Western Cape Premier receives COVID-19 jab

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre on Saturday.

‘’I chose to get vaccinated because I know that the vaccine is safe and highly effective, offering excellent protection against serious illness and death. I also know that by getting vaccinated I am playing my part in beating COVID-19, in saving lives, and in saving jobs in the Western Cape,’’ said Winde.

Mitchell’s Plain has the lowest rate of COVID-19 vaccine registrations.

‘’Today, I specifically chose to get vaccinated in the community of Mitchells Plain, using the special Saturday vaccination service offered by our Department of Health. This is because this community has had a lower rate of vaccine registration than the rest of the province.’’

Winde encouraged citizens to get the jab.

‘’I want to use this opportunity to encourage our residents to do proper research from reliable sources if they are unsure about getting vaccinated. Speak to a nurse at your local clinic or hospital and ask them to explain to you how it works. There is a lot of fake news on social media and being shared via WhatsApp, and so I know it can be confusing. But please check trusted sources so you can make an informed decision with accurate information.’’

‘’If you do so, you will see how vaccines are saving lives in countries around the world, keeping people out of the hospital, and allowing economies to open up and to grow again. We need the same in the Western Cape, and every person, from 18 years to 100 years old, has a role to play in making this happen. We are all in this together,’’ Winde added.

More than 2 000 people got the jab last week Saturday. The weekend vaccinations are encouraged to those who are unable to get inoculated during the week.

12 vaccination sites are open to the public on a Saturday.

The Western Cape Government says additional weekend public sites will be considered, on an ongoing basis, as this is dependent on vaccine supply.

 

On Saturday, 31 July the following sites will be open:

•        Goodwood Hall

•        Saxon Sea Hall, Atlantis

•        Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre

•        Gugulethu Community Health Centre

•        Site B Community Day Centre

•        Kleinvlei Recreational Hall

•        Citrusdal Hospital

•        Vredendal North Clinic

•        Piketberg Clinic

•        Darling Community Hall

•        Saron Clinic

•        Tankwa Farm stall (only for farm workers)

PHOTO: Facebook - Premier Alan Winde

Done By: Mitchum George

KZN Teen in need of a Transplant

 

13-year-old Zesuliwe Mazubane from Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal who was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of leukaemia in January, is in need of a stem cell transplant.

Mazubane was meant to start High School at the time of her diagnosis

To date, attempts to get a Transplant both locally and internationally have not yielded any positive matches.

Since then, she has been in and out of hospital following chemotherapy for refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia which is said to be one of the most aggressive forms of Leukaemia

The donor recruitment officer Siphokazi Dyasi, said they are looking for black donors and they call on coloured, Indians and blacks to come forward and sign up.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

Capetonians to consider weekday burials

There’s been a week-on-week increase in burials at Cape Town cemeteries 

According to City figures, a total of 638 burials were completed at cemeteries in the past week. This is an increase from 488, the week before.

‘’What we are experiencing now is similar to the previous two waves of Covid-19 infections, when fatalities increased sharply. The City has sufficient capacity to accommodate burials, but if one considers the number of burials at Klip Road in the past week, that equates to an average of 30 a day, which means a lot of foot traffic in and out of the cemetery, increased risk of close contact and increased pressure on staff to manage the situation. We therefore need a collective effort to ensure that we are able to manage the situation effectively, and in the best interests of public health and safety,’’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Badroodien said the availability of public graves has been impacted by a high water table, at the Maitland cemetery, brought about by heavy rainfall.

‘’In the last week, the Maitland Crematorium completed 84 cremations, while 32 others were transferred to private crematoria while maintenance work on one of the cremators at Maitland was being finalised,’’ added Badroodien.

Badroodien urged funeral organisers to consider weekday burials to help alleviate the pressure on cemeteries

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WCape EMS records 31 attacks for 2021, thus far

There’s been 31 reported attacks on EMS officials in the Western Cape since the start of 2021. The latest incident occurred on Saturday, where an ambulance crew was stoned in Elsies Rivier.

“Fortunately there were no injuries and no serious damages. EMS officials are placing their lives at risk and providing an essential service to communities in the Western Cape and we’re urging individuals to support EMS officials during these dire times,’’ says EMS Director, Dr Shaheem De Vries.

Furthermore, EMS officials responded to 4 469 incidents in the Western Cape over the past weekend.

There were 148 incidents in red zone areas and 96 transport-related incidents. Red zone areas are where ambulance crews are not allowed to enter areas without a police escort.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Seven people in court for murders in recent unrest

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the killings that allegedly took place in Phoenix during the recent looting and unrest that took place in KwaZulu-Nata and Gauteng.

According to police Seven suspects are expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court, north of Durban on Monday. One of the suspects has already appeared in court and his case has been remanded to August 16.

Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muri-dili says the seven also face a number of other charges.

by Lizeka Tsotetsi

Association denies City's plans for the homeless

The city’s plan to house homeless people in Strandfontein as part of its winter readiness plan was denied by the Ratepayers and Resident’s association. The association said the only learned of the plans on Tuesday as there was no consultations with the directly aaffected comunities

The association’s chairperson Mario Oostendurp in principle it was a good initiative; however, in its previous 2020 homeless camp initiative, there had been no transparent or truthful in its dealings with community organisations, the homeless people in that area where no accommodated.

Mayco member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said the City wasn't opening a shelter but as part of the winter readiness programme approved an application for additional resource support by the Haven Night Shelter to open up additional temporary shelter space, making use of a church facility in the area.

by Danielle Mentoor

Mfuleni residents stunned by gruesome discovery of bodies

This weekend Mfuleni residents have been left stunned by the discovery of a decapitated body in the Covid informal settlement. On Saturday morning two unknown bodies were found dumped in an open field.

The victim, and another body alongside it with stab wounds, are believed to be from another area, as locals said they don’t know the victims.

Police spokesperson Andrea Traut said no arrests have yet to be made.

“At around 4.20pm the decapitated body of an unknown male was found at Old Faure Mfuleni. The circumstances surrounding the murder are being investigated,” said Traut.

Community leader Nonzwakazi Mngcitha has urged the police to make a swift arrest. Saying murdered people keep getting dumped in their area by outsider and this is tarnishing their image. He said their houses are next to the road therefore its easy for anyone to park and dump a body unnoticed especially during the night.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali has appealed to all sectors of society to play their part in helping to root out this scourge of violence.

“As an organization that advocates for the rights of women and children for over 32 years we are deeply concerned by the spike in murders of women in the Western Cape, through our observations we have witnessed that the Western Cape leads the rest of the nation in femicide cases, and it dawns upon us to ask very fundamental questions about the state of Gender Based Violence in our country,” said Monakali.

Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211

by Everngelista Muza

Family of five dies in a Mitchells plain fire

Five family members died in a fire in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain in the early hours on Saturday.

The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services, Jermaine Carelse said that fire crews were called at 04:08 and was told that three girls were still trapped inside the Wendy house.

“When Mitchells plain fire station arrived at the scene at Buffelshoek Street, they found a wendy house engulfed in flames. A man, woman and three girls were declared deceased on scene and one boy was treated for burn wounds and transported to a nearby hospital,” said Jermaine Carelse.

He further added: Fire crews extinguished the blaze an hour later. The scene was handed over to the South African Police Services for further investigation.

 

Problems with pot-holes in Cape Town townships getting bigger

The City’s collapsed Transport Authority Management System, which underpinned the pothole repair service, has resulted in a 40-fold increase of the 900 threshold maintenance number set four years ago.

According to the Good Party secretary Brett Herron before the last few weeks of heavy rainfall there was already a backlog of 35 000 potholes in need of repair across the city. He said following recent rains, the situation would be exacerbated.

He said the majority of potholed and poorly maintained roads were in poor communities.

Nyanga policing forum chairperson Martin Makhasi said another reason that made the situation worse was car hijackings and smash-and-grabs incidents in the area. He also said there were incidents where residents partly contributed to this condition but said it was mostly caused by flooding and the unattended overflowing sewage draining system.

 

Western Cape government closes taxi route between Bellville and Paarl

Western Cape Transport Minister, Daylin Mitchell has decided to close thr route between Bellville and Paarl as clashes between rival groups CATA and CODETA continue.

Upto 20 people have been killed in the conflict over the past two weeks. He said the B 97 route is the main cause of the conflict with both organisations claiming that they have the right to operate on it.

He made the decision following consultations with the police, premier Alan Winde and the national transport department.

The closure of the route will take effect on Monday next week. Earlier this week on Wednesday, the Western Cape government made an official request for the deployment of more soldiers to quell the ongoing taxi violence in the province.

The soldiers are assisting law enforcement officials to bring stability in the affected routes. Golden Arrow Bus Service is offering limited service after one of the drivers was shot in the face near Nyanga.

Law enforcement officials have conducted search operations in some taxi ranks and escorted some taxi and busses along affected routes to ensure safety. Winde said he envisages double the current number of soldiers to bolster the law enforcement.

by Everngelista Muza

Former health department employee and husband in court over fraudulent transactions

An Eastern Cape couple facing charges of fraud are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court today to formally bring forth a bail application.

According to spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Captain the couple were arrested yesterday after the allegations of fraud were reported to the East London Serious Corruption Investigation team for probing. it is alleged that on May 26, 2016, two fictitious payments that did not form part of the reported accruals were made by the department of health in the Amalahleni District.

She said that there were a number of other payments which were made to seven different companies without the appropriate approval of documentation. The couple made a brief court appearance yesterday but were remanded in custody until their next appearance.

Cold weather going as far as the weekend

The South African Weather Service is warning that cold temperatures are expected to persist across most provinces in the country over the next few days, with some areas in the eastern parts dropping to -8 degrees Celsius.

Cold weather swept across western on Monday bringing with it the rain but the next forecasted cold front is expected to bring disruptive rainfall, strong winds and very cold conditions.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the cold temperatures are expected to last into the coming weekend. Forecaster Wayne Venter said Gauteng, is expected to have some cold temperatures for today into the weekend and also still expecting snowfall over the high-lying areas of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

by Everngelista Muza

Son allegedly stabbed mom to death in fight over cellphone not being charged

A Khayelitsha mother has allegedly died at the hands of her own son.

A neighbor says the woman was killed because she didn’t charge the suspect’s cellphone. Apparently they were in a fight the previous night before he threatened to kill his mom, before he suddenly attacked her as she was busy. Police stated they found the 48-year-old woman had sustained multiple stab wounds and was declared dead on scene.

According to the Makhaza residents the suspect had been staying with his father in Strand as the mother had declared the boy was getting out of hand. They said they were shocked with his changed behavior as he had always been a quit, obedient boy.

Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk says the suspect will appear in court once he has been charged.

by Everngelista Muza

Thousands of community health workers to wait another year for a possible permanent employment

Thousands of community health workers at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 may have to wait for another year before being absorbed as the government wants the agreement to consider permanently employing them extended.

the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA – are considering the government’s offer to extend the deal reached in 2018. However, the agreement had a clause making provision for the resolution to be extended for two consecutive terms.

According to the PSA, if the draft agreement enjoys majority support, its lifespan will be extended until July 10, 2022, which will mean the estimated 60 000 community health workers will be employed for another 12 months while their representatives try to resolve their permanent employment.

Community health workers are paid a non-service remuneration of R3 500 a month if they have completed matric or have experience and can benefit from recognition of prior learning.

Capetonians to experience Stage two load shedding this evening

Eskom stated Westerns Cape to experience stge two loadshedding from 16:00 to 21:00 toning. The utility has managed to avoid rolling blackouts in recent weeks but is now asking all users to cut back on electricity use where possible to preserve the system.

Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said: The system is currently severely constrained and it is anticipated that towards the evening peak, the system will come under additional pressure due to the high demand for electricity.

by Everngelista Muza

The Department of Correctional Services said there’ll strictly watch over the former president Jacob Zuma

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said that it would always monitor former President Jacob Zuma’s whereabouts while the convicted criminal was out of prison.

The former president was granted compassionate leave early morning to attend his younger brother Michael’s funeral. Zuma was now at his Nkandla homestead, with his family, and was getting ready to attend the service.

The department has not indicated how long Zuma will be out of jail for but said that it would follow strict protocols to ensure that he returned to his prison cell at the agreed upon time.

Liquor industry asking for an agent meet up to lift ban

The liquor industry in South Africa has called for the alcohol ban to be lifted while calling on government to urgently meet with them and discuss the impact of last week's riots on the industry.

The liquor industry said over 160 liquor outlets and distribution centres were looted and damaged during violent and deadly riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last week, as thousands of people looted shops and caused damage to infrastructure worth billions of rand.

The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) chief executive Patricia Pillay said it was calling on government to lift the alcohol ban, saying a continued ban worth threaten the livelihoods of over a million people who are supported by the industry.

The alcohol industry said the ban had caused jobs to bleed, such as at Aegir Brewery, which had initially been able to employ up to 60 people and open a restaurant but was forced to retrench 12 people as a direct consequence of the ban.

Those who remained on the companies’ books were now on short time and short pay.  The industry said it had chosen to go public after making numerous failed attempts to meet with the minister.

by Everngelista Muza

More soldiers to be deployed to quell Western cape ongoing taxi violence

 Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he will officially request for the deployment of more soldiers to quell ongoing taxi violence in the province.

More than 20 people have been killed in the recent conflict between rival groups – the Cape Amal-gamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA).

On Monday, services were disrupted after a bus driver was shot and wounded near Nyanga. The bus company says there have been several threats of intimidation on social media against the service.

Meanwhile the Mayco member for safety and security JP smith gave a feedback from the City’s safety and security morning meeting, and reported so far there has been no taxi violence reported this morning. Very few taxis are currently operating and public transport interchanges (PTIs) and ranks are quite.

City enforcement services are maintaining a presence in all affected areas. There are also conducting vehicle checks, looking for firearms and ensuring the taxis operating are doing so legally.

He also pleaded with the public to stray from sharing unverified voice notes and messages.

by Evermgelista Muza

Five years imprisonment for mom who gave daughter up following child negligence

The Parow Regional Court has sentenced a mother to five years’ imprisonment, put her daughter up for adoption, banned her from working with children and declared her unfit to own a firearm.

This follows her conviction on charges of child neglect and child abuse, Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said in a statement on Wednesday.

The incidents of neglect and abuse took place in 2019. The prosecutor, Colleen de Louw, said the child had bite marks on her body as well as bruises, abrasions and burn marks.

They were initially charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and rape, but they were acquitted on those charges as there was no direct evidence linking them to those charges.

by Everngelista Muza

Golden arrow bus driver shot through the mouth

A Golden Arrow bus driver was struck by a bullet through the mouth at the Borcherds Quarry drive this Monday morning.

Police spokesperson warrant officer Joseph Swartbooi said police found the driver had sustained injuries to his mouth. Swartbooi said the gunmen fled the scene and were yet to be arrested.

Golden Arrow bus services (Gabs) spokesperson John Dammert confirmed the incident. He said the incident has been reported to police and the driver was receiving medical attention and no passengers were injured.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has cautioned taxi industry players to desist from violence, adding that lawlessness was unacceptable.

Mbalula said that while they remained concerned about the state of the taxi industry and were attentive to the grievances of operators and drivers, acts of criminality in the industry would not be tolerated.

 by Everngelista Muza

Two life sentences for "Please call me rapist"

A North West man has been handed two life sentences for rape after he was caught visiting one of his victims and proposing his love for her. North West police spokesperson Colonel Amanda Funani said Kabelo Motlangwane, targeted women who lived alone.

She said that in February 2015, he raped two women, aged 26 and 36, on two separate occasions

After raping the second woman, Funani said, he took the victim’s phone then sent himself a Please Call Me, so that he could have her number on his phone.

A few days after opening a rape case against him, the victim got a call from the rapist, saying he heard that she had opened a case against him and asked her why she would do that when he was in love with her.

This resulted in her devising a plan with her neighbours and the police. The police asked her to agree to the meeting, so they could arrest the man when he showed up. He was also charged with theft and house breaking with the intention to commit theft. The police and the National Prosecuting Authority had successfully opposed bail.

by Everngelista Muza

Khayelitsha woman arrested after body of baby found burried beside her shack

A Khayelitsha woman has been arrested after the body of her infant was found buried in a shallow grave next to her shack.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said police had been in the are when they heard about 22-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed his mother. Upon their arrival they found the body of a 48-year-old woman declare dead on the scene.

Residents said police were led to their next discovery by the smell resulting in the discovery of an infant in a hole wrapped with plastic bags and blankets. The child’s body was discovered next to a shack

According to a witness the woman had been previodsly seen digging a hole, which neighbours assumed she was trying to prevent water from coming into her house.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the arrests and said the 29 year old mother is expected in court today, meanwhile 22 year old has been detained for tabbing his mother to death.

by Evermgelista Muza

Diabetics at higher risk for COVID-19

Persons living with diabetes are at risk of severe COVID-19 if they become infected.

According to the Western Cape’s Health Department, the severity of COVID-19 is tripled in the diabetes community.

Persons who have poor glucose control (fasting blood glucose >7.8 mmol/L, HbA1c>7%)) are particularly at risk.

Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospitals are urging people with diabetes to seek care without delay if COVID-19 is suspected.

Those with diabetes who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to get it.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects how the body gets energy from food, resulting in too much sugar in the blood if diabetes medication is not used and if lifestyle changes are not made.  High blood sugar causes havoc in the body leading to high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness and amputations – all of which can be prevented with good blood sugar control and healthy living.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 463 million people have diabetes in the world and about 4.5 million in South Africa (12.8% of our population). Experts are of the opinion that this is a gross underestimation, and it is believed that 3 out of 5 South-Africans with diabetes are not yet diagnosed. You may have diabetes without knowing it if you are overweight, inactive, older than 45 years are/ or if you have a strong family history. Thus, it is of utter importance to visit your healthcare facility if you are at risk and not to wait until you have symptoms of diabetes.

A total of 40% of all COVID-19 admissions to Groote Schuur Hospital have been persons living with diabetes, according to Prof Joel Dave, Head of the Division of Endocrinology at Groote Schuur Hospital. “Persons living with diabetes are usually older and obese, and age and obesity is a major risk factor for more severe COVID. It is very important to control diabetes to prevent complications. Medication, lifestyle choices and following COVID protection measures are all essential for this.”

 

Dr Ankia Coetzee, an endocrinologist at Tygerberg Hospital, encourages persons to take care of their diabetes at home by looking after their feet to prevent ulcers and trying to lose weight if they can.

“It is important that they check their glucose regularly and discuss it with their healthcare worker if it is over 10mmol/L or under 4mmol/L on finger prick. It is advisable to increase the frequency of your blood glucose fingerprick testing if you feel unwell and/or have COVID-19.”

 

Contact your healthcare facility if:

•        Immediately

o       You have low blood sugar (finger prick glucose <4mmol/L and/or symptoms of hypoglycemia if you don’t have a glucometer) that does not improve or occurs more than once.

o       You need assistance to recover from an episode of low blood sugar.

o       Your blood sugar exceeds 13.8 mmol/L and you feel unwell.

o       You start vomiting and/or have fast breathing (it can indicate a hyperglycemic emergency).

 

•        Urgently

o       You have a sore on your foot.

o       You need help with taking or getting your medication.

o       You have an appointment for a check-up.

WhatsApp 081 578 6636 for more diabetes information and support.

Take care of yourself and stay safe this winter.

 

Info: Western Cape Government: Health

Done By: Mitchum George

2 arrested for Langa taxi rank shooting

Two men were arrested for allegedly firing shots at vehicles from the Langa taxi rank on Monday morning.

According to the police’s Joseph Swartbooi said reports indicated that unknown men fired gunshots from the Langa taxi rank at vehicles this morning.

"Two males, aged 45 and 55, have since been arrested and detained. Once charged, they are expected to make a court appearance in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court," he said.

An attempted murder case has since been opened.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

BioVac lab, Pinelands fire extinguished

The City of Cape Town says a fire that broke out at Biovac laboratory in the early hours of Sunday morning in Pinelands has nothing to do with an attempt to sabotage COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Western Cape.

The blaze broke out just before 5a.m and fire crews extinguished the fire just before 8a.m

“There is no evidence that this was an attempted attack on COVID-19 vaccine stores as being speculated, since preliminary investigations suggest the fire’s origin relates to a HVAC fault, due to the prompt response of our Fire Services only a separate building suffered damage while the laboratory itself was completely protected,” said City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.

The City said that suggestions that the Biovac Lab’s COVID-19 stores were targeted in an attack are malicious, and have urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.

“It is imperative that we reject the notion of those spreading fake news and false claims through social media, as it spreads unnecessary fear,” he said.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eskom believes that syndicates are behind the theft and vandalism in the Western Cape

Power utility, Eskom believes that syndicates are behind the theft and vandalism in the Western Cape.

The vandalism of Eskom kiosks in Eerste River has left customers without electricity supply for the second time in less than a month

The latest vandalism affected residents in Dennemere, Kleinvlei and Rosedale, leaving them without electricity for days.

"Eskom believes that syndicates are behind the theft and vandalism of Eskom equipment and has been working with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to bring those accountable to task," the statement said.

"To repair or replace equipment with extensive damage affects business operations such as the restoration of electricity to customers who have been without electricity for a prolonged period."

In a statement, Eskom said that there has also been a surge in theft and vandalism of equipment over the past few weeks.

"Recent criminal activities of illegally connecting, cable theft and vandalism in Eskom supply areas in and around Cape Town have resulted in prolonged power outages in affected communities that have left customers frustrated."

"Eskom cannot fight this battle alone and depends on the assistance from communities now more than ever in the fight against infrastructure theft, vandalism and illegal connections that are now affecting customers almost daily," the statement added.

Eskom appealed to residents to report electricity theft such as illegal connections, electricity theft, tampering, cable theft and vandalism of infrastructure by contacting the Eskom toll-free crime hotline on 0800 11 27 22. Callers may remain anonymous.

Done By: Mitchum George

Hijacked CoCT vehicle leads to premises with stolen car parts

Metro Police officers recovered a hijacked City of Cape Town vehicle in Philippi East on Friday. The vehicle was reported as hijacked earlier the afternoon, had all City of Cape Town markings as well as the number plates removed. 

‘’Just before 15h00, with the assistance of a vehicle tracking company, the members located the vehicle parked inside a premises in the Marikana informal settlement,’’ said Metro Police’s Spokesperson, Ruth Solomons

A further search of the premises led to the discovery of several stolen motor parts.

‘’There were no suspects present and the scene was handed over to Saps for further investigation,’’ added Solomons.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SADAG Overwhelmed with call volumes amid ongoing Violence

With Ongoing unrest continuing in some parts of the Country The South African Depression and Anxiety Group namely (Sadag) has received an increase in calls from distressed people seeking help.

Malls, businesses, warehouses and factories have been looted and vandalised.

The unrest has devastated many livelihoods not only financially but mentally

Civil society organisation, Right2Know has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of State Security Ayanda Dlodlo to name and shame some of the State Security Agency’s (SSA) agents who fuelled the violent and destructive protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The Government wants 25,000 more soldiers in addition to be deployed to Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal in efforts to reunite South Africans and to put an end to the violence terrorising the two provinces.

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi

Slight increase in Cape burials in past 7 days

There’s been a slight increase at Cape Town cemeteries in the past seven days.

410 people were buried in the past week, compared to 390 the previous week.

Maitland cemetery had 108 burials, Klip Road 96 and Welmoed cemetery had 86 burials.

‘’Our cemeteries are managing the demand currently. The City cannot, however, indicate with certainty how many of these were Covid-19 burials, as the cause of death is often either listed as natural or non-natural causes. The City continues to engage with undertakers and other stakeholders in this area to ensure that we are able to assist them where necessary,’’ said City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien.

Meanwhile, the City’s Environmental Health Practitioners says they are concerned about increased non-compliance with Covid-19 protocols at funerals.

‘’We remind the public to please adhere to the protocols, for their own safety. Funeral gatherings are considered super-spreader events, and at a time when our health system is taking strain, it is imperative that we all play our part in ensuring that we mitigate the risk of infection,’’ added Badroodien.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

2 dead; 4 informal structures destroyed in Gugulethu

The bodies of an adult male and a boy were found in an informal structure that was found gutted in NY61, Gugulethu, on Wednesday morning

In total, four informal structures were destroyed in a fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

‘’The City’s Fire and Rescue Service received the emergency call at 07:33. When firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire in Phola Park they found several informal structures alight but managed to contain and extinguish the blaze by 08:31.’’

The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigations

 

Done By: Mitchum George

DA to lay criminal charges against Malema & Zuma's children

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will, lay criminal charges against EFF leader Julius Malema and former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and his sons Edward and Duduzane on Wednesday.

The party’s shadow minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Glynnis Breytenbach said the official opposition would lay charges of incitement to violence against Malema and the three Zuma siblings.

‘’In the period leading up to the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma, as well as after his imprisonment, his children on various occasions took to the press and social media to express comments which appear to encourage and incite the violence and looting that has destabilised KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and which is spreading to other parts of the country.’’

‘’For his part, Julius Malema threatened on Twitter to join the anarchy on the streets if the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is deployed and likened the deployment to a declaration of war against civilians instead of an attempt to maintain law and order,’’ Breyentenbach added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape Education MEC, Debbie Schafer, innoculated

The Western Cape had vaccinated 45 579 education sector staff members, this translates to 83% of allocated vaccines for the province

The Department of Basic Education said while they initially targeted 582,000 people in the sector, they had now added over 789 000 staff including food handlers, janitors, and support staff from independent schools and ECD centres on the EVDS system.

Meanwhile, Education MEC, Debbie Schafer received the jab on Monday at the Parc du Cap vaccination site at Metropolitan Health in Bellville.

‘’I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of the education sector rollout, now that my age group is eligible. The process was very efficient, and the health workers were extremely professional and friendly. I encourage each and every resident of the Western Cape to register for their vaccine once they are able to do so.  ‘’

Schafer urged those who have not gotten the jab to do so.

‘’I commend all the staff of our sector who have chosen to receive the vaccine. Despite all the fake news being circulated, you have chosen to take an important step in getting our schools, and our society, back to normal. You are now ambassadors for this vital tool in the fight against Covid-19, and for the education sector, against the extreme learning losses our children are suffering as a result of the pandemic.’’

PHOTO: WCED - MEC Schafer receives her vaccine from Sr. Ntombi Myeki

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Ballistic test to determine if illegal gun was used in taxi-related killings

Police are conducting a ballistic test on an alleged illegal firearm that was found during an integrated roadblock over the weekend.

Two men were arrested for being in possession of the illegal firearm during a joint operation at the Huguenot tunnel on Friday evening.

Transport MEC, Daylinn Mitchell says the illegal firearm could be linked to the recent taxi-related killings

Eight taxi operators were killed in separate incidents across Cape Town, last week.

Mitchell said that he will be writing to the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, requesting to speed up the ballistic test.

‘’The test must, as a matter of urgency, reveal whether the firearm is in anyway involved the taxi related killings that have played out in areas throughout the province. It is often the case that illegal firearms are used in other serious criminal activities and or gang related violence,’’ said Transport & public Works MEC, Daylinn Mitchell

 

Done By: Mitchum George

ANC councillor Nokuthula Bolitye killed outside her Crossroads home

Nyanga police are probing a case of murder, after Cape Town ANC councillor Nokuthula Bolitye was killed outside her Crossroads home, yesterday.

This was not the first attempt on Bolitye's life, she has survived another attempt on her life in 2020.

In that shooting, Bolitye and her son were shot at, at their house.

According to the police’s Joseph Swartbooi, the victim was seated in a minibus taxi in front of her home, when three unknown males approached the vehicle and fired numerous gunshots at the victim.

Witbooi added that the suspects fled the scene in an undisclosed direction and are yet to be arrested.

Executive Mayor Dan Plato expressed his condolences to those affected.

‘’I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our City’s ward councillors. I wish her family, friends, colleagues and all who knew her and were close to her, strength during this period of grief - they remain in my thoughts and prayers. Bolitye had been Ward 36 Cllr for the past five years. The full circumstances are not yet known about the incident, but it is believed that she was shot outside her home,’’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.

The ANC’s media spokesperson, Fiona Abrahams, has called for calm whilst police are busy with investigations.

‘’ We appeal for calmness because our colleague was loved and respected by the community she served. We call on SAPS to solve this wanton crime as soon as possible.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

3 killed; 5 wounded in suspected taxi-related violence in the Cape

Western Cape police are probing cases of murder and attempted murder following alleged taxi-related violence across the metro on Tuesday morning.

The police’s Waarant Officer Jospeh Witbooi outlines the incidents:

·      In Bukwayo Road in Harare, two 39-year-old men were shot and killed. In Mew Way a 42-year-old man was shot and wounded while an unknown male, believed to be a taxi driver was transported to a nearby hospital with private transport after he sustained a gunshot wound.

·      In an unrelated matter police members discovered the body of a 45-year-old man in the driver’s seat of his vehicle in Symphony Way near to Blikkiesdorp. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.

·        Meanwhile police members attended to a scene near to Sarah Baartman where a taxi driver sustained gunshot wounds to both legs.

·       Near to TRA 5 in Delft South the driver of a retail business was dropping off employees. Two unknown males tried to stop the vehicle when the driver sped off. The suspects fired numerous gunshots at the vehicle wounding a male and two female occupants. The victims were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Harare police are investigating two murder and two attempted murder cases whilst Delft police are investigating a case of murder and four cases of attempted murder.

‘’The suspects in all the above mentioned cases fled the scenes and are yet to be arrested. Additional police resources have been deployed in the areas affected by the violence and will remain on high alert, while detectives are pursuing leads to apprehend those responsible,’’ said Witbooi.

Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

South Africa will remain under adjusted alert level 4 lockdown for a further 2 weeks.

This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation on Sunday, on developments in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The regulations remain largely the same, except for:

• Restaurants and eateries to open under strict health protocols with no more than 50 people at a time

• Gyms and fitness centres to open

• Schools will remain closed until 26 July.

President Ramaphosa also announced that the Covid-19 Ters scheme should be extended to sectors that are economically impacted by Level 4 restrictions.

The sale of alcohol, all social, political, religious and other gatherings remains prohibited.

Citizens must be indoors between 9p.m-4a.m, unless they have a permit.

Ramaphosa announced that the latest regulations are in place until Sunday, 25 July 2021.

Done By: Danielle Mentoor

Eskom warns of possible load shedding

Eskom urges South Africans to use electricity sparingly citing possible load shedding.

The South African Weather Service has warned of heavy rain, and gale force winds that is expected across the country this week.

"The cold front will increase the demand for electricity thereby putting pressure on the power system," it said in a statement.

Rolling blackouts was last implement on 14 June, due to some improvement in the performance of the Generation system and according to the parastatal, "the system is currently performing relatively well." 

Done By: Danielle Mentoor

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Monday, following violent scenes in parts of the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Monday, following violent scenes in parts of the country.

Addressing the nation last night on South Africa's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramaphosa called for calm and warning those involved in criminal activities that they will face the full might of law "as lawlessness is brought to an end and economic activity is allowed to continue."

The address will follow the announcement by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that it has commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS).

 The request entails SANDF support for police operations in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

The violent activities spread throughout the country, with malls in Cape Town closing for the day for fear of being targeted.

 "The majority of South Africans do not and should not tolerate violence, the destruction of property and the endangering of livelihoods. People are urged to report criminals by sharing videos of criminal activity with the police," the Presidency said in a statement.

 People are also asked to pay attention to what they post on social media and to be aware that the sharing of fake news or content that incites violence and looting is a crime.

"It is also a crime to possess, receive and use stolen goods, or to interfere with the police in their execution of their duties", the presidency added.

The exact time of the President’s address has not yet been announced.

Done By: Mitchum George

Ongoing Riots in KZN And Gauteng Claim 6 Lives

 

What initially started as protests calling for the release of former President Jacob Zuma from prison in Kwazulu-Natal on Friday had a disastrous ripple effect to parts of Gauteng over the weekend and has claimed the lives of 6 people

Police on Monday have confirmed that four people have been killed in Gauteng riots and two others in KwaZulu-Natal since the start of the riots

In a statement, the SANDF said it was responding to a request from the South African Police Service's National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.

And that the deployment would begin as soon as preparations were complete and its mandate was strictly to help keep police safe as they carried out their duties.

 

Done by Lizeka Tsotetsi