Body found at Badell Powell drive

Macassar residents have called for more monitoring near the Sandvlei bos after the body of a second murder victim was found dumped this week.

Following the grim discovery of a male in the bulrushes on Saturday, cops confirmed that another corpse was stumbled upon on Monday.

Warrant officer Joseph Swartbooi said that the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation.

 He said “Macassar police responded to a complaint on Monday 17 March 2025. Upon their arrival at the crime scene near Sandvlei on an open field, they found the body of an unidentified man who sustained fatal injuries. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is yet to be determined.”

Community activist Christiaan Stewart suggests cameras and better lighting should be installed in the area to prevent future dumping.

The City of Cape Town and SAPS with the collaboration of the community need to work together to ensure that our community is safe because this dumping of bodies is getting out of hand.”

 Anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Eskom has withdrawn its services in Khayelitsha

Eskom has withdrawn its services in Khayelitsha. Some of its employees were robbed at gun pointed in Makhaza on Saturday.

‘’The men pointed firearms at the employees and forced them to hand over the car keys. The employees were forced into their work vehicle by the men whose faces were covered. They were dropped in Green Point (in Khayelitsha). Four cellphones, a car battery, two step ladders and devices belonging to Eskom were stolen,’’ said Captain FC van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Van Wyk said a case of carjacking is under investigation and no arrests had yet been made.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Eskom said this means there will be a greater delay in restoration of electricity supply. It says its safety of its staff members are non-negotiable

Eskom management and internal security services is expected to meet with SAPS and local community members to try and find solutions of the safety concerns

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Manenberg's private school looking for new site

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has recommended the sale of City-owned land in Manenberg for the development of a private school operated by a non-profit organisation, The Leadership College.

The school opened its doors in January 2010 and specialises in Maths and Science and provides tuition, stationery and uniforms to its 200 primary and high school pupils at no cost.

PICTURE: Facebook - The Leadership College

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said the school’s management approached the City’s Property Transactions Department for assistance in identifying a suitable site, as it must vacate its current premises on privately-owned land.

‘’The department acted swiftly, identifying two well-positioned City-owned properties within one kilometre of the current school site. Recognising the importance of the sustainable, future service offering of the school and the impact it has in the community, the Mayoral Committee recommended that the property be disposed of at 10% of its market value, thereby contributing to the future viability of the school. It gives me great pride that the City is able to play a role in ensuring that The Leadership College can continue its invaluable work in Manenberg.’’

‘’The teachers, pupils, parents and everyone involved at The Leadership College continue to demonstrate the resilience and excellence that define their institution,’’ added Vos.

Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, welcomed the envisaged sale.

‘’This innovative step, discounting land for non-profit organisations delivering education, is a huge credit to Alderman James Vos and his team at the Property Transactions Department. We hope that this kind of transaction will create an incentive for more investment in independent schools to expand access to education in the Western Cape,’ saidMaynier.

Vos further emphasised the City’s commitment to unlocking opportunities through strategic property transactions.

‘’This transaction is a prime example of the City’s smart real estate approach, where public land is leveraged to drive positive socio-economic outcomes. By enabling projects like this, we are investing in education, community upliftment, and long-term growth for our city,’’ he said.

Following the Mayoral Committee recommendation, the report will be tabled for approval at the next Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 27 March 2025.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Suspected card fraudster arrested in Parow

A suspected fraudster is expected to appear in a Cape court on Tuesday after he was arrested in the early hours of Sunday in Parow.

Traffic officers on patrol along Voortrekker Road at around 2a.m spotted a car without number plates.  They stopped the driver, and took him into custody for possession of a fraudulent driving licence.

PICTURE: Pixabay

MMC for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said while driving the vehicle to the Parow police station, one of the officers noticed a black bag on the passenger seat, containing 37 bank cards, 17 cellphones and more than R17 000 in cash. The driver was charged with fraud and the possession of possible stolen goods. The car too, was impounded.

Smith appealed to residents to be alert

‘’This was a very good arrest – well done to the officers for their handling of the situation. This incident is the latest in a long list of examples where seemingly benign transgressions have taken people from the driving seat to a cell. Apart from the fraud charges, the suspect also faces additional charges relating to his fake driving licence.’’

‘’This incident should also serve as a reminder to us all that fraudsters are very active, and how quickly one can fall victim. Please always be alert of your surroundings when driving and visiting an ATM. If you suspect any breach of your bank account, please act immediately by reporting it to your bank, but also the police,’’ added JP Smith, City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man shot and killed in Lentegeur

There seems to be no end to gun violence in Mitchell’s Plain, as bullets once again rang in Lentegeur.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday evening, where a 32-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded. Police comnfirmed the incident occurred in Waterlilly Street

‘’Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Sunday, 2025-03-16 at about 18:50… are under investigation. Lentegeur police opened a murder for investigation. According to reports SAPS members on duty received a complaint of a shooting incident at the mentioned address and on their arrival they found the male laying in the street with multiply gunshot wounds to the face. The motive for this incident forms part of our police investigation,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

On Friday, the Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, visited the area as she patrolled with LEAP officers

‘’During this operation, Law Enforcement Officer Adams arrested a suspect for being in possession of 20 mandrax tablets. Some of the other successes achieved by our LEAP officers for the month of February 2025 includes: 678 arrests for possession of drugs; 14 arrests for dealing in drugs; 9 arrests for possession of imitation firearms; 6 arrests for possession of unlicensed firearms; LEAP officers also recovered 6 firearms in this period and executed 10 warrants of arrests.’’

‘’These statistics proves that LEAP, funded by the Western Cape Government, is an essential part of our collective efforts to rid our communities of illegal guns, ammunition and drugs,’’ added Marais.

 

COURTESY: Facebook - Anroux Marais

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 40k library items outstanding across Cape metro

The City of Cape Town is calling on library patrons to return more than 40 000 library items across the metro, valued at R4,6 million. SA National Library week (SALW) is commemorated between 17-23 March 2025, and library patrons are encouraged to return outstanding items without paying any fines.

ARCHIVE -  MItchum George

The Library Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) says the 2025 theme "Libraries for Sustainable Communities" underscores the transformative role that libraries play in fostering sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and accessibility within communities.

‘’This theme is aligned with South Africa's commitment to sustainable development and equality, and it further reflects the library’s contributions to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Libraries provide inclusive spaces and access to resources for all members of society, empowering communities through education, social support, and opportunities for lifelong learning,’’ it said in a statement.

To kick off the week, the City of Cape Town's Library and Information Services Department hosted its annual SALW Road March in the Cape Town City Centre on Friday.

COURTESY: Facebook - Ocean View library

Mayco member for Community Services & Health, Francine Higham, says for the umpteenth time, ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series remains the most popular outstanding item at City libraries. This is followed by 30 copies of ‘Wrecking ball’

‘’Think of this as a library amnesty week. No questions asked and no penalties applied. We simply would like the more than 40 000 missing items back in circulation where they can benefit everyone in our community.’’

‘’Every returned book means another child gets to experience that story, or another student can prepare properly for exams. Returning these materials isn't about avoiding fines, it's about strengthening our community resources. We encourage all residents to help these outstanding books, CDs, DVDs and magazines find their way home,’’ added Higham.

Speaking to Bush Radio’s Morning Cruise programme recently, librarian at Plumstead library, Miche Judith, says Plumstead library will host various activities this week in support for the SA library theme.

‘’On Monday, 17 March, we having author talk with Micaela Micraft. She is a South African activist with cerebral palsy; she won an international peace prize and cofounder of Chaeli campaign; We are also having two closed events – a planted tree session at Glen bridge school in Diepriver. We are collaborating with the City’s Water and Sanitation to do a talk at the school about sustainability; We are also having a story session at an old age home and handing out care packages to them.’’

Done By: Mitchum George

Firefighter came under attack whilst trying to extinguish a blaze at a Phillipi informal settlement

A firefighter reportedly came under attack this weekend whilst trying to extinguish a blaze.

Fire crews were battling flames that broke out at the Egoli informal settlement in Schaapkraal over the weekend. The City of Cape Town's Fire and rescue service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that the fire destroyed 32 structures and left 115 people displaced on Saturday morning.

COURTESY: Facebook - Abakhululi Foundation - Prison Ministry

"15 firefighting resources, including a Type 4 Incident Management Team (IMT), were dispatched to contain the blaze. The fire area was divided into two divisions to maximize efforts and stabilize the incident as quickly as possible. The blaze was extinguished at 09:20, with 35 structures destroyed, leaving 115 people displaced,” said Carelse.

On the attack of a firefighter, Carelse said:

“This is yet another senseless act by a member of the very community we serve."

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Drug mule arrested at Cape Town International Airport

A suspected drug mule will appear in the Belville Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, after she was caught with cocaine at the Cape Town International Airport, on Sunday.

COURTESY: HAWKS

The Hawks in the Western Cape explained that a multidisciplinary team received a tipoff that the 33-year-old had boarded a flight from Brazil to Cape Town.

‘’SANEB [South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau] members, along with the Border Police at Cape Town International Airport followed up on the information. The suspect was identified and upon searching, cocaine was found hidden inside a sports bag. Upon further investigation,  it was established that she had swallowed an unknown  quantity of drug pellets. She is currently in hospital in an attempt to remove the swallowed drugs,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, Hawks Western Cape spokesperson.

COURTESY: HAWKS

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Mitchell’s Plain firefighter helps distressed baby

A firefighter stationed at Mitchell’s Plain has saved a baby’s life.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday. According to the City of Cape Town, Michael Samuels was on duty in the Watch Room, when a resident alerted him to a baby in distress at a neighbouring home.

‘’Soon after, the mom, Cachet Scala and her baby, Isaiah, arrived at the Fire Station, and Firefighter Samuels set about trying to check for any blockages in his airway. He managed to dislodge the blockage, providing instant relief to the baby who was transported to hospital for further observation and care, on the advice of the Platoon’s senior medic, Firefighter Baigum Abrahams,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety & Security.

  SUPPLIED: City of Cape Town

Last Friday, Firefighter Samuels met up with Isaiah and his mom at the hospital. Isaiah had turned 5 months old on Friday.

SUPPLIED: City of Cape Town

MMC Smith commended Samuels for his bravery.

‘’There can be no doubt that his actions saved Isaiah’s life, and I am incredibly grateful to the mom for having the presence of mind to know that help was available at the Fire Station.’’

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Law enforcement officer dies by suicide in Bishop Lavis

Police are probing the circumstances that led to the death of a law enforcement officer, last week.

It is understood the 32-year-old died by suicide as its reported that he turned his gun on himself at the Bishop Lavis armoury on Friday afternoon.

‘’ Bishop Lavis SAPS registered an Inquest docket for further investigation following an incident on Friday, 14 March 2025 at about 12:30 at the Bishop Lavis Law Enforcement Armoury where members responded to a shooting incident and discovered the body of a 32-year-old Law Enforcement officer. Members discovered the body with a gunshot wound to the head. His service pistol was found on the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape police spokesperson.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate said its providing support for those affected by the loss.

‘’ We are shocked and saddened by the death of one of our Law Enforcement officers. The officer shot himself in the bathroom at the Law Enforcement base in Bishop Lavis just after midday. The circumstances that led to the incident are unclear, but we ask that his family and colleagues are afforded space and privacy during this very difficult time. The Department is providing support to the officer’s family through the City’s Employee Assistance Programme,’’ said Wayne Dyason, City of Cape Town law enforcement spokesperson.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

More than 190k grant beneficiaries still need to transition cards as deadline looms

As the deadline for the social grant beneficiaries loom to transition from the gold SASSA card to the black Postbank card, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has expressed concern about the Postbank’s ability to meet the social grants card migration deadline.

Social grant beneficiaries are supposed to migrate from using the gold cards to the black cards by next Thursday, 20 March 2025. The beneficiaries have faced several challenges in trying to get the new cards.

PICTURE: GovernmentZA

Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, says he met with Postbank’s management, earlier this month, whereby the provincial government would assist with the transition.

‘’We agreed to this despite Postbank being a national entity and not falling under the power of the Western Cape Government. Since that meeting however, Postbank has, ignored the commitments that were made that day: They have not provided us with updates on the operational service points so we could communicate this to the public; They have not invited us to their meetings with SASSA; They have not provided us with the necessary information so we can assist them with recruitment of staff to work at card replacement service points; They have not provided us with updates on the conversion rate of the card migration (how many Western Cape beneficiaries still need to replace their cards,’’ added Londt,

‘’I am deeply disappointed that what I thought would be a fruitful working relationship that would benefit vulnerable residents has not continued. We had agreed to work together for the benefit of the thousands of Western Cape SASSA grant beneficiaries who need to be kept abreast of developments, but it seems that agreement was one-sided.’’

‘’We have heard of people having issues using these Postbank Black Cards, like not being able to withdraw grant money with these cards. We have raised these and many other issues with Postbank.

The MEC encouraged beneficiaries to consider grants being paid into their bank accounts.

‘’If this option is more feasible, I will advise them to go to their nearest SASSA office to make this change.’’

As of 12 March, thus far 102 680 SASSA Gold Cards have been replaced in the Western Cape; 190 735 cards still need to be replaced; and 28 631 beneficiaries have opted to move to other banks. Furthermore, approximately 18 000 forms for beneficiaries to migrate to other banks have been submitted to SASSA. Nationally, over 1.4 million cards must still be replaced.

‘’Postbank has shown it cannot be trusted to deal with the immense responsibility of dealing with the grant disbursements. The shambolic card migration process is evidence of this. Our offer stands to assist Postbank however we can for the benefit of vulnerable residents, but they will need to step up,’’ said Jaco Londt, Western Cape Social Development MEC.

 

Done by: Mitchum George