Western Cape police confiscates boxes of alcohol; illegal firearm and ammunition

Western Cape police arrested ten suspects on Thursday for being in possession of stolen property.

Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi said that in a joint operation, officers confiscated 318 boxes of beer with an estimated street value of R348 000.

‘’An integrated operation conducted on Thursday, 24 February 2022, proved to be successful when members of the Maitland Flying Squad, assisted by members of the Hawks responded to information pertaining to a fraudulent transaction.’’

‘’The police members spotted the suspicious vehicle in Bellville, upon which they stopped the vehicle. Following an inspection, they confiscated a total of 318 boxes of beer with an estimated street value of R348 000 00. Ten suspects between the ages of 25 and 55 were arrested and detained on a charge of possession of stolen property,’’ added Swartbooi.

Once charged the suspects are expected to make a court appearance in Blue Downs on the mentioned charge.

PICTURED: SAPS - Truck transporting 318 boxes of beer

In an unrelated incident, a 28-year-old man was arrested in Heideveld for being in possession of an illegal 9mm pistol with ammunition.

‘’Manenberg Crime Prevention Unit members were busy with patrols in Heideveld on Friday, 25 February 2022, at around 21:00, when they received information of gang members transporting firearms to Noreen Court. The members spotted a suspicious vehicle which was stopped with the intention to search the occupants,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi

Once charged he will make a court appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

PICTURE: SAPS - 9mm pistol with ammunition confiscated in Heideveld

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man was arrested in Khayelitsha for being in possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. The suspect hid the pistol in a cooler box.

‘’Members of the Provincial Extortion Task Team pursued information which led them to an address in Site B, Khayelitsha. Upon searching the residence, they found a 9mm pistol and various assorted rounds of ammunition hidden in a black cooler box. A 39-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

The suspect is due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

PICTURE: SAPS - 9mm pistol confiscated in Khayelitsha

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape police seeks public's assistance to help find Philiswa Lwana

Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are seeking the assistance of the public in tracing 43-year-old Philiswa Lwana.

Lwana was reported as missing in November 2021, claiming that she was abducted and repeatedly raped by unknown suspects at a residence close to Tygervalley Mall, in Bellville.

‘’The investigating officer went the proverbial extra mile, to save her out of the claws of the suspects in a bid to reunite her with her relatives. Further investigation into the matter revealed that the information provided by Philiswa Lwana now appears to be fabricated and false. A charge of defeating the ends of justice has since been registered,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

 

PICTURED: SAPS - Philiswa Lwana

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Philiswa Lwana is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Conrad Van Zyl on 082 522 1095 or alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: What is Happening Days 2-3

                                                           Image by: Timesnownews.com

The world is anxiously waiting to see how the Russian Invasion of Ukraine will lay out. On the first day we saw the first wave of troops, tanks, and military trucks crossing the borders of Russia and Belarus into Ukraine. Missiles have been targeting military bases, airports, ports, and hospitals. Leaders from around the world were condemning President Vladimir Putin for this senseless act of war.

On day two Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address on Friday that 137 people, both military and civilian had been killed with hundreds wounded. Citizens have been fleeing Ukraine by train and car, with neighboring countries preparing to take in refugees.

Videos have been surfacing showing just how dire the situation has got. One video shows a group of nurses in Dnipro, Ukraine making a makeshift bomb shelter to help protect babies from bomb blasts. Another video shows a car driving down the street in Obolon, Ukraine when a Russian tank swerves and runs over the car. The tank then proceeds to back up over the car again before driving off. Luckily bystanders jumped in and were able to free the driver of the crushed car. Russia has now gained control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, with Ukrainian security forces being taken hostage.

Countries across Europe and North America are freezing Russian banks and imposing sanctions to cripple Russia’s economy.

At 5:59am on Saturday, fighting broke out on the streets of Kyiv. Residents were advised to stay indoors and to stay away from windows and balconies. President Zelenskyy turned down an offer from the United States to help evacuate him from Ukraine. Zelenskyy said that he did need a ride, he needed ammunition instead.

At 7:36 am missiles were launched at Ukraine from the Black Sea, and reports of air strikes were happening across the country.

The Ukrainian military has published that it has killed 3,500 Russian soldiers, and taken 200 captive. They are also claiming to have taken down 14 Russian aircraft, 8 helicopters, and 102 tanks. France has announced that they are sending weapons to Ukraine.

Thousands of people took to the streets last night in Russia to protest the war with Ukraine. Protests were held across the country with the biggest demonstrations being in Moscow, and St. Petersburg. More than 1,800 were rounded up and arrested. Meanwhile the Russian military is focusing their efforts to take the capital city of Kyiv. An apartment building was hit by artillery; photos show the huge hole in the side of the building  

By: Alexandria Gregson

Six life terms and 192 years behind bars for man who killed and raped multiple people

28-year-old Wellington Kachidza has been given six life terms and 192 years imprisonment by the High Court in Pretoria after he was convicted on 34 counts.

According to North Gauteng regional spokesperson for the director of public prosecutions Lumka Mahanjana, the Zimbabwean national was convicted after he pleaded guilty to six counts of murder, three counts of rape, eight counts of kidnapping, eight counts of extortion, eight counts of robbery with aggravation circumstances and being in South Africa illegally.

The court heard between January 2018 and December 2019  Kachidza committed his crimes in Pretoria. According to reports he used the same method to lure male victims, pretending to ask for their assistance with driving. Before kidnaping them and demand ransom money from their families.

He would then kill his victims after he received the money, post-mortem reports showed that the victims received head injuries or trauma to the head.

Kachidza was arrested on January 15, 2020, based on an intelligence-driven operation and was later linked by DNA evidence to the rape counts.

by Everngelista Muza

Macassa family feeling unsafe after police raid their home following fake news of human remains on premisses

The Western Cape Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said expressed his disappoint in the people forging false news. This comes after detectives revisited the case of a woman who went missing 12 years ago, various social media posts claimed Coetzee's remains were found by the police.

Denise Margarete Coetzee was reported missing on 22 September 2010.

On Wednesday, detectives, crime scene management, and forensics excavated a site believed to contain Coetzee's remains near Oklahoma in Macassar.

A Macassar family is still devastated after police rocked up at their home in Oklahoma Street in Macassar following the fake news. While no remains were found on the premises, fake news started spreading on social media speculating who the “murderer” could be. The family said they were now fearing their lives as they been experiencing discrimination from its members.

by Everngelista Muza

East London suspect wanted for theft and missing court date

Cape Town Border police are seeking the assistance of the public to trace John Mundell who is wanted for theft and contempt of court.

It is alleged that the suspect stole tyres with an estimated value of R350 000-00 from his previous employer and sold it to another company in November 2020.

‘’A warrant for his arrest has been issued, who is believed to be in East London, Eastern Cape,’’ said the police’s Joseph Swartbooi.

Anyone with any information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect is requested to call the investigating officer Warrant Officer Johannes Geldenhuys on 071 473 0877 / 021 927 2935 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App.

 

PICTURED: SAPS - John Mudell

Done By: Mitchum George

20-year-old man's body found on Mfuleni park

Mfuleni police have launched a manhunt for gunmen who shot and killed a 20-year-old on Wednesday afternoon.

The police's Joseph Swartbooi said that officers found the man laying on a park with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

‘’Mfuleni police responded to a complaint in Indwe close on Wednesday, at around 16:30. The 20-year-old victim were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene in an undisclosed direction and are yet to arrested.’’

The motive for the active is unknown. Mfuleni police registered a murder, for further investigation,’’ added Warrant officer Swartbooi

Anyone with information are urged to contact Crime stop on 08600 10 111

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: What is Happening Now

                                                    Source By: e-ir.info.com

  

Nato Chief Jens Stoltenburg on Thursday denounced Russia’s “reckless and unpromoted attack” on Ukraine. That statement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine as air and missile strikes happened in multiple locations across the country.

Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but it has attempted to join, to Russia’s displeasure. Russia told the United States, and members of NATO, that Ukraine should never be allowed to become a member.

As of 11:47am Thursday, Ukraine has cut all diplomatic ties with Russia, and announced full militarization of the country. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has imposed Martial Law, and has made a call to arms to anyone who is able to fight for their country. Citizens are attempting to flee cities by car and public transport; Ukrainian airspace is closed with all flights canceled. Russian trucks and tanks are already in the streets in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Russian citizens woke up this morning just as shocked as the rest of the world. Lines formed at ATMs, currency exchanges, and outside of grocery stores. A poll was taken a few days ago in Russia, asking the public if they thought that war with Ukraine was possible; around half of those polled didn’t think that it would happen. Those opposed to the war with Ukraine, are attempting to protest in Moscow later on Thursday.

By: Alexandria Gregson

Russia Announces Invasion in Ukraine

                        Source By: istockphoto.com

On Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine. Putin called for Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their weapons, and that “peacekeepers” would be put in place. Russia has 200,000 soldiers stationed at its border with Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to reach out to President Putin, but to no avail. Ukraine has called for its 3 million citizens living in Russia to return home. Calling for unity and peace among the people of Ukraine. Members of the United Nations called for peace, saying that there was no need for violence, and that a potential war could displace over 5 million people causing a new European refugee crisis.

Ukraine has received anti- tank weapons and drones from NATO members. Most of this has come for allies who were trying to deter Russia from invading. Shelling has intensified near several cities in Ukraine; a soldier was killed on Wednesday. This is the sixth death in four days; with civilians in the area being fearful of what will happen next.

By: Alexandria Gregson

Family of Riky Rick confirms passing of rapper

The family of Rikhado “Riky Rick,” Makhado has confirmed the death of the award-winning South African artist.

34-year-old Makhado, popularly known as Riky Rick, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Johannesburg

The cause of his death has not been confirmed amid reports of suicide.

The ‘Ungazincishi’ hitmaker rose to fame in 2014 after releasing his single 'Nafukwa'.

His last tweet, posted in the early hours of the morning, left many in shock.

In a statement, the family said he will be remembered for his nurturing of young talent.

“His love for family, friends and community is well known. Riky’s nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented, and will forever be remembered. He leaves behind his wife, two children, his mother and five siblings.”

At the same time the family asked for privacy.

“The Makhado family humbly request privacy as they go through this extremely difficult period of grieving. The family are also deeply thankful for and appreciates the countless messages of love and support received. These are felt deeply,”

It says details of the funeral and memorial will be confirmed at a later stage.

 

PICTURED: Riky Rick

Done By: Mitchum George

Major-General Mathipa Makgato appointed as Western Cape's Hawks Head

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has appointed Major General Mathipa Makgato as its Western Cape Provincial Head.

Makgato started his career as a Constable in 1988 and climbed the ranks of the South African Police when he was promoted to a Captain in 2000.

‘’During his tenure as a Captain, General Makgato served as a Commander in the following units: Client Service Centre in Honeydew; Westonaria Detectives, as an Area Task Team Commander and as a Group Commander at Florida Detectives. He was then promoted to a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004 and appointed to the Serious and Violent Crimes unit. He continued his work at as Lieutenant Colonel at Organised Crime in Gauteng and was transferred to Pretoria in 2010 where he assumed his duties as a Group leader and Investigator at the Organised Crime,’’ the Hawks said in a statement.

In 2010 he was appointed as a Section Commander at DPCI and promoted to a Colonel in 2012 at Serious Organised Crime – Northern Cape. In 2016 he was transferred as a Provincial Commander – Serious Organised Crime. During his tenure as a Provincial Commander, he was promoted to Brigadier and appointed as the Section Head – Serious Organised Crime.

Major General Makgato holds a National Diploma in Public Administration and a B-Tech Degree from Technikon South Africa and is currently studying toward a M-Tech degree at UNISA.

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya welcomed the new appointment

The Hawks’ Thandi Mbambo said Lebeya believes that this will go a long way in addressing capacity challenges currently faced by the Directorate.

 

PICTURE: Hawks - Mathipa Makgato 

Done By: Mitchum George

Investigations underway, after MyCiti bus caught alight at Woodstock station

Investigations are underway, after a MyCiti bus caught alight at the Woodstock MyCiti station on Tuesday. The incident happened after all of the passengers disembarked safely at the station in Woodstock, as well as the bus driver. No injuries have been reported to the City.

‘’The fire brigade was called out for assistance. We can confirm that nobody was injured and that an investigation is underway to determine the causes. Investigations will confirm the cause(s) of the incident,’’ said Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayco Member for Urban Mobility.

Initial reports indicate that the bus has burnt out, and there is damage to the station and red road.

Quintas says the City is currently busy clearing the red road from debris.

‘’The MyCiTi buses are regularly serviced, inspected and maintained in terms of the City’s contract with the bus operator, and the City has a record of these. Furthermore, the buses undergo a roadworthy test every six months with a reputable test station to ensure the fleet is in a safe and reliable condition,’’ said Quintas.

‘’This is an exceptional incident, and we need to establish what were the causes by conducting a proper investigation in consultation with the bus manufacturer,’’ he added.

The MyCiTi buses travelling along the T01 route will be temporarily deviated until further notice.

Commuters can phone the Transport Information Centre for information about schedules and routes on 0800 65 64 63. The TIC is available 24/7.

 

VIDEO SUPPLIED

Done By: Mitchum George

Egypt and Sudan Condemns Ethiopia over Violations of 2015 Treaty

Sudan has condemned Ethiopia for opening their hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile on Sunday. Ethiopia built the dam without finalizing an agreement with its downstream neighbors. Sudan is calling it a “unilateral move” and a violation of international commitments.

Egypt and Sudan are countries that heavily depend on the Nile river of drinking water and irrigation for crops. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project was launched in 2011. Cairo has a historical right to the Nile, guaranteed since a treaty signed in 1929 between Egypt and Sudan. Egypt also has the right to veto any project that is conducted on the river.

A new treaty was signed in 2010 in which Egypt gave up its veto power and agreed to the use of hydroelectric dam projects and irrigation; Ethiopia did not take part in these discussions.

Egypt and Sudan, concerned about their water supply, had asked the dam company Addis Ababa to halt on filling the reservoir of the dam, but their requests were ignored. The dam once completed will be the largest on the African continent, with an estimated total cost of R63 billion.

By: Alexandria Gregson

Western Cape Health Department refuting claims of a typhoid fever outbreak in the province

The Western Cape Health Department is refuting claims of a typhoid fever outbreak in the province.

Social media posts doing the rounds claim that there is an outbreak of the disease, also known as the ‘entric fever’, in the Western Cape. The post claims that an alarming number of cases have been recorded in the Cape Town metro due to contaminated municipal water, or a common food source.

Typhoid fever is spread via the faeces of an infected person. Person to person transmission occurs when another person consumes food or water that has been contaminated by the faeces of an infected person, usually via unwashed hands.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross says the social media post are based on false information

The main problem with the post is that the data it claims to quote, reflects the total number of cases for the past 2 years and not new cases.

The mayco member urged people not to share the post as they cause unnecessary panic, adding that the City's tap water is safe to drink.

‘’As previously stated by the City all drinking water samples taken from the municipal supply tested at the City’s Scientific Services Laboratory in Athlone complied with the South African National Drinking Water Standard on Acute Health Determinants and pose no health risk to the public.’’

‘’Drinking water quality across the City is monitored regularly and according to the strict South African National Standard for Drinking Water, SANS:241 and no cases of typhoid fever has been linked to the municipal water supply,’’ added Van der Ross.

Van der Ross says in the current financial year, 15 cases have been notified to date, with four of these cases being diagnosed this month

‘’These cases are geographically spread across the City and do not appear to be linked to a common food or water source.’’

‘’The washing of hands is vitally important before any food preparation and after toilet use or contact with faeces or vomit to prevent multiple gastrointestinal infections. City Health inspects food premises on a regular basis as well as takes samples to ensure that hygiene practises are maintained at premises that sell food to the public,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Parliament yet to determine costs of alternative venue

Parliament says it has not determined the cost, as yet, on hosting sittings of the National Assembly at an alternative venue.

This after the Sunday Times reported each sitting could cost close to R1 million if hosted by the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC).

The Nation Assembly Chamber and surrounding offices were gulfed in flames in January, prompting a different venue for the National Assembly's plenary meetings.

‘’Last week, Parliament hosted a joint sitting of its two Houses to deliver the State of the Nation Address at the temporary precincts - the Cape Town City Hall. While a decision was taken for the sitting of the National Assembly to be hosted at the Good Hope Chamber, one of the buildings in the regular precincts of Parliament unaffected by the fire, Parliament is currently exploring a longer-term, affordable and feasible alternative with adequate capacity to accommodate all Members of the House physically,’’ said Parliament's spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo

‘’In this regard, the CTICC is one of the options being explored, and engagements are taking place with its management. Parliament will, as per agreement at the Friday meeting with the CTICC, provide the company with a comprehensive list of needs and requirements to determine the cost (quotation) of hosting the Assembly business at the venue,’’ added Mothapo.

Mothapo confirmed that the CTICC is one of the options being explored, and engagements are taking place with its management.

‘’The daily costs published by the Sunday Times for holding sittings at the CTICC is unfortunate speculation and misleading. The guesswork has no factual basis as no costs have yet been determined, either for the CTICC or other venues, Parliament is considering.’’

‘’In the interest of openness and transparency, Parliament will inform the public about the costs of holding sittings at any alternative venue that would be decided once such prices are determined. As we said before, whatever venue Parliament will opt for must be financially sensible, feasible and strengthen Parliament's ability to fulfil its constitutional functions,’’ he added.

PICTURE: Parliament

Done By: Mitchum George

No new African Swine Fever cases reported in the Southern Cape

The Western Cape's Agricultural Department said that no other African Swine Fever cases have been reported in Mossel Bay and George in the Southern Cape since January.

The province's veterinary officials estimate that about 370 pigs have died due to the disease in these areas.

‘’The areas remain under quarantine, and local municipalities are assisting with the disposal of carcasses and disinfection. One hundred and twenty pig farmers attended last week’s ASF awareness and pig information days in Mossel Bay. George and Plettenberg Bay. The sessions focused on the disease, biosecurity, and pig feeding,’’ said MEC, Dr. Ivan Meyer

The MEC urged farmers to continue disposing carcasses responsibly

‘’I urge farmers to continue to dispose of carcasses responsibly and in line with the guidelines provided by State Veterinary Services and the municipalities.’’

‘’Farmers should also continue to implement strict biosecurity to prevent the entry of the disease into their herds,’’ added Meyer.

 

PICTURE: The Pig Site

Done By: Mitchum George

South African Breweries Call for 0% Tax Increase

The South African Breweries (SAB) called for the government to cap increases in excise tax on liquor. Ahead of the National Budget Speech this Wednesday, SAB will be highlighting the importance of the sector in South Africa’s Covid-19 recovery plan. SAB wants the government to move away from increasing the cost of liquor going above inflation.

Driving up the price of liquor in an attempt to deter alcohol abuse, is likely to backfire due to the increase of illicit trade. Just the wine industry alone generates 265,000 jobs, and grosses R55 billion to the GDP. Just like with any other good or service, people will seek out a cheaper alternative.

In 2021 the excise tax was increased by 8%, an additional increase in just one year would be a hit to a still recovering industry.

By: Alexandria Gregson

Six year sentence for 35 year old man for corruption

 

Western Cape’s specialised commercial crimes court in Bellville has sentenced a 35-year-old man to four years’ imprisonment on a charge of corruption.

Although two years will be suspended, Nkokelo Sarile is to effectively spend four years in jail for the six year he was sentenced to.

The perpetrator had also been declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

According to the provincial spokesperson for the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Zinzi Hani, Sarile’s sentence follows his failed attempt to bribe a police officer with R2 000 in exchange for the release of his impounded vehicle.

Hani said the vehicle had been seized after being used in the commission of a crime in a separate matter.

Sarile’s was locked up following a R1 500 bail following by continually delays in his corruption case as he constantly changed legal representatives.

by Everngelista Muza

Health department amends COVID-19 vaccine programme

The National Department of Health has announced changes to the vaccination programme as part of ongoing efforts to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa. 

The changes, which have been guided by scientific evidence, include the reduction of the time interval between the first and second doses of Pfizer from 42 days to 21 days, with effect from Wednesday

“Firstly, all individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer vaccine, meaning they have received both doses, will now be eligible for booster dose 90 days (or three months) after the second dose, instead of the current 180 days (or six months) interval.

“Secondly, all individuals older than 18 years of age who have received one dose of the COVID-19 J&J vaccine will, with effect from today (Monday, 21 February 2022) be eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after an interval of two months (60 days),” the department said in a staement.

Lastly, individuals over the age of 18 years, who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine will, effective from Wednesday, 23 February 2022, be eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the COVID-19 J&J vaccine at least 90 days (three months) after the second dose.

“This is called heterologous booster doses, meaning booster doses of a different vaccine to that which was administered as the primary dose. The decision regarding which vaccine to administer as a booster should be guided by vaccine availability. Thus, if both vaccines are available at vaccination site, homologous boosting should be preferred, unless the vaccinee requests to receive a heterologous or different booster dose, or has a history of experiencing an adverse event following immunisation,” the department said.

Citizens are reminded that all adverse events following immunisation must be reported to their nearest vaccination site or COVID-19 Public Hotline 0800 029 999.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Queen Elizabeth tests positive for COVID-19

Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and according to Buckingham Palace, ‘’is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.’’

The palace said the 95-year-old British monarch will continue with light duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.

The queen has received three jabs of coronavirus vaccine.

Both her eldest son Prince Charles and daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have also recently contracted the respiratory disease. Charles has since returned to work.

 

PICTURE: The Royal Family

Done By: Mitchum George

Nine arrested for learner & drivers licence fraud in Oudtshoorn

Nine suspects were arrested on Friday in Oudtshoorn for fraud and corruption charges, as well as money laundering charges.

The suspects aged between 34 and 61 includes employees from the Oudtshoorn Traffic department as well as the owner and employees attached to a local Driving School based in Oudtshoorn.

PICTURE: SAPS - WCDoT official doing roadworthy check on the truck which failed, resulting in the truck being confiscated.

‘’These arrests stems from covert operations done over a period of time based on allegations that the arrestees all forms part of an organized syndicate whereby learner and or driver’s licences were issued to applicants in return for gratification, using the local driving school,’’ said Captain Michael Pojie

PICTURE: SAPS - Suspect in cuffs being taken into custody

In a joint operation, added Pojie, officers pounced on the Oudtshoorn driver licence offices as well as houses of identified suspects to execute the arrests.

‘’Armed with search and seizure warrants, the integrated team pounced on the Oudtshoorn driver licence offices as well as houses of identified suspects to execute the arrests. Subsequent to the arrests they also seized a Mercedes 14 ton truck, a sedan motor vehicle, cell phones, computer equipment and an undisclosed amount of cash, all directly linked to the illicit transactions.’’

PICTURE: SAPS - One of the key suspects looks on in cuffs whilst officers search his car and confiscates fraudlent obtained licence documents as well as the car

The suspects will appear in the Oudtshoorn Magistrates’ court on Monday.

‘’Due to the extent of the offences committed, bail will certainly be opposed. The accused face charges related to, but not limited to the Contraventions of the Road Traffic Act, Fraud, Corruption and Contravention of POCA which amounts to money laundering,’’ added Pojie.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

MyCiti N2 express back on the road

The MyCiTi N2 Express service returned to the metro-south east on Saturday, with the first buses departing shortly after 05:00 from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to the Cape Town Civic Centre station.

According to the City of Cape Town, over 6 000 commuters travelled on the N2 Express service daily before it was suspended in May 2019.

The metro is reintroducing the N2 Express service in three phases with more buses joining the fleet with each phase, hoping by 19 March, that 34 buses will be fully operational.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, says the intention is to add buses over the next four weeks, as more commuters return and the demand for the service increases.

‘’Getting the N2 Express service back on the road is a major achievement for the City of Cape Town and our operating partners, the N2 Company equally owned by Lisekhonikamva (Codeta) from Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain Rapid Transit (Route Six from Mitchells Plain) and the Golden Arrow Bus Service (Gabs).’’

Hill-Lewis says his office are aware of the MyCiti’s derelict bus shelters.

‘’Commuters will notice that a number of the bus shelters along the four routes in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain are in a state of disrepair due to vandalism and theft. We are prioritising these for urgent repair, but for now the service must resume for residents. I want to urge residents to support us and help protect infrastructure that is there for their benefit.’’

‘’A combination of 12-metre low-floor buses and 18-metre low-floor buses – have been serviced and prepared for operations, and bus drivers recruited and trained. The return of the N2 Express service is an important moment of progress in Cape Town,’’ Hill-Lewis added.

 

PICTURE: City of Cape Town

Done By: Mitchum George

One dead, 2 others injured when bakkie and car collides at Joostenberg turn off

A man has died after the vehicle he was travelling in, crashed on the N1, in the direction of Cape Town at the Joostenberg turn off, on Saturday afternoon.

The incident involved a bakkie and two light motor vehicles.

‘’The male driver of the bakkie was trapped in the vehicle and extricated by EMS’ Rescue team and officials from the Fire Department. Sadly, he was declared dead on scene. Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) officials were on scene and followed the standard protocol whilst the body of the deceased was recovered,’’ said Western Cape EMS’ spokesperson Deanna February

February added that two other people sustained serious injuries and were transported to Karl Bremer and Vincent Palotti Hospital.

‘’We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Goat Army Saving South Africa's Biodiversity One Bite at a Time

                             Photo By: www.aceritasghana.com

A specialized task force with unmatched natural ability in waging war to protect South Africa’s biodiversity. It’s an army of Boer goats. Port Jackson, Wattle, and Cluster Pine, are just a few examples of invasive plants that have called the Eastern Cape home. These invasive plants consume more water than native plants, fan wildfires, reduce agricultural productivity, and choke out native plants.

It costs South Africa about R2 Billion a year to remove and destroy the invasive plants. Goats are a cheaper and more sustainable alternative. The mission began on a farm outside of Cape St. Francis in the Eastern Cape. The army is transported to the “drop zone”, this could consist of unused farm land, or a property that needs clearing before a fire season. The goats feed on the invasive vegetation under the watchful eye of their handler.

The goat army consists of 300 Boer goats; they eat shrubs, and canopies of trees fallen by their handlers. Once an area is clear the goats are fed their feed with added seeds of native plants, which are deposited in the goats manure. Goats have been used in places like California, and Australia for some time now. One goat can clear up to 3.3 square meters of vegetation a day.

Funds generated by the land cleared or donations go directly to the goats and their care. This includes food, medical care, and additional shelters during kidding season. The army also generates additional funds by selling the invasive trees as firewood. The trees taken down by the handlers and feasted on by the goats, are then cut up and sold for firewood.

By: Alexandria Gregson

Collapsed Sewage Network Creates R5 Billion Clean Up of Sewage "Lake"

                    Source by: News365.co.za

A collapsed bulk sewage network has created a sewage lake outside of Kimberly. It is estimated that the overhaul of the system and cleaning up will cost R5 billion according to the Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul.

On Friday Public Protector Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Deputy Public Protector Kholeka Gclaeka met with Northern Cape Premier Saul to ascertain how the provincial government will address the sewage leak.

The sewage lake has reportedly claimed the life of one person after a driver of a delivery truck lost control and crashed into the lake. In two weeks Mkhwebane will receive a report on how the provincial government will tackle the issue. The local community in Sol Plaatje was urged not to flush items such as sanitary products, and nappies as a way of preventing further back-up issues.

By: Alexandria Gregson