderella  17

Boy-crazy Stacey: a graphic novel / by Gale Galligan      15

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two killed in separate incidents in Portland, M/Plain

Once dubbed a quiet area in Mitchell’s Plain turned bloody this weekend after two separate murder cases were reported in Portland.

A 24-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Michigan Way on Friday night.

‘’Upon arrival at the crime scene in Michigan way in Portlands at about 22:00, they found the body of a man who sustained a stab wound . The victim, aged 24 was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Reports suggested that the victim went to a spaza shop when an argument erupted, resulting in the victim sustaining a stab wound. The police members pursued the information at their disposal and detained a suspect. Mitchell’s Plain police are investigating a murder,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court soon.

In a separate incident, on Sunday afternoon, a 26-year-old man was shot and killed in Molopo close. Police confirmed that a teenage boy survived the incident.

‘’Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 26 year old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim [13 year old male] was taken to a medical facility for medical treatment. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is yet to be established,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Mitchell’s Plain SAPS are investigating murder and attempted murder cases.

Anyone with any information about this shooting incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Double murder in Nyanga

Western Cape police are investigating a double murder in Nyanga that occurred on Sunday morning.

Police confirmed that the incident took place in Bush Street, White City, where two men aged 23 and 25 were shot and killed in their home by unknown gunmen.

‘’The unknown assailants fled the scene, and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack now forms part of the police investigation. Nyanga police are investigating two counts of murder,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Nyanga Community Police Forum (CPF) condemned the incident.

‘’Two young boys were in a shack visiting their friend and both were gunned down. One was from Barcelona and the other from Crossroads. We are appealing to the community to stop killing one another as it is becoming a norm so we are condemning the incident,’’ said Dumisani Qwebe, Nyanga CPF Secretary-General.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Infant kidnapped at Bellville mall

It is a parent’s worst nightmare – the abduction of their child.

Western Cape police are probing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of an infant from a mall in Bellville on Saturday.

Little Mogamat Imaad Sharmar was only nine days old at the time.

COURTESY: Pink Ladies Organisation

Police say the infant was last seen at Middestad Mall in Bellville by his mother.

‘’The complainant indicates that she visited the mentioned shopping centre on Saturday 28 June 2025 with her nine days old baby. When she became nauseas she went to the bathroom and left the child with the person who was with her. Upon her return the person of interest and the baby was missing,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is investigating a case of kidnapping.

Initial reports suggested that the mother was meeting with a representative of the Zoe Project, but the organisation has since denied these claims.

Police appealed to the public with any information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done by: Mitchum George

SAPS needs help to find two men who have key info in Gugulethu mass shooting

The Western Cape police have launched an urgent appeal for assistance in finding two men who may hold crucial information about the tragic mass shooting in Gugulethu's Kanana informal settlement. On Saturday morning, seven men lost their lives in a brutal attack that has left the community in shock.

According to reports, the victims were gathered in the kitchen of a home when unknown gunmen stormed the premises and opened fire. Three other men who were in the house at the time, but in a different room survived the attack.

The police investigation, suggests that the attack may have been targeted. However, the motive behind the killings remains unclear, and no arrests have been made thus far. Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Police Commissioner, has condemned the killings and vowed to mobilize every available resource to track down those responsible.

Picture: SAPS 

The two menfinding Linde Madolo and Loyiso Matinisi, are believed to hold key information that could assist in the investigation. While they are not suspects, detectives are eager to question them as part of ongoing inquiries.

Picture: SAPS

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Linde Madolo and Loyiso Matinisi or any details about the incident, please contact Sergeant Sithembele Sambunjelwa on 073 416 5224.

Share tips anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

WC MEC appeals to communities to protect schools during school holidays

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier wished learners, teachers and school staff members a safe and peaceful June/July holiday after a ‘’very busy’’ second term.

Maynier is, however, appealing to communities to protect schools during the holidays.

PICTURE: Pixabay

During the March school holidays, 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism were reported at 21 schools across the province. According to the Western Cape Education Department, some of the schools were targeted more than once. These incidents involved the damaging or looting of classrooms, administration blocks, kitchens, storerooms, and outdoor infrastructure. Stolen items included computers, school desks, plumbing components, and groceries. The total cost of damages and losses amounted to R231 527.67.

‘’To help prevent school vandalism during the holidays, the WCED has committed to providing additional funding for security subsidies at high-risk schools. This includes 12-hour and 24-hour on-site security and cluster patrols. Eligible schools may also receive annual subsidies for armed response. Further interventions include burglar bars, stone guards, security gates, automated access control systems, and fencing repairs of up to 35 metres,’’ said Leon van Wyk, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education.

“A special thank you to our matrics and the teachers who will be sacrificing part of their holiday to attend #BackOnTrack lessons and training, in order to improve learning outcomes and prepare for the final exams at the end of the year. As always, we appeal to communities to keep a close eye on their local schools during the holiday period, when they are at greatest risk of burglary and vandalism. If you see anything suspicious occurring in and around our schools, please contact the South African Police Services immediately. Your quick reporting can make all the difference in apprehending perpetrators and retrieving stolen goods,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A Mitchell's Plain school to receive report cards next term due to sexual grooming case

Learners of Harvester Primary School’s will only get their report cards next term.

This after the school issued a letter to the parents on Wednesday informing them of delays due the 35-year-old former teacher facing charges of sexual grooming of a minor boy in Grade 7 at the same school, after she allegedly sent him explicit images of herself.

Following her arrest on Friday, 13 June and a subsequent resignation, the school added that they are actively looking for a replacement. The case resumes on July 1.

The letter reads: “Currently we are actively advertising for the Grade R educator position and we are committed to finding a qualified educator for Grade R. However, due to current circumstances we will be postponing the issuing of the Grade R assessment report until next term. We believe this will allow us to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of your child’s progress. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these changes. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.”

Done by Shaneca Cupido