Manenberg Football Club keen to inspire the Youth to look beyond Gangsterism

 

The Football Club the Tornado Warriors which is based in Manenberg ,a Cape Community which is notorious for Crime and Gangsterism is eager and hopeful to providing the Youth within their Community options other than a life of Crime.

Club Founder Friedl Gertse has said that With youngsters easily falling prey to gangs in the area, sports and initiatives aimed at community-building have proven to be quite successful in turning the tide against Gangsterism.

And that These initiatives have been successful in getting kids off the street and mobilizing the community in a way that leads to a positive impact in this crime-infested district of Cape Town.

Gertse added that their organization wants to bridge the gap between sport and education within the Western Cape ,Or to find out possible ways that the organization can partner with to further increase the brand awareness and product offering to communities and learners who intend to study at tertiary institutions, but don't have the financial means to do so.

 

Done By Lizeka Tsotetsi

WC set to ramp up the vaccination roll-out

 

Health professionals in the Western Cape are aiming to inoculate 60, 000 people during the country’s third week of mass vaccination. The Western Cape Health Department is planning to increase their Covid-19 sites to over 100 this week.

The province’s Covid-19 caseloads continue to increase with over 800 people hospitalised. Fifty-one new sites will be offering jabs.

Provincial head of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, said that inoculations were being increased. The Cape is expecting a third wave in the next week or two.

As of yet, 93, 000 healthcare workers have been inoculated in the Western Cape under the Sisonke programme, while 43, 000 people have so far received their Pfizer vaccines.

By the end of the week, the province will have 100 public sector facilities and an additional 15 to 20 private sector sites.

By Danielle Mentoor 

Suspects to appear in Khayelitsha court for unlicensed firearms and ammunition

Khayelitsha police recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition on Friday night.

‘’On 27 May 2021 at 21:15, members attached to Tactical Combat Task Team (TRT/POP) on deployment to focus on extortion in Khayelitsha area were doing patrols in Y block when they spotted a group of men in front of a tavern at Khosa Street Y 745, Site B and approached them,’’ said the police’s FC van Wyk.

Van Wyk said that the group immediately ran onto the tavern premises but was stopped by police officials.

‘’Upon searching the individuals and the surroundings two unlicensed firearms and ammunition were found and confiscated.’’

The suspects, aged between 23 and 39, were arrested and detained at Khayelitsha police station on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

They are due to appear in the Khayelitsha magistrate's court on Monday.

PICTURES: SAPS

 

Done By: Mitchum George

National Child Protection Week 2021

Sunday marks the start of National Child Protection Week.

The week, which runs until 6 June, is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children.

This year's theme: ''Let us protect Children during COVID-19 and beyond.''

Government has called on citizens to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse.

‘’It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution,’’ it said in a statement.

The Western Cape Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, welcomes the launch of the official launch of the National Child Protection Week.

“As we commemorate Child Protection Week, we must reflect on the toll Covid-19 has taken on the physical, emotional, developmental, spiritual and mental wellbeing of our children.’’

Many of their lives have been upended. For the most at-risk and vulnerable, it may have meant being cut off from support systems and being trapped inside homes, with their abusers,” said Fernandez.

The MEC added that citizens should not neglect children and to always keep an eye on them.

“Whilst we have less contact with each other due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are duty-bound as a whole of society, to remain vigilant, take the signs of abuse seriously, and report all pleas for help by vulnerable children immediately.’’

 

If you suspect a child is being abused, neglected or exposed to violence, report it to the following channels:

·        Calling the Western Cape Department of Social Development toll free: 0800 220 250

·        Calling the SAPS crime stop hotline: 10111

·        Calling Childline: 0861 322 322; or

·        Calling Child Welfare SA: 0861 424 453

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Primary school kids to attend daily classes in 3rd term

All primary school learners as well as those in special need schools will, in the third term, return to classes on a daily basis.

This announcement was made by Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, who issued the directives in a Government Gazette on Friday.

‘’In terms of the Directions primary school learners (Grades R to 7) must return to the daily attendance and traditional timetabling model from 26 July 2021. This provided that the risk adjusted differentiated strategy is implemented.’’ It said in a statement.

‘’Based on the risk adjusted differentiated strategy, schools for learners with special education needs (Grades R to 12) must also return to the daily attendance and traditional timetabling model from 26 July 2021.’’ It added.

“A risk adjusted differentiated strategy means an approach to school attendance that is determined by the direction the COVID-19 pandemic is taking in the district municipality and country.

According to the current 2021 School Calendar the Second Term ends on 9 July and schools will reopen for the Third Term on 26 July 2021.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Warrant of arrest issued for alleged rapist

Delft police have issued a warrant of arrest for Sylvester Manewyk.

The 62-year-old is wanted in connection with a rape case.

‘’Manewyk was arrested for the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl, and appeared in the Bellville Magistrates court,’’ said Capt. FC van Wyk

Manewyk’s case was transferred to the Parow Regional court, but he was a no-show on the 3^rd of May.

‘’It is suspected that he could be in the Delft, Bonteheuwel and Manenberg areas,’’ van Wyk added.

PICTURED: SAPS - Sylvester Manewyk.

Anyone who can assist the police to arrest the suspect is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Dale Franks on 072 145 4163 or 082 522 1040, alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111.   

 

Done By: Mitchum George

 

Two foreign national and mother of down syndrome daughter charged with human trafficking.

On Friday morning two Bangladesh nationals and a 42 year old woman appeared in the Keiskamahoek Magistrate’s Court on charges of human trafficking.

Hawks spokesperson Yolisa Mgolodela said the trio’s appearance in court emanates from their arrest during a joint venture by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks and King William’s Town K9 unit on Wednesday.

It is alleged that the mother to a 13-year-old daughter who suffers from Down syndrome sold her and her 15-year-old niece to the culprits for sexual exploitation. The conduct dates back from February 2019 while the victims were 11 and 13 years old respectively until they were taken away to a place of safety in March this year as the Hawks were busy with the probe.

National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) said often times when this crime is committed its always family member, trusted friend or community member.

Picture: /www.ohchr.org

BY Everneglista Muza

June NSC exam off to a smooth start

The Western Cape Education Department said that the combined National Senior Certificate as well as the Senior Certificate exams, which started on Wednesday, was without any disruptions.

More than 27 500 candidates are registered for the exams in the Western Cape, including 12 605 who wrote their matric last year, but are seeking to improve their results, and 14 900 adults and out-of-school young people writing the Senior Certificate exams.

‘’I wish all of these candidates the very best and urge communities not to disrupt the exams in any way. Everyone deserves the opportunity to write their exams in the best possible circumstances, and disruptions will only harm the candidates themselves,’’ said Education MEC, Debbie Schafer.

Done By: Mitchum George

Water supply disruption for Blue downs and Kuils river for the weekend

Residents in the Blue Downs and Kuils River areas have been advised to prepare for possible low water pressure or disruption to their water supply during the weekend shutdown.

The City’s Water and Sanitation Department will be performing a shutdown of the water supply to the areas, in order to connect the Blackheath bulk water main to a newly constructed 100 metre length of pipeline in Belhar Road.

This will result in a water disruption to various suburbs from Friday until Monday. Residents are also advised to store water in clean, sealed containers in advance and to ensure that their taps are left in the closed position during this period to prevent any water loss and/or water damage when the supply is restored.

Should the duration of the disruption be longer than anticipated, the City will ensure that this information is immediately relayed to the public.

Picture by plainsman

BY Everngelista Muza

Woman sentenced 17 years in prison for beating a toddler to death with a stick for making a mess with water

 A woman in the Eastern Cape has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after she was found guilty of beating a toddler to death with a stick.

Yesterday The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Ncedeni Qwabe appeared in the Eastern Cape High Court for causing the death of 19-month-old Qhamokuhle Ndziba.

It's understood the perpetrator had a love affair with the child's uncle and they were taking care of the toddler while her mother was away in Cape Town. July 27 2020 Qwabe assaulted the child with a peach stick because she messed the floor with water while she was being bathed. Initially the perpetrator stated that she only hit her lightly with a cloth. However according Advocate Louis Sinclar, a cross examination showed the child passed away after suffering internal injuries and blood loss.

Picture by Broadgames

By Everngelista Muza

Belville Civic Centre blaze under control

The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services are trying to ascertain the fire that broke out at the Belville Civic Centre on Friday Morning.

The blaze that started around 05:36, was first reported by a security company who noticed smoke coming from the basement area.

‘’The first arriving Officer from Belhar Fire requested additional resources as the fire has escalated to the roof section. Approximately 35 staff members and 9 firefighting appliances, including two hydraulic platforms, are on scene,’’ said the City’s Fire & Rescue Services’ Spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse.

The fire was contained just before 8a.m.

‘’The damages are concentrated to the under-stage and stage areas and a section of the auditorium.  The fire also caused substantial damage to the roof,’’ added Carelse.

 

PICTURE: CoCT Fire & Rescue Services

Done By: Mitchum George

R950k worth of tobacco equipment & sanitary pads confiscated in Belville CBD

Fourteen suspects were arrested on various charges in the Belville CBD in a joint crime prevention operation, comprising of SAPS, Metro Police, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and counterfeit goods officials, on various charges in Belville CBD on Thursday morning.

The charges include the possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of drugs, possession of dangerous weapons and theft out of motor vehicle.

‘’Car radios, knives and an assortment of drugs were confiscated as well as  counterfeit tobacco paraphernalia and sanitary pads valued at an estimated R950 000,’’ said the police’s Andre Traut.

PICTURE: SAPS

‘’Two vehicle check points held in the area also led to the admission of guilt fines to the tune of R159 000 issued for traffic violations.’’ Traut added.

The 12 male suspects and two females are expected to make their court appearances in Bellville, once they have been charged.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

MEC Albert Fritz announces 5k Reward for Tipoffs On Gang-Related Cases

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, hereby announces that as of today his Department of Community safety will reward R5 000 anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and successful conviction of perpetrators in gang-related killings. 

This initiative will further support the Province’s response to the torment of gangsterism facing our vulnerable communities. On Tuesday, the Department of Community Safety and the South African Police Service jointly hosted a workshop on the Provincial Response to the National Anti-Gang Strategy. 

The workshop supported an integrated response involving key stakeholders, including civil society and the business sector. The approach aims to deal with gangsterism through effective criminal justice and law enforcement, as well as focusing on community upliftment, social cohesion, urban and environmental planning and design.

Inage: Peter Abrahams/SON

Everngelista Muza

Lawyer who allegedly bribed victims of attempted murder arrested in Thembisa

The Independent Police Investigations Directorate (IPID) said it had opened a corruption case and foiled the ends of justice against a lawyer, who allegedly offered bribes of up to R 60,000 to attempted murder victims.

It is alleged the lawyer offered 30 000 each to victims of attempted murder so that they would not cooperate in the case against the Maripane brothers – a police officer and his civilian brother.

Ipid spokesman Ndileka Cola said the lawyer was identified in court and arrested yesterday after he allegedly confronted one of the victims because she was not supposed to be present.

The victims also allegedly recorded the conversation of him trying to prevent the case from going to court.  The suspect (lawyer) is expected to appear in Thembisa Magistrate Court 27 May 2021.

Picture: Lawyermonthly

By Everngelista Muza

SANParks ranger getting counselling after getting attcked by cyclists in Newlands

 A South African National Parks ranger is undergoing trauma counselling after she was attacked by a group of cyclists in Newlands, Cape Town.

The men allegedly v disrespected the woman's authority, jumped over a wall and entered the area marked as a danger zone. It was stated that she was also insulted, racially abused and pelted with stones after cyclists demanded entry to a cordoned-off section, last month.

The section is one of three that remain closed to the public following last month's Table Mountain blaze. 

SANParks Rey Thakuli on Tuesday called on the public to assist in reducing the number of attacks on rangers. Rondebosch police said they are probing the matter.

 

Image: Capetownetc

by Everngelista Muza

Mitchell's Plain blaze leaves 2 dead

Two people have died in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Woodlands, Mitchell’s Plain.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Services, Jermaine Carelse said that his team received a call just after midnight about a fire in Sandury Road.

Two Wendy houses were also destroyed and a motor vehicle damaged in the fire.

‘’When firefighters arrived, they found informal structures alight but managed to contain and extinguish the blaze at 01:42,’’ said Jermaine Carelse.

‘’The bodies of a man and a woman were found in one of the structures. Fire Service medics declared them deceased and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service,’’ added Carelse.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Three killed in shooting incident in Leiden, Delft

Anti-Gang Unit detectives have launched a manhunt following a shooting incident that occurred in Leiden, Delft on Tuesday evening.

It’s believed that unknown suspects started firing several shots, wounding 3 people and injuring two. Amongst those injured was a 13-year-old girl.

The incident is believed to be gang-related.

‘’Reports indicate that an unknown number of suspects started firing several shots on the corner of Umvoti and Sabi Streets at 19:05 fatally wounding three persons and injuring two,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

‘’A 22-year-old woman and two men aged 39 and 28 died on the scene. A 13-year-old girl and a 33 year old woman sustained serious gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital for medical attention,’’ added Potelwa.

A triple murder and attempted murder case was opened.

Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eskom warns of possible load shedding on Tuesday

Eskom is pleading with the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system is under severe pressure, which may lead to a high probability of load shedding.

“A shortage of generation capacity, caused by breakdowns in generation units and delays in others returning to service, has resulted in supply constraints,” the power utility said in a statement.

While no load shedding is expected at this point, Eskom warned that it could be forced to implement stage one or two at short notice between 5pm and 10pm on Tuesday evening should any further breakdowns occur.

“Your assistance in these difficult times has always made a difference. Eskom would like to appeal to the public to help the country get through these constraints by reducing the usage of electricity.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A viral report of 30 year old claiming to have registered for vaccine meant for 60 years over

 A report has gone viral on social media of claims that one person aged under 30 had simply registered on both the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) portal as well as on the Department of Health’s EVDS portal, after which they received their SMS to go for a vaccine.

Reached for comment on this particular incident, DHMS spokesperson Karishma Jivan said the company was working with the Department of Health to identify perpetrators and to close the loophole.

Dr Keith Cloete, provincial head of the health department, said that the system for health care worker registrations closed at midnight on Sunday, which is the portal people used to sign up dishonestly. He urges everyone to respect the right of people over 60 years old to be vaccinated as quickly as possible.

By 5pm on Sunday, the province had administered 9 241 vaccines in the Phase 1 B and Phase 2 roll-out, which this means that altogether 102 394 people in the province have been vaccinated.

Premier Alan Winde reassured residents that as part of the provincial scale-up approach, more vaccination sites would be coming online to enable more vaccinations a day.

image: Matt Rourke | Credit: AP

by Everngelista Muza

Little boy found dead by father in Langa's water Canal

 Ivakele Xolose, who was reported missing on Monday, was found dead by his father the next morning in a water canal in Langa about 10 meters away from his home.

The one-year-old, was reported missing to the father around 3pm while at work before he rushed home to assist with the search. Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said when he was reported as missing at the Bishop Lavis FCS, Langa police members and a group of community members immediately started looking for him.

Ivakele's father, said they heard that the child was playing with others not far from the canal when the boy went missing. Their search in the canal went on until 9pm Monday. Ivakele’s father said when they reported to the police, they were told that the officers at the station were not able to assist them, because they were not trained to be divers

The little boy was found dead by his father this morning in a water canal in Langa about 10 meters away from his home. Van Wyk said an inquest case was opened for further investigation.

picture: ANA

By Everngelista Muza

AFRICA DAY, 25 MAY

Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (African Union). Africa Day is proposed to celebrate and recognize the triumphs of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the battle against colonialism and apartheid, the day allows us an opportunity to ponder the advancement that Africa has made, while also coming together to discover answers for the challenges that we face on the continent.

🌍Africans take pride into who they are and what they are.

🌍African don’t shy away from their roots and they wear their crowns with pride.

🌍They are unafraid of expressing their identity and teaching the universe who they are.  

Which brings us to the question, what does being an African means to you?

“What makes me a proud African is the fact that we can celebrate our diversity; how we can sit with people from different cultures and not being judged for it as before (Apartheid).

A whole ray of issues is facing Africa but not letting it consume our soul. We feel for the other countries, those suffering, those that lack basic resources such as water and electricity, nations coming together to help other lands in need.” – Mitchum George, News Reader/Editor

“Being African is not about colour, it is not about your state of mind but it means to be an individual, yet one that structures part of a whole. It means to commend our diversity in a way that elevates understanding and to focus on the challenges facing our continent. This while still focusing on the battle of my own country. Being African is to be complex.” – Chwayita Hlangwana, News Reader

“Being African to me means being one with the nature, being one with who you are as a human being and also to not ever forget the history of we as human beings come from, especially in Africa that a lot of wrong things are happening. Being an African to me means understanding the value, respect especially in culture whilst respecting who you are as a person.” – Mkhuseli Veto, Presenter/Producer 

Photo cred: Indo African Chamber Of Commerce & Industry

HAPPY AFRICA DAY! By Chwayita Hlangwana

Cape teenager arrested for clocking 200km/h

A learner licence applicant was arrested for cheating on his test on Friday.

According to Mayco member for safety and secuirity, JP Smith, he was found in possession of a script note under his sleeve.

‘’He was found in possession of R2 000 in cash, and admitted that he was going to pay the person who gave him the script note. The applicant was arrested on a charge of fraud.’’

In a separate incident, a teenager, who had just turned 16, was caught after clocking in excess of 200km/h on Jan Smuts Drive, on Sunday.

Just before 1a.m, says the City’s JP Smith, a Ghost Squad officer spotted the Golf 7 travelling at high speed along Jan Smuts Drive, in the direction of Grassy Park, and gave chase.

Smith added that the driver disobeyed several red traffic lights and refused to stop.

The officer called for back-up and the vehicle was eventually stopped at Old Strandfontein and Ottery Road.

‘’To the officers’ dismay, the driver was a very young man, who informed them that he had just turned 16 the day before. He had five passengers in the vehicle, all around the age of 15. It also turned out that the driver had taken his brother’s new car without permission.’’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

‘’I shudder to think of the potential tragedy that could have unfolded here. This was no joyride, but reckless endangerment and I hope that it’ll be a lesson to everyone concerned. Also, the fact that these teenagers were out past curfew is another concern, particularly given the current resurgence we are experiencing,’’ Smith added.

The teenager was released into his father’s care.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Outcome of 2022 school year now available on WCED website

Close to 150 000 registered users on the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) admissions website, will from today onwards be able to know the outcome of their applications for the 2022 school year.

The website will display the outcome of the process to inform parents as to whether their application has been successful or not

‘’Please note that some schools may indicate “pending” – which means, they have yet to upload their final outcome. This should be finalized this week.’’ said the WCED in a statement.

In February and March this year, the WCED said its admissions website recorded 408 672 applications by 149 633 registered users during its admissions process.

‘’The process ended on 31 March 2021, and school governing bodies have since been applying their admission policies to determine placements for next year.’’

Parents ONLY have until 25 June 2021 to confirm their final choice of school for 2022.

‘’Parents are reminded that if they do not confirm a place at a school by 25 June 2021, then the system will automatically accept the first successful offer from a school on the system for them.’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED Spokesperson.

‘’If a parent has been unsuccessful at all the schools they have applied to and are notified of a successful placement after 25 June 2021, then they have 3 days to accept the place offered.’’ Hammond added.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD WAS ACCEPTED?

 

·       Parents can log onto: https://admissions.westerncape.gov.za/admissions/login

 

·       They can then go to “Track Application Status”, select name of learner and then under “Application Status”, it will inform the parent as to whether their application was

 

a)  Successful,

b)  Unsuccessful or

c)   Has been placed on the waiting list.

 

·       The parent must then either “Withdraw” or “Confirm” their application.

·       Once they have confirmed acceptance at a school, parents must print and submit a copy of the application, as well as certified copies of the supporting documents, to the school within 7 days of confirming on the system with the school or district office if they have not already submitted hard copies to the school.

·       If parents require support getting access to their profiles on the website – i.e. Forgotten passwords etc, then they can contact any of the officials listed on the website or their nearest district office. Website link is: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-202122

 

·       If a learner has not been accepted at a school, the parents are advised to first engage the school governing body to establish the reasons why the application was unsuccessful, get clarity on the admission process followed and to motivate for the application to be reconsidered.

   

Parents are advised to stay in touch with the school and request that the learner be placed on a waiting list as some places could still open as parents confirm.

 

The WCED appealed to parents who have yet to apply for 2022, to do so immediately.

‘’They must please contact their nearest schools or the district office urgently. We need to ensure that as many learners as possible register this year so that we can plan appropriately to place all learners for 2022.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Daylin Mitchell is the new WC’s Transport and Public Works MEC

Daylin Mitchell is the new Western Cape’s Transport and Public Works MEC.

He takes over from Bonginkosi Madikizela, who resigned as the DA’s Western Cape leader and MEC, after admitting that he lied about his tertiary qualifications on his CV.

35-years-old Mitchell is the youngest member of Premier Winde’s cabinet, and the first to come from Beaufort West in the Central Karoo District during this term.

Daylin is currently the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and is also the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works, and the Conduct Committee for Members of Parliament.

Mitchell says his honoured to be appointed the new position, adding that his department will create ‘’a safe province, where residents have jobs and live with dignity.”

“It is my goal to ensure that the Department of Transport and Public Works plays an important role in delivering the strategic objectives of this provincial administration, namely, creating a safe province, where residents have jobs and live with dignity.” Said Mitchell.

Premier Alan Winde wished Mitchell well.

 “I know Daylin to be a hard-working representative who is committed to making the Western Cape a better place for all who live in it, and I am confident that he will continue to serve the people of this province with distinction in this important position. As the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works, he is already familiar with the challenges and opportunities that exist in this portfolio, and I expect him to hit the ground running.”

“I ask that he serves with integrity and humility, that he always upholds the Constitution of the Republic, and that he never forgets that it is the people of this province that we were elected to serve.” Winde added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

11 Arrested in Khayelitsha Shooting Spree

 

11 Suspects were arrested this Morning at a Hotel in Sea Point, this follows the mass shooting that took place at Site B in Khayelitsha this past Saturday

The Mass Shooting has claimed the lives of 13 People,and has left 5 wounded

According to Police Brigadier Novela Potelwa the Suspects were apprehended at 3am this Morning,

She has also confirmed that the area has a high Police since the Shooting Spree

Police Minister Bheki Cele has welcomed the multiple arrests saying that the apprehension would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the added resources that were pumped into the Western Cape

Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thembisile Patekile has expressed appreciation for relentless efforts of the team.

 

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

 

Mitchell's Plain Police Station ranked 1st in Western Cape i.t.o reported serious crimes

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded significant declines in contact crimes, whilst murder and attempted murder increased

This was revealed by Police Minister, Bheki Cele when he announced the crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2020/2021 financial year.

The statistics reflect crimes that occurred from 1 January to the end of March 2021, showing the crime levels when the country was under lockdown level 3 and adjusted level 1 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Contact crimes include assault GBH, sexual offences, common assault, robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted murder.

During this term, contact crime decreased by 8.5%. With the exception of murder and attempted murder, all sub-sections noted decreases. Murder recorded an 8.4% while attempted murder rose by 8.7%.

Cele said the top four causative factors of these murders were arguments, robberies, both residential and non-residential and street robberies, mob justice and gang-related incidents.

The crimes stats showed that out of the whole country, the most community-reported serious crimes in the Western Cape were at the Mitchell’s Plain police station and the City Central police station.

The stats revealed that there was a 31.4% increase in criminal incidents being detected due to policing in Mitchells Plain. The Cape Town Central police station where 1 392 fewer cases were reported compared to the previous year (44.7%).

The Cape Flats area is ranked 4^th in the world, followed by Cape town Central. This is followed by Delft and Kraaifontein who are ranked 12^th and 13^th, respectively.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

DA’s Shadow Minister of Transport, ''shocked'' that ''no improvements made'' at Netreg Train Station

The DA’s Shadow Minister of Transport, Chris Hunsinger conducted an oversight inspection at Netreg Train Station in Kalksteenfontein oin Friday.

Hunsinger visited the same station in June 2020.

He was joined by Mayco member for Transport, Felicity Purchase, and ward councillor, Angus McKenzie.

The purpose of the oversight was to examine the extent of the damages casued on the Western Cape’s busiest line, which is the central line, and how this impacts on residents access to transport.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) reopened the central line in February 2021, which is meant to run from Cape Town station to Chris Hani station and Kapteinsklip, but trains only operate until Langa station.

Hunsinger says he is shocked that no improvements were made.

‘’I am absolutely shocked and disappointed following the oversight visit at Netreg (train) station on the Central Line. I visited the same station last year and the comparison is shocking. The situation worsened extensively.’’

The shadow minister said that he had several engagements with PRASA and Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport.

‘’PRASA undertook absolutely nothing. This is not acceptable!’’ said Hunsinger.

‘’Millions of people are deprived of public transport, specifically Metroraill.’’

Hunsinger says he will meet with Prasa Group CEO, Zolani Matthews on a way forward

‘’I’m gonna share and demand a personal meeting with Mr. Matthews to discuss this situation and find solutions to address this unacceptable situation at NetReg station, and particular the Cape Town central line.

PICTURES SUPPLIED

Done By: Mitchum George

Modack charged with murder of Charl Kinnear

Two of the five accused arrested in connection with an assortment of charges including attempted murder of a prominent lawyer as well as gang related extortion, kidnapping, intimidation in the Milnerton area and corruption were additionally charged for the murder of the top Anti-Gang Unit detective, Charl Kinnear. 

Nafiz Modack (39) and Ricardo Morgan (36) were allegedly linked to the police killing, following the arrest of Zane Killian.

This now brings the total of three suspects charged for the murder of Lt Col Kinnear

Kinnear was assassinated outside his home in Bishop Lavis on 18 September 2020. 

It is further reported that the alleged underworld figure Modack was also charged with attempts to murder Lt Col Kinnear in the days leading up to a failed hand grenade attack at Kinnear’s home in 23 November 2019.

‘’Modack also faces a charge of corruption along with AGU Sergeant Ashley Tabisher for allegedly offering him R10 000 in exchange for information on police operations against him (Modack). They further worked in concert with Amaal Jantjies to infiltrate the AGU, whilst Jantjies was also charged for the failed hand grenade incident. ‘’ said HAWKS’ Philani Nkwalase.

The case against the five was postponed to the 17 May. Whilst Morgan was released on R50 000 bail.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

5 suspects arrested in Woodstock for possession of unlicensed firearm

Five suspects aged between 23 and 42  will soon appear at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon.

According to the police’s FC van Wyk, Woodstock police observed a white Opel Corsa on Thursday with five suspicious looking males inside. 

‘’They were driving slowly up and down in Lower Main Road, Observatory. The SAPS members made contact with Woodstock License Plate Recognition System and they were notified the vehicle was flagged. The vehicle was stopped and the occupants and the vehicle was searched. One suspect was found to be in possession of an imitation firearm and knife. Under the driver's seat a CZ 7.65 pistol was found.’’

The police officials made contact with Woodstock License Plate Recognition System and they were notified the vehicle was flagged.

‘’The registration number of the vehicle did not correspond to the license disk, and in the boot of the vehicle another set of registration plates were found.’’ Van Wyk added.

The Opel Corsa was confiscated and handed in as evidence.

PICTURE: SAPS

 

Done By: Mitchum George