''Don't drink and drive'' - appeals WC Mobility MEC

‘’Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement. So, please never drink and drive. If you plan to drink, find a safer way to get home. ‘’ – An appeal from the Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie.

This as Provincial Traffic Officers arrested 108 people on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, this week.

PICTURE: Getty Images

At the same time, thirty-seven people lost their lives on the province’s roads.  - 17 pedestrians, 14 passengers, 4 drivers, and 2 motorcyclists.  Furthermore, a total of 14 993 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Thirty-one vehicles were impounded and 234 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.

Mackenzie urged road users to abide by the rules of the road.

‘’If you are a pedestrian, make sure you wear visible clothing, especially at night and when visibility is poor. Don’t walk under the influence along any road. Please find a safer way to get home. If you are driving, always buckle up and ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up, even on short trips!’’

 ‘’To keep small children safe, they must be secured in an age-appropriate harness. In a crash, a child who is not secured in an age-appropriate harness is more likely to be ejected from the vehicle and die or be seriously injured A serious injury can be life-changing – it may leave a child with a temporary or permanent disability. An unsecured child can also become a danger to other people inside the vehicle in a crash,’’ added Mackenzie.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

''The Grillfather'' to permanently close its doors

Popular restaurant chain, The Grillfather, has announced that it will permanently close its doors.

COURTESY: Facebook - The Grillfather S.A

In a statement, posted on the Grillfather’s Facebook page, it citied that it is struggling to operate, following the demise of its founder Shane Swiegelaar, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. The 46-year-old Swiegelaar died in 2020 following a heart attack.

The Swiegelaars own three Grillfather branches - Mitchells Plain, Kuils River and Woodstock.

Swiegelaar opened his first Grillfather in his garage at his home in 2016 and within months, moved to a premises in Westridge Centre where he fired up the grills to serve Mitchells Plain with his famous juicy grilled burgers.

The Grillfather is home of the famous Tsek Burger and the Yoh Burger. The food chain's slogan is ''East Like A Boss.''

COURTESY: Facebook - The Grillfather S.A

Tina Swiegelaar, who is the wife of the deceased, thanked customers, supporters and  friends ‘’that became part of our family.’’

‘’Thank you for making a man’s dream a reality. We salute you!’ Thank you to our most precious asset, our staff (past and present) for your unwavering dedication and sacrifices, The Grillfather was everything to everyone because of you!’’

‘’Through God’s grace the closing of this chapter only lead to a more marvelous one to be written,’’ read the statement.

The last trading day will be on Saturday, 30 December 2023.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

231 babies born in WC on Christmas Day

Two hundred and thirty-one babies were born at public health facilities throughout the Western Cape on Christmas Day in 2023. This number was confirmed by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. This is 43 more babies compared to 2022.

The total number reported from 0:00 on 25 December 2023, comprises of 111 boys and 120 girls.

 The first three Christmas babies were born between 00:00-00:15. The first baby boy, Landon Matthew Joseph, weighed 2.48kg and was born at 00:00 at Mossel Bay Hospital to mother Nadine Joseph.

SUPPLIED: WCDoH

The second baby, Luphawo Twani, was born at 00:09 at Hanover Park CHC to mother Andisiwe Twani. Luphawo weighed 3.14kg.

SUPPLIED: WCDoH

The third baby, a boy weighing 2.9kg, was born at 00:15 at Worcester Hospital to Mother Rebekka Smit.

SUPPLIED: WCDoH

Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, said the department also welcomed two sets of twins, one pair born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital and the other at Tygerberg Hospital.

The babies are part of the more than 500 that were born on Christmas Day across the country.

Mbombo congratulated the new parents.

"As families around the Western Cape and the world over, I wish to congratulate those who will be celebrating the births of their children during this time of festivity. As you begin this journey of parenthood, let us work together as society and government to ensure that our precious ones are given a strong and stable start to their lives. Health is everyone’s business and children deserve to benefit from our collective action. I wish every resident of the Christian faith a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable holiday.’’

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

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

 

Done By: Bush Radio reporter

900 left displaced as fire rages in three informal settlements in the Cape

The City of Cape Town says 900 people have been left displaced following a fire that broke out over the weekend, at three informal settlements in Seawinds, Wallacedene and Phillipi.

‘’The Disaster Risk Management Centre has been coordinating and made assessments following three informal settlement fires late yesterday [Sunday] and early this morning [Monday]. In Seawinds,135 structures were destroyed; 60 structured in Jim Se Bos, and in Wallacedene 45 structures were destroyed,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.

‘’Our NGO partners, Gift of the Givers and Islamic Relief SA will provide mattresses, hot meals , blankets, baby care  packs , clothing and toiletry packs. Officials from the Electricity Department, Informal Settlements Management, Water & Sanitation, and Solid Waste Management will  do onsite assessments to assess the extent of infrastructure damage caused by the fires,’’ she added.

Firefighters in Cape Town have been hard at work, trying to put out numerous fires that has been fueled by the South-Easterly wind.

The South African Weather Service has issued a level 2 warning for damaging waves, as well as a yellow level 3 warning for damaging winds, that is expected to persist into Tuesday.

Fire crews managed to contain the wildfires that has been raging in Simon’s Town and Glencairn, last week

On Sunday afternoon, fire crews responded to a vegetation fire along the R27 near Melkbosstrand. On Monday, firefighters also dealt with a vegetation fire on the M5, between Ottery and Kenilworth.

PHOTO - Facebook - JP Smith: Aerial view of vegetation fire on M5

‘’Given the prevailing weather conditions and the associated risks, the Chief Fire Officer has put out a call that all available off duty staff should report to their Fire Stations,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson.

He appealed to the public to please be cautious when working with open flames or any flammable substances.

‘’Also, if you see anything that looks like it could be a fire, please report it and don’t assume that someone else has. You can call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline,’’ said Carelse.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA lodges interdict to prevent planned fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has lodged an interdict with the Western Cape High Court, to prevent planned fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront, as part of its New Year’s Day celebrations.

The animal welfare cited concerns, injuries and other harmful or adverse effects the fireworks display will have on animals and the environment.

PHOTO: Facebook - V&A Waterfront

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the City of Cape Town has retracted the noise pollution exemption permit it granted to the V&A Waterfront, which is required in order for it to proceed with a fireworks display.

‘’The V&A Waterfront has lodged an appeal with the City of Cape Town in respect of same; however, no outcome of this appeal has been communicated to the SPCA, even though several attempts have been made through its legal team to obtain the outcome of the appeal or to be involved in the appeal process as an interested and affected party,’’ said Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

‘’There are also several issues in dispute, among other things, the lack of public participation, invalid noise pollution exemption permit, and, of course, the biggest concern being the welfare and wellbeing of both domestic and wild animals that will be adversely affected by the fireworks display,’’ she added.

According to reports, the V&A Waterfront has since made a U-turn and said it will no longer display the fireworks as visitors usher in 2024.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man dies and 3 others rescued after boat capsizes in Bantry Bay

A 32-year-old man from Johannesburg has died after the boat he was in capsized off-shore of Queens Beach, in Bantry Bay, on Christmas Eve.

He was with three others, who survived the incident.

PHOTO SUPPLIED: NSRI

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said the inflatable boat they were in, appeared to be in difficulty with suspected motor mechanical failure.

‘’ The NSRI Bakoven rescue craft Gemini Legend was being prepared to be launched when eyewitnesses reported that the boat had capsized with all 4 crew reported to be in the water just off-shore of Queens Beach. A bystander Good Samaritan had reportedly gone to their assistance using an NSRI pink rescue buoy.’’

‘’After all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted sadly he was declared deceased. The body of the deceased man has been taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services,’’ said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

‘’The casualty boat remains hard aground and we believe efforts are being made by Police to recover the boat. The 3 survivors, a British man and 2 South Africans, were not injured,’’ added Lambinon.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Monday marks a month when one of Cape Town's most iconic eateries went up in flames

It is unclear when one of Cape Town's most iconic eateries will open.

Monday marks exactly a month since the Golden Dish, situated in Gatesville, went up in flames.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Owner Shabierdien Parker told News24 that the kitchen was gutted, but the front of the shop was spared.

Parker said a power surge occurred when electricity supply returned at 4a.m, following load shedding.

The City of Cape Town said they are still probing the matter.

"A fire can be confirmed at Golden Dish, Gatesville at 04:47 this morning [25 November 2023]. The rear kitchen was completely destroyed by fire. No injuries or fatalities were reported," said Edward Bosch, Spokesperson for the City’s Fire & Rescue Service.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

400 people left displaced after a fire ripped through an informal settlement in Seawinds

It is a bleak Christmas for about 400 people who were left displaced after a fire ripped through an informal settlement in Seawinds, on Sunday afternoon.

The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service Spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said four civilians sustained burn wounds and a fifth civilian suffered a seizure and was taken to hospital.

ARCHIVE

He added that three firefighters also sustained burn wounds, two of whom were transported to hospital.

‘’The emergency call was received at 16:40 of informal structures alight in St. Patrick Avenue. Numerous firefighting resources were deployed.  Initial estimates are that dozens of informal structures were destroyed, while at least one formal dwelling was partially damaged,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service Spokesperson.

Carelse said authorities are probing the cause of the fire.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management’s Charlotte Powell, said officials will continue their assessments of the fire, on Monday morning.

‘’The blaze destroyed approximately 80 structures, resulting in around 400 people being affected by the incident. The affected individuals are currently staying with friends and/or relatives,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.

‘’Gift of the Givers and SASSA will be providing humanitarian assistance. Additionally, officials  from the Electricity Department, Informa Settlements Management, Water & Sanitation, and Solid Waste Management will convene on-site this morning to assess the extent of damage infrastructure as a result of the fire,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Simon’s Town and Glencairn fires largely contained

The City of Cape Town says the fires that have been raging in Simon’s Town and Glencairn this week, have been largely contained.

Firefighters across Cape Town have been battling the blaze on the mountain slopes since Tuesday. On Friday, strong winds fanned on the wildfire spread across to Glencairn.

Residents in the two areas were given the green light on Saturday to return home. They had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure.

PHOTO: Facebook - Working On Fire

Spokesperson for Fire & Rescue Services, Jermaine Carelse says skeleton crews will however remain on the ground to deal with flare-ups.

‘’One chopper was requested earlier to again assist in extinguishing the inaccessible area above the Ostrich farm near Cape Point. The chopper has since been grounded. This has been an enormous effort of all crews involved, and we are hopeful that the worst is behind us.’’

The South African Weather Service has issued a level 2 warning for damaging waves between Cape Point and Port Nolloth, together with strong south to south-easterly winds, reaching near-gale to gale force winds between Lamberts Bay and Cape Agulhas. The weather service also issued a Yellow 3 warning for damaging winds between Lambert’s Bay and Cape Agulhas from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday, with wind speeds at 50-80km/h.

COURTESY: SA Weather Service

Carelse said runaway bush fires remains a threat.

‘’We appeal to the public to please be mindful of these warnings, and to be incredibly alert when dealing with open flames or any flammable substances. Also, the minute you see any sign of a potential fire, please report it to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or 107 from a landline,’’ said Jermaine Carelse The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 700 people have died on South African roads since the start of the festive season; 76 fatalities recorded in WC

More than 700 people have died on South African roads since the start of the festive season.

Transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga released the midterm 2023/2024 festive season statistics on Friday.

PHOTO: X - @Dotransport

Five provinces — Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape — accounted for 80% of fatalities.

“Crashes have decreased by 0.8% compared with the same period last year, leading to a 4.3% decline in fatalities. In total, 719 fatalities have been recorded in the first three weeks of the 2023/2024 festive season compared with 751 in the same period last year,” said Chikunga.

The transport minister said overloading of passengers, inconsiderate driving and alcohol abuse were factors in collisions.

‘’423 roadblocks were conducted nationally in which 753,823 vehicles were stopped and checked; 173,307 infringement notices were issued; 1,333 vehicles were “discontinued”; 2,619 vehicles were impounded; and 3,573 motorists were arrested for various offences — 1,114 of them for drunk driving,’’ said Sindisiwe Chikunga, Transport minister.

Chikunga said most crashes occurred from 19:00 to 20:00, followed by 22:00 to 23:00 and in the early hours of the morning between 01:00 and 02:00 and a new phenomenon is the emergence of crashes between 9-11a.m, on usual days such as Mondays & Tuesdays.

The Western Cape has recorded 76 fatalities on the province’s roads since the start of the festive season. This is one less compared to the same period in 2022. Thirty-four (45%) of the people who died were pedestrians, 26 passengers (34%), 14 drivers (18%), and 2 motorcyclists (3%).

Western Cape Mobilty MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie said many of the road crashes occurred in the Metro, Garden Route, Cape Winelands, and on the West Coast.

‘’Many of the traffic incidents causing these fatalities could have been prevented by simple actions that the majority of road users follow: check your vehicle and tyres, buckle up, do NOT drink and drive, do NOT speed or take chances overtaking dangerously, and stop and rest when you are tired or every 200km,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

‘’As we head into another long weekend, we implore everyone travelling to take care prepare for being safe on the road. Our preliminary analysis shows that a number of the fatal crashes have involved drivers losing control of their vehicles. This suggests they could have been distracted while driving, using their cell phone, or falling asleep at the wheel,’’ he added.

Mackenzie said more incidents are happening during the day, instead of at night time.

‘’Our team is monitoring this emerging trend closely, and we have appealed to road users to take just as much care during the daytime as they normally would at night.’’

For the first 20 days of December 2023, traffic officials issued 35 951 fines for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness, 673 speeding offences were recorded, and 322 people spent time behind bars. Majority (226) were for driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol endangers lives. Traffic Law Enforcement joined by the Minister of Mobility @ricardomackenzi and various road safety stakeholders are in Swellendam, ensuring the safety of all road users. #PropsForCops #BoozeFreeRoads #SafelyHome pic.twitter.com/Flb3Oo7SZl

— Safely Home (@WCGovSafelyHome) December 21, 2023

 

Done By: Mitchum George

City of Cape Town gearing up for a busy Christmas long weekend

The City of Cape Town is bracing itself for a busy long weekend, especially on roads and recreational facilities, as many are set to enjoy the Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, urged residents and motorists to abide by the rules.

‘’The festive season is a time for family and fun, but already we have seen a spike in drunk driving arrests and a general lawlessness on the roads. While our enforcement staff will be visible, they cannot be everywhere at once, and we need motorists and residents to do their part.’’

‘’Obey the rules of the road and we can all get to where we want to be safely. Do not take chances by skipping red lights, disregarding stop streets, or driving recklessly. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday. No one wants to spend it in prison, in the hospital or at the graveside. It is a time of goodwill, so be courteous and considerate,’’ he added.

PHOTO: CoCT

Officers will also be on patrol at beaches and other recreational spaces. There were four fatal drownings and six non-fatal drownings at beaches since the beginning of December.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services & Health, Patricia van der Ross, said thirty-eight children were reunited with their family, thanks to its Identikidz programme.

‘’It is not a babysitting service and it remains the responsibility of parents and caregivers to supervise their children. We find they are left near containers or where staff are on duty, and at the end of the day these children are traumatised when left alone or with strangers. I call on parents to be responsible. We are doing our part to keep your little ones safe, you should too.’’

‘’Our beaches will be the place to go, but make sure you only take home joyful memories. Adhere to the rules to ensure your own safety and that of loved ones. Swim where lifeguards are on duty, between the red and yellow flags, be aware of rip currents and don't go into the water if you've consumed alcohol,’’ added Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

SAHPRA recalls Lubri-A (Sterile Lubricating Jelly)

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has urged those who purchased Lubri-A (Sterile Lubricating Jelly) to return the product.

This as a number of patients became ill due to developing a fungal infection, after using the 2.5 g sachets or 50 g tubes product.

‘’Considering the wide usage of the product for lubricating purposes in medical and surgical procedures, the Regulator has taken a decision to urgently recall this product from the market as there are multiple contaminated batches, with the potential to cause serious and widespread nosocomial infections. SAHPRA is alerting healthcare professionals and the public to discontinue the use of the product, remove it from their inventory and return it through their normal distribution channel(s) with immediate effect,’’ said SAHPRA in a statement.

The health regulatory authority said the countrywide recall is being done through hospitals, retail outlets, health care professionals, authorised prescribers and individual customers or patients.

SAHPRA assured citizens that the recall is limited to the product called LUBRI-A (2.5g sachets and 50g tubes) and does not affect other lubricating gel products authorised for sale in South Africa.

 “As a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that we protect the health of the public. SAHPRA is recalling this product from the market as there are multiple suspected contaminated batches with the potential to cause serious and widespread nosocomial infections,” said Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, SAHPRA CEO.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SAHPRA warns of using Type 2 diabetes drug as substitute for weight-loss

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned against those using a Type 2 diabetes drug as method for weight-loss.

Ozempic is a Schedule 4, prescription-only medicine, authorised by SAHPRA only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. In a statement, SAHPRA said that only a healthcare practitioner can make a Schedule 4 product available off-label as they would provide the requisite guidance and support to the patient/individual.

PICTURE: iStock

Novo Nordisk South Africa, who is the Holder of Certificate of Registration (HCR) has confirmed a national shortage of Ozempic stock, which resulted in limited access to treatment for diabetic patients.

‘’This may have created an opportunity for falsified/counterfeit products flooding the market claiming to be Ozempic and being used off-label for weight loss. Consumers should be wary of online offers for products claiming to be Ozempic or semaglutide,’’ read the statement.

‘’Currently, there are no generic versions of this medicine being lawfully manufactured. Therefore, any product not manufactured by Novo Nordisk claiming to contain semaglutide is likely to be fake or counterfeit. The public is being exposed to many different types of unregistered/unauthorised products that are either substandard or falsified thereby putting their health at risk,’’ it added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Be cautious of housing scams, warns City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has appealed to residents to be cautious when being approached about potential housing opportunities in the metro. This as many are out to make a quick buck this festive season.

PICUTRE: Pixabay

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said scammers often approach residents about housing opportunities in an attempt to steal money from their victims. He encouraged residents to report all suspicious requests to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

‘’We are asking residents to be extra cautious this festive season and to always be on the lookout for too-good-to-be true housing opportunity requests, stokvels relating to City or Provincial housing opportunities and other similar requests. The City often receives enquiries from residents asking about the legitimacy of bogus housing related opportunities brought to their attention by scammers on social media or in person.’’

‘’Please remember that if any person asks you to pay for a housing opportunity including Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes and plots or to register on the City’s Housing Needs Register, it is a scam. In recent years, we have seen adverts on social media about ‘RDP homes’ for sale too, these were also scams. If you suspect you are being scammed or have been scammed recently, please report the matter to the SAPS urgently,’’ added Pophaim.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Efforts continue to contain a fire as Castle Rock blaze enters third day

Efforts continue to contain a fire that broke out near Castle Rock in Simonstown.

PHOTO: Facebook - Working On Fire

The blaze which entered its third day on Thursday, saw no property damaged, nor did any staff or member of the public suffer any injuries.

‘’Five aerial support craft have been activated as of first light,  including the Black Hawk that can fly in very high winds, as we suspect will be the case today. Again, we cannot stress enough the work that has been done on the frontlines by the various agencies involved in trying to get this fire out,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson.

PHTO COURTESY: Charl Steenkamp

Carelse said a planning meeting will be held after the two Incident Management Teams have their briefing this morning, whereby the tactics for the day will be discussed and implemented.

The spokesperson said authorities had hoped that the wind will be in their favour, ‘’however these elements are out of our control.’’

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, urged the public to follow instructions from firefighters managing the wildfire in Simon’s Town.

“We have a strong and professional team on the ground, and we request that the public do not panic and work with us. Our officials will request residents well in advance if they need to evacuate, and all firefighting decisions being made is with the safety of the public as number one priority.’’

The Western Cape Government has budgeted R16m for the current wildfire season. Bredell said the public also plays a critical role in the prevention of wildfires.

“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires.”

Minister Bredell asked that people report any sighting of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities.

“Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control.”

 

Done By: Bush Radio News reporter

''Be safe on the roads,'' implores Mobility MEC, as we head into the Christmas long weekend

The Western Cape Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, implored motorists to be safe on the roads as we head into the Christmas long weekend.

Since the beginning of December, traffic officials have arrested 200 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, 360 vehicles were removed from Western Cape’s roads for being unroadworthy, and 30,000 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

COURTESY: X - @WCGovSafelyHome

Mackenzie is expected on Friday to release the Mid Festive Season Report for the Western Cape, which includes in-depth look into traffic fatalities.

The MEC thanked traffic officers for trying to keep the roads safe this festive season.

‘’The extraordinary efforts of our uniformed men and women will likely get lost in amongst the carnage on our roads. I sincerely thank these Officers for working so tirelessly to keep everyone safe. I also expressly thank the thousands of motorists who are abiding by the rules of the road and are in the majority. Please keep it up!’’

COURTESY: X - @WCGovSafelyHome

‘’During an integrated fatigue management operation on the N1, I observed how our Officers enforce mandatory rest and rehydration for drivers displaying signs of fatigue such as heightened blood pressure. These interventions are done with care and good humour while making sure that tired drivers are not endangering those around them, and hopefully making mental notes on how to avoid similar delays in the future by getting more sleep and swapping energy drinks for water.’’ 

We a few days away from Christmas, please be kind as you heading to your families.

We want everyone to arrive safely home! pic.twitter.com/Y09LrrT9Gl

— Ricardo Mackenzie MPL🇿🇦 (@ricardomackenzi) December 20, 2023

‘’I could recount countless more first-hand examples of the dedication of our Officers in the face of heavy traffic volumes and the persistent carelessness of some drivers. I could also describe a number of devastating and preventable crashes caused by drivers falling asleep, or losing control of their vehicle due to a burst tyre that wasn't checked properly,’’ concluded Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Three killed by assault rifle and pistol in Delft

South Africa’s murder capital has been hit by yet another incident. Three people were shot and killed in Delft in the early hours of Thursday.

The police’s Andrè Traut said a woman and two men were walking in the street when the attack occurred.

‘’Information at our disposal suggests that the suspects fled the murder scene in Beethoven Street in a silver Opel Astra sedan after opening fire at the victims with an assault rifle and a pistol at around 01:00 while they were walking in the street,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

The police spokesperson said the motive behind the killing of the 27-year-old woman and the two men, aged 28 and 30, are unknown.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, described the incident as ‘horrific’.

‘’The perpetrators clearly have no regard to life or humanity. It is quite alarming that these criminals used an assault rifle in the attack. The continued flow of illegal weapons require immediate and urgent intervention.’’

‘’Not only should those who committed these crime be charged, but also those who placed the firearms in the hands of criminals. The entire supply chain has to be interrupted if we are going to overcome the continued evil that is plaguing our society,’’ added Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s Police Oversight & community Safety MEC.

ARCHIVE: MEC Reagen Allen at Bush Radio

According to the latest crime statistics, eighty murders were reported in Delft between July and September 2023.

An additional 68 Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers have been deployed to Delft, bringing the total number of LEAP officers based in the area to 141 - the biggest deployment in any single precinct.

LEAP officers work alongside other law enforcement agencies, such as City of Cape Town, Metro police and SAPS. Officers are deployed in crime hotspot areas in the metro. LEAP officers stem from the Western Cape Government’s Safety Plan, which was initiated in September 2019, to address the high murder rate in the province. The Western Cape aims to reduce the murder rate by 50% by 2029.

Any person with information regarding the incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111

Done By: Mitchum George

Case against high-profile Cape Town taxi boss postponed

The case against a high-profile Cape Town taxi boss who has been linked to various serious crimes, has been transferred to the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.

PICTURE: Getty Images

33-year-old BonkeMakalala made a brief appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of murder, two of attempted murders, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

He was arrested in Pretoria, after moving between the Eastern Cape, East London and Pretoria.

The police’s FC van Wyk said Makalala was identified as the prime suspect and arrested on various warrants of arrests for a Nyanga murder and double attempted murder which was issued against the perpetrator. He added that further warrants issued were for a Mfuleni case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and an Ocean View matter, impersonating a police official.

Makalala will remain behind bars, and intends to apply for bail when he appears again in court on Thursday.

The matter came a day after Makalala appeared along with co-accused Odwa Nyabali in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court for the illegal possession of a firearm, where the case was postponed to 28 December

Makalala is alsoexpected to appear in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court for charges relating toimpersonating a police official in connection with a video allegedly showingMakalala driving a police vehicle in Ocean View and using the police radio.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Suspect linked to murder of Gugulethu Deputy CPF arrested in E.Cape

The Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, has welcomed the breakthrough in the case regarding slain Gugulethu Deputy Community policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson, Lulama Dinginto.

Dinginto’s body was found in the bathroom of her NY 110 home with multiple gunshot wounds in the early hours of Sunday, 10 December 2023. The motive for the attack is unknown.

PHOTO - Facebook: Lulama Dinginto

According to Eastern Cape police, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Graaff-Reinet on Sunday, while on a bus headed for the Western Cape. A warrant of arrest was previously released for the man.

‘’It is alleged that on the mentioned date, intelligence was received from the Western Cape that the suspect had left Gqeberha and was on the bus. The Graaff-Reinet Operational Command Centre members waited for the bus to enter their town and at about 21:00, the bus was stopped and searched. The suspect was identified and arrested,’’ said Captain Marius McCarthy, Eastern Cape SAPS spokesperson.

He appeared in court on the warrant of arrest and has since being transferred back to Cape Town to appear on the murder case.

“He has been transferred back to Cape Town to appear on the murder case on Friday,’’ said McCarthy.

Allen welcomed the arrest.

‘’SAPS demonstrated here that when they effectively activate their intelligence, swift arrest follow. It is further important that the judge in this matter denials bail, as we cannot have an individual of this calibre be walking our streets,’’ said Reagen Allen, Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 1011

 

Done By: Mitchum George