B97 taxi route remains closed for further four months

The B97 minibus taxi route between Mbekweni in Paarl and Bellville will be closed for a further four months, starting from Thursday 26 May 2022.

The taxi route between Bellville and Mbekweni, in Paarl was closed in July 2021, after efforts to end taxi violence between the local Paarl Alliance Taxi Association (PATA), which is affiliated to CODETA, and CATA Boland both who claim rights to run the B97 route, failed.

‘’My proposed actions were published under Provincial Notice 22/2022 in Provincial Gazette 8554 dated 18 February 2022. The final Notice setting out the extraordinary measures was published under Provincial Notice 24/2022 in Provincial Gazette 8556 dated 25 February 2022. Provincial Notice 24/2022 stated that the extraordinary measures would be in place for a period of three months. The period in respect of which the extraordinary measures apply expires today [Thursday],’’ said Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Daylinn Mitchell.

The reason for the extension says Mitchell is due to tensions between the conflicting taxi associations in the proposed declared areas have continued. He added that a number of violent incidents, including murders, have occurred and are being probed as part of the conflict between the taxi associations.

‘’Violence, unrest and/or instability in the taxi industry continue in the proposed declared areas, or between operators in those areas, which have led to the safety of passengers using the relevant services, residents or any other persons entering those areas, deteriorating to an unacceptable level. This extension is therefore necessary to stabilise the situation,’’ said Mitchell.

The MEC said that Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) will remain in operation between Bellvillle and Paarl. Commuters will also be able to use existing Metrorail train services between Bellville and Paarl.

‘’I expect that extending the closure of these routes and ranks will help to maintain the relative stability that was restored to the public transport environment in the affected areas and support the process of finding lasting peace,’’ said Mitchell.                                                                                                                    ‘’I have consulted with the relevant planning authorities in the affected areas, and they agree with the proposed measures,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Help find missing 13-year-old Maria Pop from Wallacedene, Kraaifontein

Kraaifontein Family Violence Child Protection Sexual Offences Unit are seeking the assistance of the public to help find 13-year-old Maria Pop from Wallacedene, Kraaifontein

The police’s Wesley Twigg says that she was last seen on Monday morning when she left her residence.

‘’She was spotted in Cape Town at about 17:00 Monday afternoon but never arrived home. She was dressed in pink leggings and a multi-colour top. She has brown eyes, black hair and is of slim built,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Anyone who can shed light on the whereabouts of the missing girl or who can assist with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPS App to send information anonymously.

 

PICTURED: Maria Pop

Done By: Mitchum George

Bontehuewel mothers thwart suspects from stealing drain covers

Bonteheuwel residents were woken up in the early hours of Wednesday, after they saw two thieves stealing drain cover lids in David Profit Street.

COURTESY: Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie

Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, says after stealing the covers, the suspects hid them in a nearby peace garden to collect at a later stage.

‘’The David Profit Street Mother's quickly informed my tip off line and Law Enforcement Officers were immediately deployed. The Bonteheuwel Law Enforcement team were immediately able to arrest the 2 suspects and retrieve the stolen covers,’’ said McKenzie.

COURTESY: Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie

The suspects were taken to Bishop Lavis SAPS. McKenzie says having a Bonteheuwel WhatsApp group is beneficial.

‘’Our street WhatsApp groups throughout the area has hugely assisted the reduction of crime and tipping off gang related activities. The safer community we experiencing must be accredited to willing residents taking back their community, street by street,’’ he said.

 

COURTESY: Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie - ‘’The David Profit Street Mother's

Done By: Mitchum George

No agreement reached to end closure of route b97

 An agreement has still not been reached on the sharing of a taxi route between Mbekweni and Bellville.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Daylin Mitchell stated that no aggrement has been met on the sharing of a taxi route between Mbekweni and Bellville. This comes after his efforst to meet up with leaders of the provincial taxi industry to find solutions that will lead to the reopening of Route B97. The Minister first closed the route in July 2021 after concerted efforts from authorities to stop violence between operators affiliated to Cata and Codeta failed.

Both groups requested more time, as the current extension end May 26, while they were focused on elections within the taxi industry and would not allow the two route associations to engage on their own.

Meanwhile Mitchell is adamant that they want the route re-opened.

Manenberg woman still missing

Police are investigating the disappearance of Manenberg woman who has set social media abuzz. Shireen Essop reportedly went missing on Monday, 2pm in Weltevreden Road, Philippi.

The 32 year old was last seen driving her white Toyota in the area before it was later retrieved in Khayelitsha. She last seen wearing black pants and a mustard top.

SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed police were searching for Essop and that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated.

Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter said they tried to raise as much awareness of the case as possible.

“The number of missing women, missing children, raped and abused women and cases of femicide, are getting out of control,” Walter said.

Anyone with any information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

by Everngelista Muza

Atlantis and Helderberg show an increase in vandalism and theft.

The City of Cape Town said that it has seen a slight increase of vandalism of its electricity infrastructure in some areas in the city.

It added that the estimated damage to infrastructure, for April, will cost the City R2, 4 million to repair and replace. According to Mayoral committee member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen while been downward trend in vandalism, theft and illegal connections in parts of the city. Data has shown that areas like Atlantis and Helderberg have shown an increase.

 The City stated that in the first three months of this year the Metal Theft Unit (MTU)arrested 54 suspects, issued just over 2 000 fines, recovered hundreds of kilograms of infrastructure belonging to the City, Eskom, Telkom and other entities. 561 inspections was conducted in scrapyards, resulting in 95 warning notices issued and 29 facilities closed.

by Everngelista Muza

No moneypox cases detected in SA

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that there are currently no cases of the virus in South Africa, despite 15 countries reporting more than 140 monkeypox cases,

In a statement, the NICD reported that on 13 May 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was notified of two laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable case of monkeypox, from the same household, in the United Kingdom.

“On 15th May, four additional laboratory-confirmed cases were reported amongst sexual health services attendees presenting with a vesicular rash illness in men practising sex with men. Since then, 15 countries have collectively reported more than 140 cases,” NICD Executive Director, Professor Adrian Puren said.

Puren said most cases are mild and present with lesions on the genitalia or peri-genital areas. Additional symptoms include rash, fever, painful lymph nodes, and oral ulcers.

He said the first case in the current outbreak was a traveller who returned to the United Kingdom from Nigeria, a monkeypox endemic area, on 4 May 2022.

“Clinicians confirmed that the patient had monkeypox three days later. Investigations have been unable to link that case to any of the other cases detected to date, suggesting that there have been multiple introductions of the virus into the United Kingdom and other countries, with cases potentially having gone undetected [until] now.

“A preliminary genome sequence from a confirmed Portuguese case indicates that the virus is the West African strain (reduced mortality of 1% compared to the 10% of the Congo Basin strain) and is most closely related to viruses associated with the exportation of monkeypox from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore during 2018-2019,” Puren said.

Puren noted that milder cases of monkeypox may go undetected and represent a risk of person-to-person transmission.

 

“There is likely to be little immunity to the infection in those travelling or otherwise exposed, as endemic disease is usually geographically limited to parts of West and Central Africa.”

Although monkeypox, which is related to smallpox which has been eradicated, sporadically causes small outbreaks, transmission is believed to be inefficient as close contact is required and thus the current outbreak is unlikely to progress to being a global emergency.

“Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most cases will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, severe disease maybe observed in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised.

“Historically, vaccination against smallpox was shown to be protective against monkeypox. Contact tracing is ongoing in the countries reporting cases, and contacts are being assessed based on their level of exposure and followed up through active or passive surveillance for 21-days from the date of last exposure to a case,” Puren explained, noting that smallpox vaccination is being offered to higher risk contacts, but global vaccine availability is a challenge.

Puren warned that for South Africa the risk of importation of monkeypox is a reality, as “lessons learnt from COVID-19 have illustrated that outbreaks in another part of the world can fast become a global concern”.

“Residents and travellers to endemic countries should avoid contact with sick animals that could harbour monkeypox virus, such as rodents, marsupials, and primates and should refrain from eating or handling wild game. A good history is essential to rule out other differential diagnoses, including malaria,” Puren advised.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two Metro Police officers sustains facial injuries, as bystanders thwart arrest of taxi driver

Two Metro Police officers were injured, with one taken to hospital for treatment, after they sustained facial injuries from being hit in the face with a rock.

Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith says that Officers pulled over a white Toyota Quantum in Bishop Lavis on Friday after the driver disobeyed a red robot, but he sped off instead, causing two accidents along the way, and eventually abandoned the vehicle at the Nyanga taxi rank, where he fled further on foot.

‘’A crowd at the taxi rank hurled stones at the officers, and some also fired live rounds at them. Members of the Metro Police Tactical Response Unit discharged rubber rounds to disperse the crowd.’’

‘’By the time the situation calmed down, the taxi driver had managed to evade capture, but four other suspects were arrested on multiple charges including public violence, malicious damage to Council property, resisting arrest and hindering/interfering with an officer in the execution of their duties; four Metro Police patrol vehicles were damaged; two officers sustained facial injuries from being hit in the face with rocks – one was taken to hospital for treatment,’’ he added.

The mayco member condemned the incident

‘’It’s an unfortunate reality that more and more people feel they can simply insert themselves into situations that have nothing to do with them, and in the process they help suspects get away to potentially commit more offences down the line, but they also put our staff’s lives at risk as well as their own. This particular situation could have had fatal consequences. Even more puzzling is how, in the face of ongoing complaints about public safety and incidents of crime, anyone can target or obstruct officers in the execution of their duties. We condemn these brazen acts of lawlessness, and I sincerely hope that the courts will send out a strong message that this type of behaviour cannot and should not be tolerated.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

GABS says it will protect its passengers from a price hike

Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) says it will protect its passengers by not increasing its fares.

The announcement comes as a massive fuel hike of over R3 per litre is predicted for next month, as the government offered relief of R1.50 on the fuel levy was expected to lapse in June.

In a statement, GABS’ general manager Derick Meyer said diesel was the company’s single biggest expense item other than wages, adding that price hikes place severe pressure on its operating margins

‘’The upcoming increase in the price of diesel is going to be yet another blow for Golden Arrow, but we have decided not to increase fares at this stage to provide our passengers with some small sense of relief amidst all of the price increases they are facing. Golden Arrow will however continue to absorb these increases for as long as possible.’’

‘’Going forward, we will continue to monitor the situation closely but would like to once again assure our passengers that we are committed to making travel on our buses as cost effective as we can. Fares increases will never be implemented unless completely unavoidable,’’ added Meyer.

Meyer says that any potential future increases will be discussed with the Western Cape’s Department of Mobility and notice will be given in advance to all affected parties.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC livid at Khayelitsha and Manenberg shooting

Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen says he’s livid at the latest shooting incidents that occurred in Khayelitsha and Manenberg.

On Sunday evening in Ekuphumleni, in Khayelitsha, 3 members of a family were fatally shot in their home. In Manenberg, yesterday, there were attempts to shoot and kill 5 people.

‘’I am extremely angry at the latest shooting incidents that occurred in Khayelitsha and Manenberg. I want these perpetrators found and arrested speedily. This terror has no place in our society and must be brought to an end.’’

‘’Khayelitsha has been plagued by severe shooting incidents and this cannot be allowed to continue unabated. The flare ups of gang related shootings in Manenberg are of deep concern and must also immediately stop,’’ he added.

Allen has called on SAPS to leave no stone unturned and want the perpetrators to be found and arrested speedily.

‘’Every bit of crime intelligence and investigation ability should be employed to find and arrest these criminals. My plea to the community is to assist SAPS and law enforcement by providing any leads they might have so that these perpetrators can be arrested. We must ensure they face the full might of the law.’’

‘’The days of gangsters running around like they own the place and terrorising our residents are over. I want residents not to lose hope, as I will continue to advocate that the National Government provide the additional policing resources that we so greatly need and deserve,’’ added Allen.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Khayelitsha's latest deadly shooting leaves three siblings dead

Police to investigation a deadly shooting of three family members in Khayelitsha on Sunday evening.

Lingelethu police were called out to Lindelwa Street where they found the bodies of two men and a woman with gunshot wounds. According to reports two armed men allegedly at 8 pm and fired several shots before fleeing the sceen.

He said”, the ages of the deceased persons are 51, 53 and 57. Information gathered from the scene indicates all three victims were siblings ".

According to police no arrests have yet to be made as detectives are currently pursuing several leads as part of the investigation into the shooting incident.

by Everngelista Muza

Parow fire under control following blaze at a storage

A fire broke out at a storage warehouse in Parow on Monday morning, according to the fire services the cause of the blaze is still unknown.

This comes after fire crews were alerted to the blaze shortly after 5am.

According to the City's Fire and Rescue Service's Jermaine Carelse, no injuries have been reported. He also said that 40 firefighters have been deployed in the area , 10 fire-fighting appliances, as well as an aerial appliance are on scene on the corners of Fritz Spilhaus Avenue and Jean Simonis Street.

" The roof of the warehouse has collapsed and crews are also protecting the adjacent structures. While active firefighting is still ongoing, the fire has been brought under control."

by Everngelista Muza

Three suspected of murdering 6 year old girl in Limpopo to appear in court

 Three suspects to appear in court over the gruesome murder of 6-year old Bontle Mashiyane.  A month after she went missing her mutilated body was found on Saturday near her home. According to reports Mashiyane went missing near her home while she was playing with friends, this prompted Community members to launch a massive search for the little girl.

Mpumalangs Premier Refilwe Tsipane stated that the six-year-old was reportedly raped by a 40-year old man by before being murdered and among the three suspects two are neighbours. Premier Mtsweni-Tsipane says two more including a sangoma have been taken in for questioning. The three suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.

by Everngelista Muza

Three year old boy lose life in bus crash along Garden Route

The bus crashed along Garden Route has been recovered. It had been carrying 35 occupants, members of a Rugby Club from Plettenberg Bay as they were returning from a league match in George.

According to police the accident happened on Saturday night when the bus driver lost control on a bend while coming down Wilderness Heights. The police stated that an investigation has been opened after a three year old boy was declared dead on scene.

Team Manager, Martin Booysen says the deceased was the son of one of the players, as well as the grandson of the club’s chairperson, who’s currently in hospital.

According to Ross Campbell, the spokesperson for ER24, “They had apparently taken this road through the back of Wilderness to connect to the N2 as the Saasveld Road was closed due to flood damage.

 “Two men in their 30s were found entrapped in the vehicle and in a critical condition. They required advanced life support interventions, and their extraction took a long time, a combined effort led by Metro Rescue.

The bus was removed from the scene on Sunday morning.

by Everngelista Muza

South African ultrarunning legend, Mavis Hutchison has passed away

South African ultrarunning legend, Mavis Hutchison has passed away.

Affectionately known as the “Galloping Granny”, 97-year-old Hutchinson died on Thursday.

She was a pioneer for women in running, and especially as an ultra-marathon runner. In 1965 she became only the third woman to complete the Comrades Marathon (as an unofficial entrant), and then went on to complete another seven Comrades.  In 1973 she became the first woman to run the 602km from Germiston to Durban at the age of 49. This led to her nickname, which became her trademark and a name she proudly carried.

At age 53, Mavis made history by becoming the first woman to run across America from Los Angeles to New York City. She continued competing at the World Master’s Games, where she set new records, until her early 80’s and was still seen training regularly up to a few years ago.

Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, said Mavis embodied the concept of a life-long athlete.

“She stayed fit and healthy and continued competing at an unbelievable age. She paved the way for many female athletes and was also a mentor and inspiration to many. She never hesitated to give back to the running community. We are grateful for her contribution to sport and for the legacy she leaves behind. ‘’

 

PICTURED: Mavis Hutchison

Done By: Mitchum George

Action Society aims to achieve more successful court outcomes in future

Action Society provided insight into its Gender-Based Violence case-oversight model in Mitchell’s plain on Thursday. The organisation support victims of GBV by overseeing and monitoring the investigation process as well as educating the involved parties.

Action Society held its six-monthly feedback session with stakeholders at the Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse in Beacon Valley.

The event was attended by Western Cape’s Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC, Reagen Allen, staff of the network and the Lentegeur neighbourhood watch.

Action Society’s Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety, says it was the first real opportunity to provide feedback to relevant stakeholders.

“This is the way forward in collaborating with community organisations, local and provincial government and SAPS to help victims of GBV to get justice.”

Allen is of the opinion that crime and crime against women is concerning, which highlights the importance of working together to address the scourge of GBV.

“We’ve seen how our women in the Western Cape are working, seen them patrolling.”

Cameron concluded by saying, “It is a great comfort to us when the work we do is appreciated and seen as vital by someone like Mr Allen. We want to once again ensure him and his team of Action Society’s support to address this issue in our communities.”

Action Society aims to achieve more successful court outcomes in future.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Khayelitsha Animal Clinic launches programme aimed at doubling pet sterilisation

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has launched a programme to sterilise more animals and curb the growing pet population in the area. According to their estimations, approximately 300 000 companion animals live in the township, many of which are unsterilised.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic launched a satellite sterilisation clinic in January, in partnership with Blue Downs Animal Hospital in a neighbouring suburb to fight against the population growth.

PHOTO: Mdzananda Animal Clinic - Community members bringing pets for sterilisation

“The community’s pet population is skyrocketing. Backyard breeding is rife as puppy and kitten sales are income generators. There is also a massive increase in the township’s size and population as people move to Cape Town from other provinces bringing their animals with them,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive.

“There are many superstitions around female dogs needing to produce at least one litter and that males will lose their ‘manliness’ and stop protecting homes if sterilised. The increasing population means insufficient homes or overcrowded homes which can lead to intentional and unintentional neglect,” Du Plessis added.

The clinic has extensive education programmes teaching about the importance of sterilisation. Yearly the animal clinic sterilises around 1500 pets. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic have already sterilised 353 extra animals, since the start of 2022.

General Manager, Sr. Heidi May, says more needs to be done.

“This is not enough, but due to our capacity at our facility, providing medical treatment to over 1 000 animals per month, we are not able to do more. We have limited space in our operating theatre and limited veterinarians who also need to care for all patients in our hospital and shelter.”

The clinic had to find a creative solution to make a larger impact in the community and have done so by creating a Satellite Sterilisation Partnership Clinic.

“We believe in partnerships and that, through standing together, we can do even more good,” says Sr May.

They have partnered with Dr Rightwell Munyuki, the owner and veterinarian of Blue Downs Animal Clinic whose practice is serving as a satellite sterilisation clinic for this newly launched programme.

The launch of this programme was made possible by the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in the United Kingdom who sponsored one year’s running costs and sterilisation costs for 720 animals in 2022. The programme has, however, been so well received that they are already reaching more.

PHOTO: Mdzananda Animal Clinic - Dr. Brian Bergman sterilising a dog  

“We have limited funding for this programme and we don’t want to stop sterilising because of funding restraints. We ask the public to become #SteriSuppawters to reach more animals,” says du Plessis. 

Sr. May says funding is a challenge.

“We would like to reach more animals than the targeted 720 for this year. We can do it but we need to source more funding to make that a reality. We want to encourage the public to sign up as #SteriSuppawters and sponsor a sterilisation.” says Sr. May

To become a #SteriSuppawter sign up for a monthly debit order of R100 to sterilise two pets per year or R50 to sterilise one pet per year at www.mdzanandasecure.co.za. Or donate a once off amount of R650 to sterilise one animal. Bank details: Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account number: 075595710, Branch: Rondebosch, Code: 025009, Savings account, Reference: Steri +Your Name.

For further information visit their website on www.mdzananda.co.za or contact marcelle@mdzananda.co.za.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC to visit Manenberg over recent spikes in shootings

Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen will visit the Manenberg SAPS station on Friday to engage the VISPOL head and various relevant stakeholders of the area. This visit comes in light of the recent spike in shootings in the area.

Manenberg residents watched on in horror when a gang shootout ensued between two rival gangs on Thursday.

In the video, gone viral, a group of men armed with assault rifles and what sounded like a shotgun were seen exchanging fire. It’s unclear if any victims sustained injury in the gunfight.

Thursday’s shooting comes a couple of days after two men were targeted in an attempted assassination on Pacos Walk, Manenberg. It’s believed that the shooting was an attempt on the life of a prominent gang member. Police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk further revealed that “the two males were sitting in a black motor vehicle in Pecos Walk Manenberg when three males approached them, and they randomly opened fire on the occupants of the vehicle.”

“The three males fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The two injured males were taken to a nearby hospital by private transport for medical treatment,” added Van Wyk.

Early investigations into the attempted murder indicate there may have been three men involved in the shooting, all of whom are still at large and considered dangerous.

Murmurs in Manenberg indicate that the spate of shootings in the Cape Flats township is the culmination of an ongoing war between two gangs, the Clever Kids and the Hard Livings.

“Over the last 24 to 48 hours, I’ve received reports of significant shootings in the Manenberg area. It’s important to engage all relevant stakeholders, particularly SAPS, law enforcement and community organisations, to ascertain how this matter is being addressed. We cannot have our communities living in fear,’’ said MEC Allen.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

 

Stage 2 loadshedding to continue during the weekend

Power Utility Eskom says stage two rolling blackouts will continue through the weekend after it failed to resuscitate some of its generating units.

This week, the power utility plunged the country into darkness once more.

Eskom Spokesperson Sikhonathi Matshantsha said“ Due to the continued shortage of generation capacities, stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 5 until 10 pm tonight. Load shedding will be repeated at the same time on Saturday and Sunday. Eskom will continue to monitor the system and communicate any changes as may be necessary.”

Last week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) called for a State of Disaster to be declared on Eskom. It said the State of Disaster would be solution-driven when it comes to running the power utility.

The DA argued that the rolling blackouts have cost the country billions of rand and continue to hurt the country’s economy and have contributed to the unemployment crisis.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

 

Kleinvlei gangsters handed hefty sentences in Cape court

The Cape Town High Court handed hefty sentences to Thando Manuel and his co-accused Nathan Erasmus on Thursday.

On 18 March 2018, the suspects went to a known drug outlet in Protea Street, Kleinvlei, posing as customers. After a brief verbal engagement they opened fire on the three victims, two of whom died on the scene while one sustained a gunshot wound. The suspects fled on foot but Kleinvlei SAPS members, with the aid of the community arrested one of the suspects. The second suspect was arrested during further investigations. A 9mm pistol and a R5 semi-automatic rifle were recovered, and both firearms were positively linked to the scene of the crime by forensic ballistic evidence.

‘’Investigations revealed that the killing was gang related, and was a feud between different groupings of the 28 gang group in the Klenvlei and adjacent areas. The accused were both found guilty on all the charges and were convicted and declared unfit to possess a firearm,’’ said the police’s Ndakwe Gwala.

The two accused were both facing two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

 Thando Manuel was sentenced to two life imprisonment for the murders, and an additional total of 65 years imprisonment for the other crimes, while Nathan Erasmus was sentenced to two life imprisonment for the murders, and an additional 60 years imprisonment for the other charges. The sentences will run concurrently with the life sentences.

‘’SAPS management in the Western Cape trust that the lengthy sentences will send a strong message that gangsterism will not be tolerated in our communities,’’ added Gwala.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Stellenbosch University student arrested for rape

The Stellenbosch University (SU) says a student has been arrested for allegedly raping another student on campus. The student was arrested on campus on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, the university says the female is being cared for and safe but has not reported the incident to the University's Equality Unit.

‘’The victim is currently cared for and safe. She yesterday [Wednesday] opened a case of rape against the perpetrator with SAPS, who accompanied her to the Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, where she was examined and also received the necessary medication, care and primary counselling,’’ read the statement.

‘’The victim has not reported the incident to the SU Equality Unit yet, but she had been provided with information on the various ways that an incident can be reported internally. She will be assisted in this regard. The University respects the wishes of the victim and her decisions,’’ it added.

The suspect will be suspended from his residence pending investigations.

This is the second student to be suspended for misconduct this week, following the suspension of Theuns du Toit, who is being investigated by police after he urinated on the study material of another student Babalo Ndwayana.

The university's deputy vice-chancellor Professor Hester Klopper says she is committed to dealing with unfair discrimination and gender-based violence.

“I confirm the University’s strict zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, we will continue to work harder toward creating an environment free of gender-based violence that advances equal rights for all."

‘’Human dignity must be and will continue to be a non-negotiable at Stellenbosch University that will be respected, upheld and restored when affected, regardless of the transgression and without fear of or favour to an alleged perpetrator,” added Klopper.

Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk says the suspect is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

"The circumstances surrounding a rape that was reported to police by a female victim are being investigated by the Stellenbosch FCS unit. It is alleged that the incident occurred at around 22:30 on Tuesday at a residence in Victoria Street, Stellenbosch."

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Case of Bonteheuwel mother selling pics of her naked daughter online, postponed to 7 june

The case of a Bonteheuwel mother arrested by the FBI and Homeland Security after allegedly selling naked pictures of her 4-year-old daughter on the dark web, has been postponed yet again

The woman had been arrested in March 2021.The investigation was led by an agent from Homeland Security, who pretended to be a buyer, and traced her to Bonteheuwel after she allegedly received payments via PayPal.

She is facing charges of manufacturing child pornography, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and financial gain from child pornography and rape.

The woman’s five children have been placed in the care of family members. The case was previously postponed in April due to power outages, another reason prior to this one was to allow the mother to consult with her legal team.

The 32-year-old made a brief appearance in the Parow Regional Court on Wednesday and the case has been postponed to 7 June for further consultations.

Ward councillor Angus McKenzie, who has been assisting the victims and their family, said they were disappointed at yet another delay in the case.

“This is hugely concerning, worrying and most certainly embarrassing that this matter has been allowed to stretch out this long. With no formal trial date agreed upon after more than a year and a half we can all agree now that justice delayed is justice denied.

McKenzie believes the delays are an indictment of the country’s legal system.

“Our government is not serious about GBV, if they were we would see more prosecutions and way more stiffer sentences, but sadly we seeing the exact opposite, little to no prosecutions and even less meaningful sentences and that's even if the case makes it to trial.

“We have begged, we have pleaded and we have an even implored and yet the community has received nothing. Indeed this is a sad moment for our fight against GBV,” McKenzie added.

Done By: Mitchum George

Tazne Van Wyk's Murder Accused pleads not Guilty

 A man accused of killing eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk in February 2020 has pleaded not guilty on 27 counts.

The accused’s trial started in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday.

The accused has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, raping and murdering Van Wyk.

He has also pleaded not guilty on a charge of violating a corpse.

The majority of the rest of the charges against him involve crimes of a sexual nature and involved minors.

Tazne’s father is currently testifying as the first witness called by the State.

The child was last seen alive walking to a tuck shop near her Connaught Estate home in February 2020 and more than a week later, police arrested her alleged killer in Cradock in the Eastern Cape.

He led detectives to the child's body in a stormwater pipe along the N1 highway near Worcester.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

Two days left to comment on SAPS inefficiencies in the Western Cape

Western Cape residents have 2 days left to make their submissions to the Western Cape Provincial Police Ombudsman, Oswald Reddy, on police inefficiencies as it relates to SAPS’ failure to combat the operation of drug houses in the province.

In April, the Ombudsman published a notice in the Provincial Gazette announcing an investigation into these inefficiencies.

In June 2021, SAPS confirmed that there were 1 577 drug houses operating in the Western Cape. Of these, 53% are situated in the Cape Metro.

The Ombudsman’s investigation is based on determining the reasons for the police not being able to address the manufacturing and supply of illegal substances, in addition to the use, possession and dealing thereof; and terminate the operation of these premises.

“I’d like to firstly thank all those that have already made submissions. This information will assist us in uncovering why SAPS is unable to prevent these illicit activities from destroying our communities. This investigation is very important, and I’d like to encourage those that have not yet made submissions to urgently do so, as their contributions will go a long way in eradicating this evil from our society,” said Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

“We acknowledge that SAPS in our province is grossly under-resourced, due to a failure of national government to adequately deploy the required resources to our province. The boots on the ground are doing their best to combat crime. It is however our Constitutional oversight responsibility to hold SAPS accountable where they might not effectively protect our people, and this is one mechanism that we’re utilising, so that we’re all better placed to ensure that drug houses are immediately closed down,” he added.

Submissions can be sent via email to ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za before 20 May 2022.

 

PICTURED: WCPO Logo

Done By: Mitchum George

WCLA to implement new licence renewal process

The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) is implementing automatic and non-automatic licence renewals for 2023.

In a statement, the WCLA says licence holders who are non-compliant will have to apply to renew their licence, while compliant licence holders can have their renewals done automatically.

The WCLA says the list of non-compliant licences will be published and members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on these renewal applications.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen says the WCLA is in a position to regulate liquor more effectively and fairly in the public interest.

“This differentiated approach to liquor licence renewals rewards good behaviour by allowing compliant licensees to renew their licence automatically, while introducing adverse consequences for errant behaviour. A liquor licence is granted as a concession to trade alcohol, provided the licence is operated in a manner that is mindful of the public interest. I am encouraged that the WCLA is innovating in this way.”

CEO of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, Simion George, emphasised the importance of the WCLA

“Alcohol is a regulated substance due to the significant harms associated with its availability and use. Regulation ensures that public interest is considered and prioritised to reduce the impact of alcohol on communities, while enabling sustainable business opportunities. In South Africa, 56% of transport related deaths, and 54% of homicides and violence cases are linked to high levels of alcohol. The availability and use of alcohol is a risk factor enabling gender-based violence, sexual violence and other forms of violence leading to injury, trauma or death.”

Those licensees who do not qualify for automatic licence renewal will be notified by 31 July, ahead of the annual renewal period. MEC Allen added that they will then be able to submit a renewal application for the consideration of the Liquor Licensing Tribunal.

 

PICTURE: WCLA's logo

Done By: Mitchum George

EMS officials thrown with a brick in Delft

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has condemned the recent attacks on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials.

During 2021 there were 78 senseless attacks and so far there has been 9 attacks on EMS officials in 2022, who risk their lives daily to save lives in the Western Cape province.

Last week, paramedics were on their way to pick up a patient in Site B, Khayelitsha, when they were held at gunpoint and robbed with their personal belongings, including two cellphones and bags with their wallets and ID. The traumatic ordeal occurred at 14:45.

The latest incident says the EMS’s Deanna February, officials were thrown with a brick just before 5a.m on Tuesday in Delft.

SUPPLIED: WCDoH&W

‘’Whilst driving down Kaap Street in Delft a brick was thrown at the ambulance and plunged through the driver side window of the vehicle and scratched the shoulder of the crew member who was driving. The brick landed on the passenger side of the ambulance and the crew left the area immediately. The vehicle was damaged and fortunately, there were no serious physical injuries, however, the EMS officials are severely traumatised following this senseless attack and they have been supported with counselling and offered time off,’’ said February.

SUPPLIED: WCDoH&W

February says her department is concerned about the increase in officials being attacked.

‘’Although most attacks do not result in serious physical injuries, essential health services are often being disrupted. The poor response time is most severely felt by the most vulnerable. These attacks leave staff traumatised and fearing for their lives while fulfilling their duties.’’

‘’They go beyond and above the call of duty, by risking their lives daily to save the lives of the vulnerable people in communities. We are therefore urging the public to protect and support EMS officials and immediately report these incidents to their nearest police station,’’ added February.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Small Business Development Minister allocates Budget funding

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni Abrahams has said while speaking at a small media briefing of the National Assembly last week that there would be better funding opportunities for small and medium businesses while presenting her department’s budget.

and that the department would leverage the R500-million Innovation Fund developed through the ecosystem, which would be supported by the European Union. Ndabeni Abrahams added that R416-million would be allocated over the medium term to sector and market development within the department. One of the department’s proposed strategic focuses is access to business development services and support infrastructure.

Ndabeni Abrahams noted that the department would elevate support for the manufacturing sector through its focused Import Programme to strengthen the country’s industrial base.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

World Hypertension Day

Today is World Hypertension Day and the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is encouraging residents to embrace this year’s theme, Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer. Figures from City facilities show a 70% increase in new hypertension cases in the 18-44 age group and a 35% increase for those older than 45.

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important as an elevated blood pressure can significantly increase your risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.

An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension or high blood pressure, according to the World Health Organization.

In the last 12 months, City facilities have reported 2 241 new cases of hypertension in the 18-44 age group compared to 1 320 in the preceding year. In the 45 plus age group, there are 1 875 new cases compared to 1 385 the previous year.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness Nurse Verna Jacobs has encouraged residents to learn more about high blood pressure to protect themselves and their loves ones. Sr Jacobs, who works at the Elsies River Community Health Centre, leads a hypertension support group to empower residents living with hypertension.

Cred: The Links Community

In line with this year’s theme, here are four commons myths about hypertension and how you can prevent and manage high blood pressure.

 

1. MYTH: High blood pressure is not serious and only affects older people

FACT: Hypertension is a serious condition and should not be ignored

 

2. MYTH: High blood pressure can’t be prevented

FACT: Some lifestyle habits can increase your blood pressure. In the same way, other habits can reduce your blood pressure. Risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

 

3. MYTH:  You won’t need to complete treatment if you feel better after a few weeks

FACT: If you receive medication, it is important to take it to complete treatment as recommended by a healthcare worker. Do your best to implement healthy lifestyle habits recommended by your nurse or doctor, such as exercising regularly.

 

4. MYTH: You will know if you have high blood pressure

FACT: Hypertension is called the “silent killer” for a reason. Many people with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition and may not display symptoms.

 

Some patients may display symptoms which can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

If hypertension is detected early, it is possible to minimise the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Individuals who already have hypertension can manage their condition by:

 

• Adopting the healthy behaviour listed above.
• Getting regular health and blood pressure checks.
• Regularly taking any prescribed medications for lowering blood pressure.
• Following any other medical advice from a trained healthcare worker.

 

Access to healthcare is a basic human right, whether for hypertension, diabetes or any other condition. If you need support, you can make an appointment at your local clinic or visit your clinic.

 

By Danielle Mentoor

Belhar police are seeking the assistance of the public to locate Filicity Fillies

Belhar police are seeking the assistance of the public to locate Filicity Fillies.

PHOTO - SAPS: Filicity Fillies

It’s understood that Fillies left her place to visit a friend in Manenberg on Wednesday, at about 09:20.

‘’She was wearing a black jacket, navy blue velvet pants and black and white running shoes. She made contact with her husband later that day to say she arrived safely at her destination, and has since not been seen,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Anyone who can assist with the investigation or know the whereabouts of the missing person is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George