Fetus discovered in Mitchell's Plain

Mitchell’s Plain police are probing the circumstances surrounding an incident, whereby the body of a fetus was found on an open field in Lentegeur, on Wednesday afternoon

‘’ The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. Lentegeur police registered a concealment of birth case for further investigation following the discovery of a foetus today ( Wednesday 23 April 2025) in Hibiscus Street, Lentegeur,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson

PICTURE: Pixabay

A resident shared details of the discovery.

‘’The baby was born last night as the placenta was still intact. The fingers were blue. The EPWP workers discovered the body as they were doing grass cutting.’’

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

High school learner stabbed outside a Mitchell's Plain school

A teenage scholar was stabbed outside a Mitchell’s Plain school on Tuesday afternoon.

SCREENSHOT - Google maps - Cedar High School

Police confirmed that the 17-year-old boy was walking home from Cedar High School, in Rocklands, when he was approached by two suspects who attacked him.

‘’Mitchell’s Plain police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a stabbing incident on Tuesday afternoon, 22 April 2025, on the corner of Weltevreden and Spine Roads, Mitchell’s Plain in which a 17 year old learner was stabbed… The victim sustained stab wounds to his body and was taken to a medical facility for medical treatment. Arrests are yet to be made. An assault to cause grievous bodily harm case was registered for further investigation,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says trauma counselling has been provided for those affected by the incident.

‘’The incident occurred outside the school. A Grade 11 learner was stabbed on his way from school on [Tuesday] afternoon. The learner ran back to the school for assistance. School staff immediately called SAPS and an ambulance, and also administered first aid to prevent further blood loss. Their immediate support must be commended in these stressful circumstances. The learner was transported to hospital, where he received treatment. Trauma counselling has been made available to learners and staff who witnessed these events,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson

Police urged anyone with any information about this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Bathers urged to be cautious as Cape public pools close as winter approaches

With Cape Town’s public pools have now closed for the winter season, with the exception of indoor pools and Sea Point, the City of Cape Town has reminded residents that the risk of drowning remains present, especially during the off-season when supervision is limited.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The municipality said 14 fatal drownings occurred along the coastline, during the Summer season, which is equal to the number recorded last season. Of these, 12 victims were male and four were under the age of 18. It added that a total of 49 non-fatal drownings were recorded during this period. In 2024, five people drowned during the off-season.

‘’Our sincerest condolences go out to those who lost loved ones to drowning this season. Our lifeguards do all they can to save lives and are dedicated to ensuring each season is as safe as possible,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayco Member for Community Services & Health.

‘’Don’t become another statistic. Please obey warning signs, avoid swimming on isolated beaches and always remain within your swimming ability. Learning to identify rip currents can save your life,’’ she added.

Cape Town’s public pools have now closed for the winter season, with the exception of indoor pools and Sea Point, which operate throughout the year: Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat, Strand, and Sea Point

Figures provided by the City revealed that 660 509 patrons visited the City’s swimming pools between October 2024 and 10 April 2025. Notably, over 389 000 of these visitors were children aged three to 16.

Among the most visited facilities were Sea Point Pool, which was the busiest, with a peak attendance of 3,900 patrons on 26 December 2024. Other high-traffic facilities included Mnandi, Browns Farm, Bellville, and Delft Pools.

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Case postponed for duo accused for the murder of the Wynberg taxi owner

The case against two people implicated in the Wynberg court shooting has been postponed.

The pair made a brief court appearance on Wednesday morning Alleged mastermind Shireen Matthews was joined by Abubaker Adams. He was arrested over the weekend and made his first court appearance yesterday

It is alleged the pair is behind a hit of a 50-year-old man earlier this month.

State alleges that Mathews conspired with the gang to commit murder in what is believed to be a revenge attack. Matthews faces 8 charges including murder, possession of a firearm and inciting another person to commit criminal gang activity. Adams is also facing murder and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition

The case will resume on the 9th of May for Adams to get legal representation.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

Western Cape Government Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport pays tribute to Former Blitzboks coach late Norman Mbiko

The Western Cape Government Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, has paid tribute to the late Norman Mbiko, acclaiming him as a true pioneer of South African rugby and a champion for transformation in sport.

Mbiko, who was former Blitzboks coach and scrumhalf who captained the African Springboks during the Apartheid era, passed away on 22 April 2025 at the age of 79, after battling with Parkinson’s disease. Leaving behind a powerful legacy in South African rugby.

“Norman Mbiko was more than a coach – he was a leader, a symbol of excellence, and a relentless advocate for inclusion in sport,” said Minister Mackenzie.

“He helped shape the national sevens team in its formative years and mentored countless young players from the Western Cape and beyond. His contributions will never be forgotten.”

He served as head coach of the Blitzboks in the early 2000s, laying the groundwork for the team’s later international success.

On behalf of the Western Cape Government, minister Mackenzie offered heartfelt condolences to Mbiko’s family, friends, and the wider rugby community.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile's official vehicle shot at in March: Police launch an investigation

Police have launched an investigation after Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s official car was shot at.

According to reports, Mashatile was on his way home following the last African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, near the N12. Furthermore, the incident was suspected to be an attempt on his life.

Mashatile said that at first, he thought it was stones thrown at the vehicle however, his SAPS protectors later said the impact was more than that.

National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola confirmed the assassination attempt on Mashatile’s life

He said police had now concluded a part of their investigation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that both Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa's details had been boosted.

A high-level investigative team has been assigned to work on the matter.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Police arrest one of their own after the officer was caught dealing in drugs

Police arrested one of their own this weekend after the officer was caught dealing in drugs

Western Cape police said the Anti-Gang Unit arrested the officer in Kleinvlei after conducting a search operation and in the process, found the officer with a consignment of drugs.

‘’Police members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an intelligence driven operation in Kleinvlei on Saturday 19 April 2025. Upon arrival at the identified address they searched the premises and the occupants and, in the process, found a person in possession of a consignment of drugs. They detained the adult male, who is a member of SAPS, stationed at Cape Town Central SAPS, was detained for dealing in drugs,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The officer, who is stationed at Cape Town Central SAPS is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court soon.

Meanwhile, the DA has called for an urgent, independent audit of all SAPS personnel serving in high-risk and sensitive positions, particularly those stationed in courts, correctional facilities, and specialised units such as anti-gang task teams.

According to its NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, the officer was allegedly found in possession of 965 mandrax tablets, a bankie of tik, and a toy firearm.

‘’This is not the officer’s first reported link to smuggling. While serving in the SAPS Metro K9 Unit, he was previously implicated in illicit activity. Despite this, SAPS leadership reassigned him to the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, placing him in daily contact with detainees.’’

‘’This gross lapse in judgment has further eroded trust in the justice system. In the midst of a relentless gang and drug war on the Cape Flats, such negligence allows criminal syndicates to exploit weaknesses across the police, courts, and correctional services with impunity,’’ added Gotsell.

He highlighted other incidents, including a police officer in George was arrested after being caught with drugs; A Belhar officer was caught for possession of cocaine; and A Lentegeur police officer accused of smuggling drugs in a marked police vehicle with a Fancy Boys gang leader was initially fired for breaking the law, only to be quietly transferred to Dieprivier SAPS when Provincial Commissioner Lt Genl Thembisile Patekile overturned the dismissal.

‘’These patterns point to a broader institutional rot. The DA has written to Lt Genl Patekile demanding an urgent explanation as to why, firstly, the SAPS member was allowed to continue in such a sensitive position despite credible red flags and, secondly, why he was not fired after the first incident. The war on drugs demand ethical, credible policing,’’ added Gotsell.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

City sees decrease in arrest over Easter weekend

The City of Cape Town recorded a decrease in the number of arrests and emergency incidents this Easter weekend compared to the same period last year.

Law enforcement agencies recorded 273 arrests while two-thousand and 86 emergency incidents were reported.

Twenty-eight motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says he is concerned about the number of accidents that involve pedestrians in the city.

‘’It was a mixed bag this Easter – we are grateful for the decline in cases of interpersonal violence and other categories that are very often linked to alcohol abuse, and the fifteen percent increase in vehicles checked as part of Operation Exodus is also very encouraging. On the streets, our enforcement services put in the hard yards, resulting in a surge in firearm confiscations and related arrests. Drunk driving arrests increased slightly year on year – testament to the efforts of staff to keep our roads safe, but I am disappointed and concerned about the number of incidents involving pedestrians … there were at least four pedestrian fatalities this past weekend – three of them occurred on the N2 and R300, and all after dark. As winter approaches, we will step up our pedestrian education efforts and it is hoped that our planned additional deployments along the N2 for the new financial year could also assist in driving down the number of pedestrians crossing the road illegally,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Second accused appears in court in connection to Wynberg court shooting

A second accused in connection with the murder of a man in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court appeared in the same court on Tuesday.

Abubaker Adams (24) from Bonteheuwel made his first appearance in Court 4. He is facing a charge of murder.

His arrest follows a week after Shireen Matthews (35) from Strandfontein was the first accused to appear in court in connection with the murder of Dingalamaya Chintso (50).

She is believed to be the person who smuggled the firearm through the court. It is understood that she smuggled it through the front entrance of the court, under her clothes, and then gave it to an unknown man on the second floor.

Chintso was shot four times in the head outside Courtroom D on the fourth floor of the courthouse on April 8.

He was an accused in a murder case and the trial was due to resume that day. He was charged with one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Matthews is the "mastermind" behind the revenge attack, according to the state.

Adams' case was postponed until Wednesday so he can appear with Matthews.

The NPA also refuted claims that Chintso was a State witness and instead revealed that he was appearing on murder charges. The 35-year-old Matthews appeared in court several days later where it was revealed that she allegedly orchestrated the revenge hit.

Addressing the court on Tuesday, state prosecutor Advocate Christiaan de Jongh, told the court that Adams had been identified as one of two shooters. During court proceedings Adams told the Magistrate that he would be applying for a Legal Aid lawyer but the lawyer present in court said she could not defend him.The case has been postponed to Wednesday.

Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Pope Francis has died at age 88

 Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican announced on April 21, 2025.

His death came one day after a brief appearance to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday mass. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. He later chose Francis as his name to honour Saint Francis of Assisi.

 Francis was declared pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics after his predecessor, Benedict XVI, became the first pope to resign in 600 years.

 Francis challenged the conventions followed by pontiffs before him. He pushed for a more transparent Vatican, connected to the concerns of common people and engaged with other faiths.

During Christmas address in 2024, Francis denounced the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying: “May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war”.

He would repeat his message of concern for Gaza in his address at the Easter mass, a day before his death. Briefly appearing on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, he condemned the “deplorable humanitarian situation” caused by Israel’s 18-month war on the Palestinian territory.

Francis also assembled an advisory council of cardinals and launched a probe into the Vatican Bank, which was accused of money laundering and corruption.

Pope Francis suffered severe complications in recent weeks after a bout of double pneumonia for which he spent five weeks in hospital.

 He was admitted to hospital in Rome on February 14 for bronchitis, which he had been diagnosed with eight days prior but he continued to preside over general audiences and an outdoor mass.

 He was released on March 23, with expectations that he would resume his duties gradually before his death.

Currently his body is dressed in papal vestments and placed in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. Hundreds and thousands of people line up to pay their respects.

The funeral will likely take place in St Peter’s Square, with a service led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. The current dean is Giovanni Battista Re.

Details of the funeral will be released soon

Done by Shaneca Cupido

 

Get vaccinated, urge NICD, as flu season arrives earlier than expected

South Africa’s influenza season has begun and has arrived earlier than expected, prompting the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to urge the public to protect themselves by getting the flu vaccine.

ARCHIVE: Bush Radio's Renato van Schalkwyk getting inoculated

The NICD said the flu season started in the week of March 24, four weeks earlier than last year, and marks the earliest start to the flu season since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals.

“This early start doesn’t mean this year’s flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it means now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine,” the NICD said.

 “Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts, it is not too late to get vaccinated. Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next.”

The seasonal influenza vaccine is available at public health clinics and through private health-care providers, including general practitioners and pharmacies.

Flu symptoms for most people are mild and resolved in a few days, but for some, influenza could lead to severe illness, hospitalisation or even death.

Those most at risk include pregnant women and people living with HIV. People with chronic conditions are also at risk, such as: diabetes; lung disease; heart disease; TB; kidney disease; or obesity; people who are 65 years and older; and children younger than two.

The NICD encouraged these groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to seek medical care early if they developed flu symptoms.

The City of Cape Town says it received 18 500 doses of vaccine, and clients are advised to enquire about their eligibility at their nearest facility, as it will be delivered to various healthcare facilities soon.

‘’Getting vaccinated is a responsible choice that not only protects you, but also helps safeguard your loved ones and the broader community. The flu season is upon us, so please act now to reduce your risk. We also remind the public to keep good hygiene habits top of mind, particularly regular handwashing, and coughing etiquette, which advises that you cough into your elbow, instead of your hand,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

The NICD advised those whose symptoms worsen or do not improve within 3–7 days, to seek medical attention.

‘’Clinicians are urged to consider influenza when diagnosing patients with respiratory illness this season.’’

To reduce the spread of flu in your community, remember to wash your hands often; Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue; Avoid close contact with people who are sick; Stay home if you are feeling unwell

 

Done By: Mitchum George