City of Cape Town records increase in rodent complaints

The City of Cape Town says it recorded an increase in rodent complaints in a period of nine months. The City said it serviced 44 121 block baiting stations and attended to 4 743 - a 31% increase compared to the previous year.

During the same period between July 2024 and March 2025, the previous year, Environmental Health received 3 616 complaints about rodent activity and serviced 63 997 baiting stations.

PICTURE: City of Cape Town

The biggest increase in complaints are from the Khayelitsha area, and is directly linked to a special health education programme encouraging residents to log service requests instead of using illegal pesticides.

‘’By law, it is the responsibility of property owners and businesses to keep their premises rodent free and in a clean and hygienic state. An effective rodent control programme is a necessary public health measure, aimed at protecting residents from contracting diseases associated with rodents,’’ said the City.

During April and May, City Health staff increase baiting points, as rodents become more active ahead of winter and start moving indoors for shelter.

‘’Rodents are vectors of a wide variety of diseases and by controlling these vermin, we are protecting public health, maintaining quality of life and preserving property. They can also contaminate food and water supplies, which is why rodent control is in the interest of everyone. Practitioners provide rodent control services in all areas, but it goes hand in hand with education and awareness around the factors which contribute to an increase in rodents, such as waste management and illegal dumping,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

The top five areas with the most rodent complaints are Khayelitsha, Langa, Cross Roads, Parklands and Westridge.

The City appealed to residents to do their part to deter rodents, by: storing food in secure containers; Clean food preparation areas immediately after use; Make sure rubbish bins are securely closed; Do not dump waste illegally; Do not leave uneaten pet food out; and Seal cracks or holes in walls, floors and under doors

 

Done by: Bush Radio News

Help prevent sewer bloackgae, urge City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is urging Somerset West residents to help prevent sewer blockages. According to the municipality, kitchen fats and oils, sanitary products, rags and construction rubble illegally dumped in manholes are the highest contributors to sewer overflows in this area.

It said between July 2024 and March 2025, 280 sewer blockages were reported in Somerset West – significantly more than the 175 logged during the entire previous financial year.

COURTESY: City of Cape Town

Blockages caused by foreign items (including building material, sanitary products, and even nappies), have more than doubled. Sand and tree roots found in the sewer system are significantly higher; while blockages due to fats, oils and grease have increased more than fourfold.

The Westridge area accounts for 26% of the 280 sewer blockages logged in Somerset West. There were 73 incidents, of which 24 related to foreign objects and 33 to roots.

The Somerset West Business Park recorded nine incidents, eight of which were caused by foreign objects.

‘’Residents and businesses are primary roleplayers in keeping Cape Town’s sewers clear of foreign objects that when disposed of incorrectly, blocks pipes. Blockages result in sewer overflows on to our streets or in the environment, compromising hygiene and living conditions for communities, especially during winter,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

‘’While these numbers for Somerset West may seem like just statistics, each blockage poses health and environmental risks which can be mitigated by a change in habits and awareness of how to responsibly dispose of waste,’’ he added.

During winter, increased rainfall typically leads to higher volumes of stormwater entering the sewer network, especially in areas where illegal stormwater connections exist or infrastructure is vulnerable. This can overload the system and worsen the impact of blockages, leading to more frequent overflows into public spaces and natural water sources.

‘’Proactive action by residents, supported by the City, is essential to help reduce the risks ahead of the rainy season and to protect the health and safety of our communities,’’ said Badroodien.

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Six car brands recalled

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a sweeping recall of several vehicle models in South Africa, mostly due to safety defects.

The affected brands include Jeep, Chrysler, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Volvo, with issues ranging from defective airbags to faulty batteries and braking systems.

PICTURE: VW South Africa

Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd has recalled Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300c models produced between 2014 and 2016 due to faulty Takata airbags.

"The passenger airbag inflator may rupture during normal airbag deployment events due to excessive internal pressure. In the event of a rupture, metal fragments could strike vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death,’’ said Stellantis in its statement.

Due to similar airbag risks, Stellantis also recalled the Citroën C4, DS4, and DS5 models manufactured from 2009 to 2016.

"There is a potential for metal fragments to detach and strike occupants when the airbag deploys with excessive force. This could lead to severe injuries or fatalities,’’ said NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is recalling CLA (118 platform) and S-Class (model series 223) vehicles. The problem lies with brake hoses on both the rear and front axles.

"In the CLA, rear axle brake hoses may not meet specifications, leading to chafing and leaks over time. In the S-Class, hoses may begin to leak in hot, humid environments. In both cases, this compromises braking performance, the company explained.

The affected S-Class vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2023.

Audi South Africa is recalling 46 units of the Audi e-tron GT electric vehicle, manufactured from 27 October 2021.

"There is a serious safety risk stemming from irregularities in some cell modules of the high-voltage battery. The battery may overheat and pose an acute fire hazard. This could result in severe or fatal injuries and significant property damage,’’ said Audi.

Volkswagen of South Africa has recalled 905 VW Polo Sedans sold from 2 April 2025. The rear seatbelt latch plates were produced with insufficient hardness.

"There may be a reduced protective effect during a crash, this increases the risk of injury for passengers."

Volvo Car South Africa is recalling 27 XC90 vehicles (model years 2020–2022) due to battery cell overheating when fully charged.

"The risk, in worst-case scenarios, is a thermal event essentially a fire hazard," said the manufacturer.

Acting NCC Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, said vehicle owners must not delay taking action.

"We urge all consumers in possession of the affected vehicles to contact their nearest authorised dealership immediately, these defects are not minor — they present life-threatening risks. Consumer safety is non-negotiable."

She added that all repairs or part replacements will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.

"Consumers unsure whether their vehicle is affected can check with their brand’s customer service or visit an authorised dealership. This is a clear reminder of why product recalls matter; the cost of ignoring them could be far greater than just a trip to the dealership."

 

Done by: Bush Radio News

Parolee who allegedly raped Hanover Park girl to remain behind bars

The Correctional Services Department has expressed concern regarding the arrest of a parolee in connection with the alleged rape and kidnaping of a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park.

Igshaan Williams (51) appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of rape, human trafficking, abduction and sexual assault. The state alleges that he lured the child to his home by sending her to buy milk on Tuesday. When she returned, he apparently gave her a sandwich to eat which purportedly made her drowsy, and she then fell asleep, by which the accused allegedly raped her

PICTURE: Pixabay

The Department confirmed that the suspect is a parolee.

’’The individual appeared in court under the name Igshaan Williams. However, DCS records identify him as Isaac Booi. Community Corrections officials have since verified his identity and confirmed that he is indeed a parolee currently under the supervision of the Cape Town Community Corrections office.’’

‘’Booi was originally sentenced on 13 March 2008 to 25 years’ imprisonment for rape and indecent assault. After serving the minimum required portion of his sentence at Voorberg Correctional Centre, he was placed on parole on 26 November 2024 His parole period was scheduled to run until 22 May 2044,’’

Nxumalo said following his court appearance on Friday, the Department will initiate the parole revocation process

‘’This process will be concluded within the prescribed 14-day period, in line with DCS internal procedures. The Department has launched an internal investigation to review and assess the effectiveness of monitoring measures applied during his parole period.

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald is facing a huge task as ghe confirmed that more than 3,000 parolees had been rearrested between April 2024 and March 2025. Groenewald was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.

Civil rights organisations, Action Society, wants the National Register for Sexual Offenders to be made public.

“The community was outraged when they heard what happened to this girl and we will stand by them. We have a serious problem in this country with parolees being released back into communities only to victimise more women and children. Furthermore, we at Action Society firmly believe that situations like this can be prevented in the future if we make the National Register for Sexual Offenders public – if we know the people living in our midst we can be more vigilant and protect our loved ones,” said Kaylynn Palm, Action Society spokesperson.

The case has been postponed to 23 May 2025 for the suspect to appoint a legal representative, and has been remanded in custody.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man granted bail after allegedly pranking colleague into drinking acid

The case against a 53-year-old man who allegedly pranked a minor into consuming acid at Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery in Mitchell’s Plain, has been granted bail

Nuruddin Tembe, who is charged with attempted murder, was granted bail of R1 000 on Thursday at the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate's Court, after he was arrested on Tuesday

Bush Radio News previously reported that the 17 year old victim, and employee at the butchery situated in Woodlands, Fayaad Norton, was pranked into drinking a liquid from a cool drink bottle which contained acid. Norton was admitted to hospital.

‘’ Lentegeur police are investigating an attempted murder case following an incident on Sunday 11 May 2025 at about 12:20 at a butchery in Mitchells Plain… He got cramps and vomited where after he was admitted to a medical facility to receive medical treatment. The case was reported by a family member the next day,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson, upon enquiry.

In a statement, Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery confirmed that investigations are underway.

‘’We want to make it clear that we remain respectful, while being focused on maintaining a safe working environment for all our staff and customers We trust that the legal process will determine the facts and outcome of the incident in due course We are further conducting an international investigation while fully cooperating with the South African Police Service’’

According to Tembe’s bail conditions, he must stay away from Woodlands. Tembe’s legal representative, attorney Asghar Mia, said that they are willing to work with the police to try and get the matter resolved.

The matter resumes on 12 August 2025.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man charged for alleged rape of Hanover Park girl to appear in court

Police confirmed that the man who allegedly raped a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park will appear in court on Friday.

COURTESY: Action Society

The SAPS initially said the 51-year-old suspect will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

It is understood the State did not have any information of the appearance as the suspects name was not on the court role.

Police did not rule out of additional charges that could be added.

The Hanover Parks CPF’s Khasiefa Mohammed spoke to Bush Radio News about the matter

‘’The perpetrator recently was released on parole after 25 years in prison.  The perpetrator was not kept at Phillipi police station and was transferred to another police station for safety out of fear for the community who might retaliate.’’

‘’Police wanted to keep the suspect for 48 hours to see what the parole conditions stated, whether he should have been in Hanover Park or not, as her has a history [criminal record],’’ added Mohammed.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Golden Arrow Bus Driver Dies Behind The Wheel

A Golden Arrow bus driver died yesterday morning while driving after he fell ill behind the wheel of a bus causing him to crash into a pavement and hit a tree.

The incident took place in Brackenfell and no passengers were onboard as the driver was heading to the depot. When authorities arrived at the crime scene the 37-year-old bus driver had already passed away and was declared deceased on the scene.

Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, Public Relations Manager for the Golden Arrow Bus Services confirmed the incident and said the driver died while on his way back to the depot. Dyke-Beyer says “Golden Arrow can confirm an incident which occurred at approximately 7.30am on Wednesday morning on Brackenfell Boulevard. According to all information available to us at this stage, one of our bus drivers was en route back to the depot, in an empty bus, when he suffered a sudden medical condition which caused him to leave the road and collide with a tree. Medical personnel were unable to revive him, and he sadly passed away at the scene”.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that Brackenfell police registered an inquest following an accident on Wednesday morning at about 07:30. Van Wyk says “According to reports a Golden Arrow Bus was on the way from Vredekloof down Boulevard Road with no passengers inside the bus when the driver lost control and drove into the pavement on the left hand side. When assistance arrived the 37-year-old driver was declared deceased on the scene”.

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

Last chance to apply for a school in WC for 2026 academic year

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) urged parents who has still not applied for their child to be in Grade R, 1 or 8, for the 2026 school year, to do so before midnight on Friday.

The on-time admissions window closed last month, but the online admissions system has remained open for late applications.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The WCED said, as of Wednesday afternoon, it received late applications for 8 603 learners for these grades, bringing the total number of learners applied for thus far to 173 872.

WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said after Friday, late applications will need to be submitted at education district offices or schools.

‘’We appeal to parents to submit their late applications as soon as possible. It helps us to plan better if additional school places are required.’’

Hammond said schools are currently considering the applications received during the on-time window and are applying their admissions policies to select successful applicants. She said schools will start to make offers of acceptance to parents from 30 May 2025, and parents will need to confirm their acceptance by 17 June 2025.

 ‘’The most important thing that parents can do now before the outcomes are available is to ensure that they update the department if their contact details change. Every year, we face challenges with parents who are uncontactable when an offer is available for their child, so we urge parents to assist us by providing accurate details,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

 Parents can contact the WCED call centre on 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions) to make the necessary changes to their contact details.

Meanwhile, the online window for transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12 will open on 4 August 2025 and close on 18 August 2025.

‘’Transfer applications for learners who have reached their highest grade in their school, or whose parents have relocated, will be prioritised,’’ said Hammond.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A Mitchells Plain butchery temporarily close following alleged poisoning incident

A butchery in Mitchells Plain has been ordered to temporarily close following investigations into an alleged poisoning incident.

It is alleged that the 17 year old victim, and employee at Mitchells Moslem Butchery in Woodlands, was pranked into drinking a liquid from a cool drink bottle which contained acid.

The victim was admitted to Groote Schuur hospital.

‘’ Lentegeur police are investigating an attempted murder case following an incident on Sunday 11 May 2025 at about 12:20 at a butchery in Mitchells Plain… He got cramps and vomited where after he was admitted to a medical facility to receive medical treatment. The case was reported by a family member the next day,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Police confirmed that no arrest has been made.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man charged for rape following disappearance of 'missing' Hanover Park girl

Police officers came under attack on Tuesday night, following an incident whereby a 9-year-old girl was reported missing in Hanover Park.

It is understood the girl had been on her way to madrassa when she reportedly encountered a man who wanted her to buy milk from a nearby tuckshop, but she never returned.

It is reported that the girl was then found at the man’s home and chaos ensured.

‘’Philippi police registered a public violence case for investigation following an incident in Johnvlei Road, Hanover Park, on Tuesday evening, where police members came under attack. The police members followed up information about a missing nine year old girl who was found at the premises. A crowd of approximately 200 people gathered around the premises and demanded that the suspect be released to them,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’Police took action to disperse the riotous crowd. We can confirm that a 51 year old male was taken in for questioning. Police vehicles were damaged during the incident. Nobody was arrested for public violence. The investigation into the matter is ongoing,’’ he added.

Giving an update on Wednesday afternoon, Twigg confirmed that the man had been formally charged.

‘’Kindly be advised that the 51 year old suspect was formally charged for rape and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 15 May 2025. The possibly that more charges may be added is not excluded,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two gang members arrested in Kensington for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition

Kensington police have rounded up two suspected gang members for possession of illegal firearms.

 On Monday, the Anti-Gang Unit in the precinct received information about illegal firearms and busted a pair of alleged thugs in two separate incidents.

In one incident, police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk reports that police had arrested a 30-year-old. Van Wyk says “On Monday, the members operationalised information about illegal firearms which led them to a premises in Ventura Street, Kensington where they thoroughly searched the premises and found a 9mm short pistol and one magazine. A 30-year-old male was arrested for possession of prohibited firearm."

 And in a separate incident, on the same day, police members were still patrolling the area with disruptive operations in Kensington when they received information about another firearm being kept at an address in Glider Road. FC Van Wyk says “The members quickly responded to the identified address where they found a Taurus. 38 special revolver, four 38 special rounds and 12 9mm rounds of ammunition. A 16-year-old male was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and Illegal possession of ammunition.

The team continued patrolling in the Kensington area received an anonymous tip-off about a firearm in Acre Street, and seized a CZ-75 pistol and one magazine which were found abandoned.

An inquiry docket was opened at Kensington SAPS and forwarded to Kensington CID for further investigation.

 Done by Shaneca Cupido