Tygerberg Hospital medical personnel perform first EXIT procedure in South Africa

A rare fetal abnormality saw about eight skilled medical personnel at Tygerburg Hospital perform the first Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure in South Africa.

EXIT is a surgical procedure that is used to deliver babies who are experiencing a blockage of the airway. Kiara Jackson’s baby girl had developed a tumour in her mouth, and Jackson was advised that the growing tumour could cause complications in the future delivery of the baby.

Complications for the fetus may include obstruction of the airway or esophagus, which could result in too much fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb, leading to early labour. The fetus could also develop heart failure, and “the baby would also need surgery after birth that could result in damage to her vocal cords, nerves or vessels”, according to Laticia Pienaar, Principal Communications Officer at Tygerberg Hospital.

According to professor Lut Geerts, this is the first procedure of its kind to be performed in South Africa. She noted that six different teams with their own staff and equipment had availed themselves within 24 hours to carry out the successful procedure, as the mother, Kiara Jackson, was showing signs of impending labour. Courtesy: Western Cape Government

“An extensive team of medical subspecialists at [Tygerberg Hospital] performed a successful EXIT procedure on 10 December 2021 by only half-delivering a baby to create a gap of 30 minutes for treatment while continuing oxygen supply via the placenta. In that period a team of doctors used multiple methods to establish an airway for the baby because she couldn’t breathe spontaneously due to the presence of a very large tumour of her throat, which protruded from her mouth,” explained professor Lut Geerts, one of the doctors involved in the planning and execution of the successful procedure.

The baby was fully delivered, after the procedure, and cared for in paedeatric surgery until 15 December.

Following Jackson’s surgery, she was discharged not having experienced any complications and her daughter, Ivoree Jane, is stable and remains in the neonatal intensive care unit for supportive care.

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

Several Cape road closures for Arch's funeral

Several roads in Cape Town CBD will be closed between Thursday and Saturday, due to the funeral service for the late Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu.

A number of roads including Wale and Adderley Streets will be closed until Saturday afternoon.

Furthermore, the City of Cape Town said that the Company’s Garden will be closed on New Year’s Day, due to the funeral service.

‘’Motorists are advised to please find alternative routes during this time, or to avoid the St. George’s Cathedral precinct entirely, if possible. The City apologises for any inconvenience this may cause,’’ it said in a statement.

A public viewing area for the funeral service will be set up on the Grand Parade.

‘’While there are no planned road closures in this area, it is subject to change, depending on the turnout,’’ the City added.

 

SUPPLIED: CoCT - List of road closures

Done By: Mitchum George

Interfaith service to be held for late Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu

The City of Cape Town will host a special tribute to the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu at the City Hall on Wednesday.

Representatives of the family and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation will be part of the interfaith service. Various local and international artists will also pay tribute to the Arch as part of the service, which starts at 18:00.

The municipality warned of numerous road closures around the City Hall.

·        Parade street from Caledon street to Darling street will be closed at 06:00.

·        A lane closure will be in place on Darling street, between Buitenkant and Corporation streets from midday onwards.

·        At 15:00, Darling street will be closed between Buitenkant and Lower Plein streets. Corporation street (Longmarket to Darling street) will also be closed at this time.

 

The municipality warned that additional road closures may take effect, depending on the size of the crowd that gathers on the parade – ‘’however, given Covid-19, the public is urged to follow the proceedings from the comfort of their home,’’ it said in a statement.

The City said that a large screen will be placed outside the City Hall where members of the public are welcome to join and view the service as general public access will not be possible inside the City Hall due to Covid-19 protocols.

The public can access the Grand Parade from the side of the Castle of Good Hope.

The City says it will also livestream the service on their YouTube and various social media pages

 

COURTESY: Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation

Done By: Mitchum George

More sites to see with new Robben Island Museum walking tour

The Robben Island Museum has announced that it will be launching a new walking tour, which will come into effect on Friday.

According to Siphuxolo Mazwi, the marketing and tourism manager at the museum, innovative ways to attract new visitors and better the visitor experience had to brainstormed, largely due to the economic difficulties that came about because of the pandemic.

“The walking tours will offer tourists a new and exciting option, while also offering people who have already experienced standard tours a chance to learn more about RIM’s rich heritage,” said Mazwi.

The four and a half hour walking tour will allow visitors to “walk in the footsteps of South African legends” by exploring the history and biodiversity of the island. Courtesy: Unsplash 

While the bus tours of the island will still be available, the walking tour aims to provide a visit of new sites that were previously not accessible by bus.

Tickets for the tour have been made available on Tuesday, leading up to the launch of the tour on New Year’s Eve. The sites that will visited during the tour include:

1.   The Murray’s Bay Harbour Exhibition

2.   The Visitor Centre Complex

3.   The Land of Banishment for Xhosa Chiefs

4.   The Ou Tronk Exhibition

5.   The Blue Stone Quarry

6.   The World War II Precinct

7.   The Agricultural Precinct

8.   The Lime Stone Quarry

9.   The Maximum Security Prison

The prices of the walking tour range from R620 to R1400, depending on age and whether the visitor is a South African citizen or not. 

 

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

Teenager killed, one injured in Lavender Hill shooting

A 15-year-old boy was shot and fatally wounded, whilst a 14-year-old was injured following a shooting in Stone Court, Lavender Hill, on Monday night.

The police’s FC van Wyk said that the teenager was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The motive for the shooting, which occurred just before 19:00 is suspected to be gang-related.

‘’The Anti-Gang Unit and Metro police were deployed to the affected area and forces will remain on the ground until we are satisfied that calm has been restored,’’ said van Wyk.

Steenberg police has opened murder and an attempted murder case.

Anyone with any information about this shooting incident can contact the investigation officer Detective Warrant Officer Winston Titus on 071 673 1420 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu dies at 90

The last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu will be laid to rest on Saturday, at the St George’s Cathedral.

Tutu passed away in his home on Sunday, at the age of 90.

In a statement on his passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa called Tutu “a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead”.

Among his many accomplishments, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was an honorary doctor at several universities in the United States of America, Germany and Britain. Courtesy: SABC

Tutu, who was born in Klerksdorp, was a teacher before being ordained as a priest in 1960. In the years that followed, Tutu obtained his masters in Theology, taught Theology in South Africa, was the assistant director at a theology institute in London, became the first black dean at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg and became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches.

The Anglican Archbishop played a critical role in ending apartheid, and was the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was aimed at transitioning South Africa from the apartheid rule to a full democracy.

To commemorate his life, the bells at the St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town will ring for 10 minutes at midday, every day this week.

The South African Council of Churches will host a memorial service on Wednesday. 

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

City of Cape Town urges residents to use water sparingly

The City of Cape Town has warned certain communities to continue reducing their water consumption to ease the strain on the network and minimise further disruptions.

Communities that are affected are those in Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Kraaifontein Industrial and Eikendal.

 According to the City, the supply line to the De Novo reservoir was repaired on Saturday, however another burst occurred on a section of the pipeline in close proximity to where the initial repairs were done.

This has caused supply disruption in Belmont Park and De Novo as well as high-lying areas in Klein Begin, which are currently being serviced with water tankers.

 The City's MMC for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, has said, the City is making every effort to maintain supply to the affected residents while the repairs are underway, and they greatly appreciate their co-operation and patience in this regard.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

201 babies born in the Western Cape on Christmas Day 2021

A total of 201 babies were born at public health facilities throughout the Western Cape on Christmas Day 2021.  This is a significant increase from last year’s 85.

The total number reported from 0:00 on 25 December 2021, comprises of 117 boys and 84 girls.

The Western Cape’s Health Department said that the first four Christmas babies were born in close succession. The first, a baby girl, was born at 00:05 at Mossel Bay Hospital, weighing 2,93 kg to mother Felicia Boysen.

SUPPLIED: WCG - Felicia Booysen 

The second and third babies, a boy and a girl, were both born at 00:20 at Mitchells Plain CHC MOU. The baby girl born to mother Kelsey George, weighed 2,77 kg. The baby boy, born to mother Babalwa Zuba, weighed 3,44 kg.

SUPPLIED: WCG - 2nd baby born on Christmas Day to mother, Kelsey George

SUPPLIED: WCG - 3rd baby born on Christmas Day to mother, Babalwa Zuba

The fourth baby, a girl, was born at 00:28 at Mowbray Maternity Hospital to mother, Thozama Mmene.

SUPPLIED: WCG

Provincial Health MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, congratulated the new parents.

"Congratulations all new parents on the birth of their babies on this special day. I would like to wish them a lifetime of happiness. May your greatest times be spent together. I want to emphasise the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. Provide your baby with a safe environment and good nutrition. Make sure their immunisations are up to date and that you play an active role in their development by talking to them, playing with them, and supporting them to reach their milestones. The Department of Health look forward to joining you on this journey.’’

‘’Western Cape Government Health congratulates the parents and staff on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals on Christmas Day. We look forward to being a part of their development journey. We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.,’’ Mbombo added.

The MEC emphasised the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

‘’Western Cape Government Health believes that from conception, the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical for their development. The physical, social, and brain development that takes place during this time is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a solid foundation for health and learning and good relationships down the line. This is an important time to support your child’s development through adequate nutrition, immunisations, and by reading or talking to your child.’’

Done By: Mitchum George 

Murraysburg municipal manager among deceased in road accident in the Western Cape

A head-on-collision on the N1 between Beaufort West and Leeu Gamka resulted in the death of municipal manager, Ronnie Klink, and his family.

The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, involved a light motor vehicle and a minibus taxi.

Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works spokesperson, Jandre Bakker, has urged citizens to be extra vigilant on roads especially at night. This accident occurred just before 01:00 on Thursday, according to Bakker. Courtesy: Western Cape Transport Department

The occupants of the light motor vehicle were Klink, his son and his daughter, and an additional female and male passenger, said to be family of Klink. The five, as well as the driver of the minibus taxi, were declared deceased on the scene.

“In the minibus taxi, the male driver died. In the light motor vehicle, the male driver, his male passenger, and three children: two girls and a boy also died,” according to Jandre Bakker, the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works spokesperson.

Klink functioned as the manager of the Murraysburg municipality, in the Central Karoo.

 

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

CoCT cemetries to allow for visitors on Christmas Day; Mourners urged to follow COVID-19 protocols

The City of Cape Town’s cemeteries will be closed for burials on Christmas Day. Cemeteries will however be open for visitations.

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross said there’s been an increase in visitors over the festive period, as families pay their respects to loved ones that they’ve lost and who are buried in the City’s cemeteries.

‘’To date, we have been spared a dramatic spike in fatalities during this fourth wave, so our cemetery operations have not been significantly impacted, which means we’ve not had to curb visitations this time round. However, I do want to encourage visitors and funeralgoers to please continue adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols at all times,’’ said Van der Ross.

In the past week, City cemeteries recorded 289 burials, up from 224 the week before. At the Maitland Crematorium, there were 107 cremations in the past week, compared to 104 the previous week.

‘’As we head into the peak festive season, I want to remind our residents to exercise caution and be extremely vigilant. We continue to experience a very high Covid-19 infection rate. And even though hospitalisations and death remain relatively low, the risk of contracting the virus, and infecting someone who is immune compromised should be a concern to us all.’’

‘’Our Environmental Health Practitioners continue to flag the apparent increase in non-adherence to the most basic safety protocols in some of our communities. Please do not be the reason why someone else’s festive season is jeopardised or ruined. Wear your mask, keep your distance and sanitise regularly,’’ added Councillor Van der Ross.

Van der Ross encouraged residents to consider weekday burials over the festive season, to reduce the congestion on weekends.

In addition, staff will be on standby for Muslim and Jewish burials, in accordance with religious requirements.

Cemeteries will operate until 13:00 only on the following days:

·        Sunday, 26 December 2021

·        Friday, 31 December 2021

·        Saturday, 1 January 2022

·        Sunday, 2 January 2022

 

‘’We urge the public and undertakers to please take note of the amended operating hours, in the event that they’re planning a burial or want to visit a cemetery,’’ said van der Ross.

PICTURE: Getty Images

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape to enter fourth Covid-19 wave by next week, predicts SACMC

The Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, with the Head of the province’s health department, Dr Keith Cloete, hosted a digital press conference providing an update on the health platform and vaccination programmes on going in the province.

“We are starting to see that while COVID-19 infections are still increasing, the rate of increase is slowing. We must remain vigilant and prevent the spread of the virus through the lifesaving behaviours we have learned throughout the pandemic,” said Winde, in a media statement released after the conference on Wednesday.

The head of the Western Cape’s health department, Dr Keith Cloete, noted that about 1500 positive Covid-19 cases have been recorded among healthcare workers in December. He added that this expected to increase throughout the remainder of the month — which may add strain to healthcare facilities. Courtesy: Unsplash 

Cloete noted that there is not a need to activate the triggered response system yet, as oxygen use in health facilities has not increased, but has noted that the number of trauma cases has increased. The triggered response system, implemented at last week’s conference, was put in place to manage hospitals capacity of Covid-19 patients.

“In that period of time [1 October to 19 December 2021], at 20 emergency centers, almost 30 000 cases of trauma presented,” said Cloete.  “The biggest proportion of that is interpersonal violence.”  

The South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium (SACMC) predicts that the Western Cape will experience the peak of the fourth wave by next week, based on the Gauteng experience.

The health department head said that it is still early to draw conclusions on the Omicron variant, but noted that the variant is spreading faster because it is infecting people who were previously infected.

While 46% of the Western Cape’s adult population has vaccinated, he added that vaccination uptake has dropped in the past week. Further to this, Cloete commended the Overberg region for its high levels of vaccination uptake, particularly among those aged 50 and above.  

 

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

Western Cape’s Forensic Pathology Services warns of potential delays in delivery of corpse

The Western Cape’s Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) are warning citizens of potential delays in delivery of corpses to service pressure.

In a statement, FPS says that it is currently experiencing high case load admissions which is further impacted by a high staff COVID-19 infection rate.

“We recognise that the time of bereavement is a stressful and difficult period. For this reason, we are doing everything we can to speed up but also streamline the process,” says Mr Ryan Clayton, FPS Acting Director.

FPS says cases will be allocated, and autopsies performed in chronological order on identified cases first, to manage cases during this time

To expedite the process, family members should please ensure that they do the following: 

·        Provide the original Identification Document or Driver’s license of the deceased as well as your own.

·        If your own documentation or that of the deceased is lost or stolen, please go to your SAPS investigating officer who must accompany you to the facility to confirm the identification for both yourself and the deceased.

·        In cases of sudden or unexpected death, all medical documentation/information regarding the deceased should be provided.

·        If the deceased is under the age of 18, the Road to Health Chart (clinic card) of the child/infant should be supplied.

‘’As soon as the situation alleviates, we will revert to our long-standing practice of accommodating requests for whatever reason for prioritisation,’’ added Clayton

PICTURE: WCG

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, extends SAPS visibility in Cape Town

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, visited Cape Town on Monday, as part of the annual Safer Festive Season Inspection Tour.

The minister — with the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Thembisile Patekile, and the South African Police Service's (SAPS) management — visited crime hotspots around the city, such as Belhar and Makhaza.

This was to extend the SAPS reach through blue light visibility, which was the theme of the visit this year.

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, commended the Western Cape for working towards making the province a safer place for all. Courtesy: South African Police Service

In his talks, Cele paid special attention to crime as a result of alcohol use, emphasizing the impact that it has on vulnerable persons.

“We are aware that liquor is a social lubricant, unfortunately crime statistics show that it is also a contributor of crime, it is in and around liquor outlets where attacks on women are likely to occur and where people are likely to get into arguments, stab or shoot each other,” said Cele.

While in Makhaza, the minister deployed 60 police officers to fight crime in the community. Additionally, the minister handed over a mobile police station and 10 vehicles to the officers.

The community has welcomed the resources noting that it will combat the high levels of crime in the area.

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

Western Cape’s Human Settlements MEC appeals to residents not to invade land this festive season

The Western Cape’s Human Settlements MEC, Tertius Simmers has appealed to Western Cape residents not to invade land this festive season.

The calls comes after the construction sector, along with many others are taking a break this holiday period.

‘’This activity hampers progress at the various construction sites where the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WCDoHS) is attempting to radically improve and change the living conditions of the many law-abiding citizens that are waiting patiently on a housing opportunity. As we embark on the holiday season, the construction sector, along with many others are taking a well-deserved break for the next few weeks. Regrettably, those with criminal intent regard this as an opportunity to either invade land or our units that are currently under construction,’’ said Simmers.

1 639 land invasion attempts occurred since July 2021 in the Western Cape. The MEC said his department spent R97.23 million in the current 21/22 financial year, on securing properties and preventing invasions.

‘’Effectively, this means and excluding the bulk services that 585 Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing opportunities have been lost. We must stand together and discourage all forms of invasions, as it is those law abiding citizens, who are affected the most, as they have to wait so much longer. This is especially true for our elderly (60 years and older), those living with medically certified disabilities, those that have been on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for 15 years and longer and our backyard dwellers.’’

The latest attempt was at Forest Village Development in Eersteriver, which saw 104 units vandalized.

‘’Amongst others, doors, handles and windows are some of the items that would have to be replaced. The damage incurred is in excess of R 588 000. Those who were due to move in early in the new year, will now have to wait so much longer to live in a safer and improved environment,’’ added Simmers.

The MEC said land invasion hampers those getting a place called home, having to wait for almost 5 years.

‘’It is important to point out that when land that is earmarked for housing development is invaded, the estimated delays due to the hampering of the process to deliver housing opportunities can range from a period of 3 months to 5 years or even longer in extreme instances. This is due to more often than not, that these invasion are followed by protracted court proceedings and processes that the department gets drawn into. That of course then has financial implications on what is an already strained budget committed to creating housing opportunity and restoring the dignity of residents.’’

Simmers urged residents to report any criminal activities

‘’We would like to urge the public to reject all those who are planning, attempting and or participating in this thuggery. Furthermore to report any and those who are involved to the law enforcement agencies, so that they can face the full might of the law.’’

‘’As a precaution the WCDoHS has appointed tactical teams moving from site to site and also increased visibility. We trust that there will be no need for any of these teams to become active during the current holiday period or anywhere in the future,’’ he added.

Archive: Bush Radio's Mitchum George with MEC Tertius Simmers

Done By: Mitchum George

20 motorists arrested in W.Cape for drunk driving

Western Cape Traffic officials arrested 20 people for driving under the influence of alcohol over the last week.

Provincial Transport & Public Works MEC, Daylinn Mitchell said that of the pedestrians who die in crashes and are tested for alcohol, over half have been drinking and about 40% of those are drunk.

‘’I urge you not to drink and drive! Even small amounts of alcohol affect your judgement. If you are caught driving under the influence, you could land up with a criminal record. Let’s all aim for #BoozeFreeRoads this festive season, and at every other time of the year.’’

The MEC revealed that pedestrians die three times more ain crashes on Saturdays than on Wednesdays. Young men between the ages of 20 and 29 years are most vulnerable.

‘’Driving when you have been drinking is dangerous, regardless of how much, or how little, you drink. Alcohol slows down your ability to respond in an emergency. You are likely to drive faster than you usually do, and less carefully. An error of judgement might mean killing or injuring someone on the road, in another vehicle, or in your own vehicle. The mistake you make in a moment could lead to a lifetime of regret,’’ said Mitchell.

‘’Don’t drink and walk. Find a safer way to get home. Think carefully about the value of your own life and the lives of others. If you go out and will be drinking, it is better not to drive at all. Rather find a safer way to get to the place you want to visit, and to get home. Use a taxi or an e-hailing vehicle to keep yourself and others safe,’’ added Mitchell.

He applauded those who follow the rules of the road

‘’I want to thank all law abiding road users who do not speed, do not drink and drive, who buckle up and ensure that their passengers are buckled up, who ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and who rest on their journeys. You are by far the majority. We will continue to clamp down on those in the wrong. I want to thank every one of our traffic law enforcement officers who are sacrificing time with their families to live their calling to make our roads safer and serve the people of the province. You are making a difference.’’

PICTURED: MEC Daylinn Mitchell

 

Done By: Mitchum George

City restoring power to parts of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town says it is restoring power to parts of the city.

The Electricity Generation and Distribution Department has been working throughout Monday night to restore power to Area 7 using different supply routes as one of the main feeder lines from the City’s Acacia High Voltage Substation to Montagu Gardens. Furthermore, Eskom’s Tafelbaai High Voltage Substation has been lost. A fire affecting the infrastructure has exacerbated the situation.

Power has since been restored in Woodstock, D6, East City around Constitution Street, Vredehoek, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, down to Chiappini street and surrounding areas.

In a tweet, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said that work on remaining areas will take longer with estimate of 3pm.

‘As an interim measure to ensure businesses are not severely affected in Area 7, due consideration is also being made to switch on the Roggebaai turbines to supply power to the CBD area.

''The City is also working with Eskom to assist with re-energising the Atlantic Seaboard and CBD area as the damage has also affected Eskom’s infrastructure.''

Authorities are probing the cause of the fire and assessments are still under way to determine the full extent of the damage.

 

Picture supplied: City of CT - Cable tunnel feeding the CBD which has been severely damaged due to the fire.

Done By: Mitchum George

Eight people die in head-on collision outside Beaufort West

Eight people have died following an accident which involved a car and a taxi on Monday morning.

‘’The taxi was driving to Cape Town and the light motor vehicle was travelling from Cape Town. The light motor vehicle (Volkswagen Polo) was carrying six passengers (including two children) and the taxi had two (a male and a female),’’ said the EMS’ Deanna February.

Reports indicate that the car’s tyre burst, causing it to veer into head on into the minibus taxi. Both vehicles caught fire and all passengers were burned beyond recognition.

‘’A call for assistance came through to EMS’ Communications Centre at 10:06. A total of two ambulances, a rescue vehicle and Forensic Pathology Services was dispatched. The scene has now been cleared,’’ February added.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Transport & Public Works MEC, Daylinn Mitchell says he is saddened by the incident.

‘’I am saddened by the tragic crash that claimed the lives of eight people when a private vehicle collided with a minibus taxi on the N1, between Beaufort West and Leeu Gamka this (Monday) morning. My heartfelt condolences to all the families and the loved ones who of those who lost their lives as a result of this crash.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A triple murder in Grassy Park is under investigation

Three people were shot dead in a Grassy Park in Cape Town over the weekend. The Anti-Gang Unit is probing the triple murder in which gunmen shot a 40-year-old woman and two men, aged 56 and 36.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that the suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.

Local community police forum chairperson Melvin Jonkers said shots were fired on a staircase between the first and second floors. He said a fourth person had been injured during the process.

Jonkers said that there has been an uptick in the number of shootings in recent weeks in the Grassy Park precinct.

During the incident, a little girl who was shot in her home on Saturday.

Traut said that an attempted murder case was being investigated after the 5-year-old was struck by the stray bullet in Third Avenue in Lotus River, just over a kilometre away from the triple murder scene.

 

By Danielle Mentoor 

Attempted murder suspect arrested in Hanover Park

A suspect, who was originally arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, received an additional charge of attempted murder — after being identified as the individual who shot and wounded a 31-year-old woman in Hanover Park last night.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said officers patrolling the area heard gunshots fired at about 23:00. “Officers then searched the area, and came across a group of men who started running away – one of them ditched a firearm.”

The officers apprehended the 30-year-old suspect, who carried three live rounds of ammunition, moments later.

 

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

President Cyril Ramaphosa back at work after COVID-19 self-isolation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ended a week of self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said the president’s self-isolation period came to end on Monday.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has ended a week of self-isolation which followed his positive test for Covid-19 on 12 December 2021. The president thanks all South Africans and leaders and friends internationally who conveyed their good wishes during this period.”

Gungubele further added that Ramaphosa will chair the final cabinet meeting for the year.

“The president has returned to duty and will chair the final Cabinet meeting for 2021 on Wednesday, 22 December 2021.

Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to continue adhering to COVID-19 protocols

“President Ramaphosa repeats his call for everyone in the country to stay safe by being vaccinated, wearing face masks, washing or sanitising hands frequently, maintaining a social distance and avoiding gatherings.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WCED appeals to public to keep an eye out on schools during festive season

The Western Cape’s Education MEC, Debbie Schäfer has appealed to the public to keep an eye out on schools, as they are regularly vandalized and burgled during the festive season.

Over the December and January holidays last year, there were 59 reported incidents - 48 were minor, four were major and seven were attempts.

Schäfer says it’s under pressure as budget constraints hamper its ability to fix school infrastructure.

The department recruited holiday security at 477 of its province’s schools at high-risk areas

‘’Please keep a close eye on your local school this festive season. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to SAPS or the Safe School Hotline on 0800 45 46 47, immediately.’’

‘’Our schools have enough to worry about already. We must do everything we can to avoid to this burden,’’ added Schäfer

 

COURTESY: Pixabay

Done By: Mitchum George

One dead, several others injured in Mitchell's Plain crash

A 30-year-old has died and several others injured following a crash in Mitchells Plain.

The incident occurred in Swartklip and Morgenster road, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The crash involved five males and four females, aged between 18 and 35

The nine were trapped in the two vehicles that collided.

‘’Two light motor vehicles which collided into each other in Swartklip and Morgenster Roads in Mitchell’s Plain on Friday, 17 December at 00:53. As a result of the crash, nine patients were trapped in the vehicles. One vehicle was carrying five patients and the other carried four,’’ said Western Cape EMS’ Principal Communications officer, Deanna February

The injured were transported to Mitchell’s Plain District and Mitchell’s Plain Melomed Hospitals

‘’A total of four ambulances, one response vehicle and two rescue vehicles were dispatched and responded to the call. The deceased was transported to Salt River Mortuary.  We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,’’ added February.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town wins several awards at the 2021 World Travel Awards

The mother city was crowned the world’s leading destination for festivals and events at the 2021 World Travel Awards. This is the second year the city is winning the award.

The World Travel Awards' world category winners were announced yesterday, where Cape Town won the prestigious award for leading destination for festivals and events on the globe. The Africa and Indian Ocean winners were announced on 21 October 2021. Courtesy: Pixabay

Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Cannes were among the cities that Cape Town outranked this year.

The city was also nominated for leading city break destination, leading city destination and leading seaside metropolitan destination in the world category.

Additionally, Cape Town won several awards in the Africa category. The city beat Durban in securing the win as Africa’s leading city destination, and the international airport managed to keep the Africa’s leading airport award in the city for the fifth year.

The world wonder, Table Mountain, also won the award for Africa’s leading tourist attraction.

Done By: Caitlin Maledo

Stellenbosch University student becomes first to graduate with sign language

Ilze Aäron became the first student to graduate using sign language as a medium of learning at Stellenbosch University.

Aäron’s family realised that she had hearing loss when she was about 10-years-old, after discovering that her speech was different.

“Two days after the news, my mom went back to the doctor and asked him what she could do to help me. He suggested that I wore hearing aids to improve what hearing I had left,” said Aaron, in a media statement for Stellenbosch University.

Ilze Aäron has always had a passion for teaching. Following her matriculation, she became a teacher’s assistant at the Dominican Wittebome School for the Deaf, where she learned about teaching deaf children. Courtesy: Stellenbosch University

 

The 22-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Education in foundation phase education.

“I cannot wait to graduate just to prove that deaf people also have dreams and that we can achieve anything that we set our minds to,” said Aäron, last year.

Done By: Caitlin Maledo