Teen forced to perform sexual acts by classmate at school in Worcester

Residents from Worcester are outraged after a sexual assault incident at a local school in the area is allegedly being "swept under the carpet."

A group of guys from Esselen Park Senior Secondary School are accused of attacking one youngster last week while forcing two other boys to watch. The victim in the event is said to have been forced into engaging in oral sex. The perpetrators are believed to have been suspended by the school. 

PICTURE: pexels.com

Residents are furious as they believe the school is covering up the incident. 

The Western Cape Education Department said they are aware of the incident. 

The three victims, according to WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, are in grades 8 and 10.

“The school reported the matter to the relevant authorities. The alleged perpetrators were identified, and their parents were contacted. The school is taking disciplinary action in line with its code of conduct...Trauma counselling has been made available to the pupils. The matter has also been reported to the police. The school is cooperating with the relevant authorities,” said Hammond. 

Police have confirmed a case of rape has been opened for investigation.

The police's, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said a 17-year-old pupil will be appearing in court next week.

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien

 

LEAP officers will arrest Russian President if he sets foot in WC, warns Winde

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, says should Russian President, Vladimir Putin, lands in the province, his officers – the Western Cape Government funded Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), will have him arrested.

ARCHIVE: Premier Alan Winde at Bush Radio

This comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes committed during Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.The South African government has not said whether it will arrest Putin if he comes to the  BRICS summit, happening in August.

“Even in the face of this arrest warrant, national government seemingly intends to push ahead and host President Putin at a BRICS summit in South Africa, scheduled for later this year. This is unacceptable and deplorable,” stated Premier Alan Winde.

 “Putin has consistently and violently eroded the freedoms of the Ukrainian people and those in his own country who dare take a principled stand against his brutal actions. If the Russian leader sets foot in the Western Cape we as the provincial government will have him arrested by our own Western Cape Government funded Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers. If the South African Police Service is not instructed to act, we will,” the Premier warned.

Winde says he is perturbed that the South African Government is not taking action regarding Putin.

“The Western Cape Government (WCG) will not only fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms of our citizens but is also willing to show solidarity with Ukraine by taking a stand against the brute force unleashed on its civilians by Russia. I am highly disturbed by how the ANC national government is entirely focused on taking steps to ensure the freedom of Vladimir Putin, instead of focusing on securing freedoms for South Africans, many of whom are not free from fear, and have yet to achieve economic freedom, 29 years into our democracy,” said Alan Winde, Western Cape Premier.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

At least four killed in single vehicle crash on N2 close to Swellendam

At least four people have lost their lives, when the vehicle they were travelling in, crashed on the N2 close to Swellendam in the direction of Cape Town, on Friday.

PICTURE: Ismail's Towing

According to the Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, a passenger bus overturned after the driver lost control of the vehicle. He added that 49 others were injured in the incident.

PICTURE: Ismail's Towing

Mackenzie urged road users to be safe this long weekend

‘’Our deepest condolences and thoughts and our prayers goes out to this horrible incident that took place. We wishing everyone in hospital and those sent home a speedy recovery.’’

‘’A very strong reminder to all of those using our roads over the long weekend - Please be safe on the roads, please stop when you are tired. And buckle up. Our provincial traffic services are out in full force this long weekend as we try and reduce the road fatality on our roads,’’ he added.

The Western Cape’s Health and Wellness MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, said Eskom has exempted Swellendam Hospital from the load shedding schedule, to deal with the injured.

“As of now, Health currently has the situation under control. The most critical patients have been airlifted to Groote Schuur, Tygerberg and George Hospitals. Referrals are being sent to Worcester Regional Hospital with our EMS vehicles. In relation to treatment, patients are being triaged accordingly on site and the green patients are being seen at the local clinic, while the rest are being treated at Swellendam Hospital.”

“Additionally, Eskom has exempted Swellendam Hospital from the load shedding schedule. This will greatly assist the facility in ensuring round-the-clock, lifesaving services. As [provincial] Minister of Health and Wellness, I am grateful for the dedication and commitment of our healthcare professionals,’’ she added.

Swellendam police are investigating the matter.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

R5 000 could be yours, if you report an illegal firearm

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, relaunched the much-anticipated reward system to encourage the public to report the whereabouts of illegal firearms.

Allen was joined by the Western Cape’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Major-General Manci, at the Delft Police Station, and as part of his 1st anniversary in office.

The initiative was first launched by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde in 2019, when he was the provincial Community Safety MEC.

Allen said the reward system seeks residents to report the location of illegal firearms by dialing 021 466 0011. He added that the person reporting the firearm can do so anonymously, or they can share their details with the trusted SAPS officers that will field the calls.

‘’The details of the person reporting the firearms will under no circumstances be made public. Upon reporting the firearm, it will be collected by SAPS,’’ said Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC.

PICTURE: WCGov

The entire R5 000 will not be given as is, though. Allen said that once it is confirmed as an illegal firearm, R 1 500 will be awarded to the individual who reported it. When an arrest is made that is directly linked to the firearm, a further R 1 500 will be paid to the person who reported it and should there be a conviction that is tied to the firearm, the balance of R 2 000 will be paid out to the person who made the report.

“I want the public at large to use this opportunity to help us get these illegal firearms off our streets. Our hope is that this will serve as enough encouragement so that we can make our streets safer. During the first ten weeks of 2023, shootings accounted for 44% of homicides, which is the highest cause of murders in the province. During the third quarter, October 2022 to December 2022, of the 2022/23 financial year, firearms were also the instrument used to commit 47,8% of all murders, which was also the highest during the period.”

“Part of the reason why we are launching this initiative in Delft, is because it is currently third on the top 30 murder station list across the country, and second in the province behind Mfuleni. We have worked hard to ensure that processes are in place so that when a report comes in, all protocol is followed. These protocols will assist SAPS in taking illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals,’’ he added.

Allen said posters explaining the initiative will be placed in every police station across the Western Cape.

‘’However, one of the best ways to reach our communities is by SAPS members sharing this news far and wide. We sincerely hope that this will lead to a large number of calls and reports about where these illegal firearms are. We all have a role to play and now though this programme every resident can be a part of the solution,” Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC.

 

SUPPLIED: 

Western Cape’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Major-General Manci

Done By: Mitchum George

Delay in SASSA payouts for May

Social grant recipients will have to wait a bit longer to receive their money, as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced changes to payment schedule for May 2023.

No reason has been given, but SASSA assured beneficiaries that the change will only be applicable in May. It warned that should there be any changes on the payment schedule, SASSA will communicate in due course.

SASSA would have distributed money for Older persons grant and Disability Grants beneficiaries on 3 and 4 May 2023, respectively, but these payments have been moved a day later.

Payments for children’s Grants has been moved from 5 May to 8 May 2023.

PICTURE: SASSA

‘’Beneficiaries are advised to consider using their cards to buy goods or related commodities rather than complete withdrawal of funds. Furthermore social grant recipients are requested to be patient and not rush to withdraw their money from their accounts, as their money will remain available in their accounts until they are ready to withdraw. Clients who are unable to go and withdraw their funds on the first few days of payment should also not worry or attempt to rush to withdraw,’’ SASSA said in a statement.

‘’SASSA apologises profusely for the inconvenience and frustration that this change will cause to all grant recipients,’’ it added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Body of a 36-year-old man found dumped on a Mitchell's Plain field

The body of a 36-year-old man was found dumped on a Rockland's field on Freedom day.

SUPPLIED: @JustdoitZee

The police’s FC van Wyk said officers received the complaint of the stabbed person from radio control, whose body were found in Beaufort Street, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, at about 10:43.

‘’On arrival they found the deceased laying with the several stabbed wounds to his body. The ambulance arrived and declared the man dead,’’ said Captain FC van Wyk.

He added that the motive is unknown at this stage, and the suspects fled the scene. Van Wyk confirmed that Mitchells Plain police are investigating a case of murder.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Mitchells Plain urges residents to comment on walk and cycle lanes

The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is calling on residents from Mitchells Plain to comment on plans to build walking and cycle lanes along 15 roads in Eastridge and Westridge and surrounds.

PICTURE: Pixabay

These new facilities will be universally accessible, meaning people with special needs and those in wheelchairs will be able to access the walking lanes with ease; and the infrastructure will improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The participation process starts on Friday, and will run until 28 May 2023. 

According to the City of Cape Town, an information day for residents will be hosted, where they can ask officials questions, and view maps of where the work is to take place.

“We know from our own research that thousands of Capetonians walk to their destinations and we have a responsibility to do all we can to make sure they can do so safely. The walking lanes will have dropped kerbs and other features.

 The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councilor Rob Quintas encouraged residents to make their voices heard during this public participation process.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe

TEENAGE BOY INJURED IN SHOOTING INCIDENT IN DELFT

A teenage boy was seriously injured when he sustained a gunshot wound to his back on Leiden Avenue in Delft on Wednesday morning. 

According to ER24, the 16-year-old was found by the side of the road when ER24 and another agency arrived on the scene. After medical personnel examined the boy, it was discovered that he had suffered severe injuries to his arm and back from gunshot wounds.

PICTURE: pexels.com 

Medics treated the boy and provided him with advanced life support interventions before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further care.

Western Cape police confirmed the incident, saying it is allegedly gang related. 

"According to reports the 16 year old victim was walking on his way to school when he was approached by two unidentified suspects. One of the suspects pulled out a firearm and shot twice at the victim, wounding him in his right arm and right leg," says Police spokesperson FC van Wyk.

Done By: Thaakiera Ackerdien 

New Somerset Hospital to Receive New APU Upgraded Theatres and More

With a 150 million-infrastructure project currently underway, Western Cape's Health and wellness MEC, Nomafrench Mbombo had an opportunity to inspect the construction of new Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the New Somerset Hospital, and the improvement of i9ts operating rooms and ventilation system.

PICTURE: WC Government

The total cost for the project allocations is R147.992 million, of which the construction of the APU and upgrades will cost R62.779 million and R34.608 million.

According to MEC Mbombo, the New Somerset Hospital has been providing medical services to Cape Town residents for over 150 years, and has undergone many changes to keep up with the demands of the community.

“However, today’s oversight visit proved that this process of change is only intensifying and once again meeting the news of Cape Town residents. By constructing this unit, New Somerset Hospital will have greater capacity to deal with the mental health burden.”

This is important considering that the hospital’s feeder area has recently been extended to service the Atlantis community as well. Similar to what was witnessed at Eerste River Hospital; the APU located at New Somerset is designed based on the experiences at Mitchell’s Plain Hospital to prevent patients from feeling any sense of imprisonment.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe

COCT OFFERS A R20 000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION RELATING TO MISSING GERMAN TOURIST NICK FRISCHKE

A R20 000 reward is currently being offered in exchange for specific information regarding the whereabouts of German tourist, Nick Frischke.

PICTURE - SAPS: Nick Frischke

The 22-year-old went missing in February,while hiking a trail near Hout Bay.

Frischke was robbed, and five people have been detained in connection with the incident, but it is still unclear where he is.

The accused are due back in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court early next month.

Meanwhile, 38-year-old Julie Goodness, had been found and reunited with her family after being reported missing in the Table Mountain region earlier this week.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

A 33-year-old woman arrested for drug dealing in Cape Town

 A middle aged woman is expected to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court on Friday after she was arrested with over R2 million worth of drugs.

PICTURE: Google Images

According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, illegal drugs is one of the root causes of violent crime in communities, and members attached to the West Coast District, Provincial Operational Command Centre, and Provincial Traffic are applauded for their efforts to remove drugs from the streets.

 The arrest took place when the metro police stopped and searched a suspicious vehicle which resulted in the confiscation of a total 41 000 mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R2 050 000.

Done by; Sibulele Stuurman

Cape town seek assistance from the public for a missing toddler

Cape town police are pleading with public to assist in tracing a missing toddler who had gone missing in December last year.

According to the provincial police spokesperson in the Western Cape, Captain Frederick van Wyk,  the 5-month-old Ivakele Imvano Yeko from Somerset West, was last seen on 5th December in the afternoon.

PICTURE: SAPS

The infant was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and a diaper at the time of his disappearance.

“The case was reported at Somerset West police station and transferred to Khayelitsha FCS Unit for further investigation. Preliminary information suggests that the child might have been seen in the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal area,” Van Wyk said.

Anyone who can assist with information that will lead to the safe return of Ivakele is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Asanda Hlana on 082 301 8553 or Lieutenant-Colonel Denver Kamalie at 082 334 8370 or alternatively Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

 

 

Missing American woman has been found

Julie Goodness, the Cape Town woman reported missing on Monday morning, was found on Wednesday.

Goodness went missing after leaving her Gardens home in the City Bowl. 

PICTURE - Twitter: @JulieGoodness

  

The Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said Police can confirm that the missing woman has been found and she is safely reunited with friends.

Her partner Richard Armstrong said he was "happy and relieved" that she is back. 

 "We're all so happy and relieved that our Julie has been found safe. We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everybody involved in ensuring that she was found and brought to safety," said Armstrong.

The family has since appealed to the media and the public to respect their space and privacy.

 

 Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

Social Development MEC concerned over SASSA's new cardless option

The Western Cape’s Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, has raised concerns over Postbank’s latest announcement that SASSAbeneficiaries can withdrawl money without having a physical card.

PICTURE: SASSA

According to the MEC, Postbank’s latest move demonstrates a ‘disconnect between national government and the reality on the ground.’

‘’While Postbank seems to be pleased it has seemingly found a solution to reduce queues for card replacements at Post Office branches, I have reservations as SASSA’s track record reads as a laundry list of unfulfilled promises. This statement by Postbank proves there is a great disconnect between SASSA, Postbank, and the South African Post Office.’’

Fernandez says her department have been inundated with complaints and queries about the SASSA gold card renewal.

‘’Beneficiaries are asking us questions only SASSA can answer. Many are not interested in a new method of withdrawing funds, they simply want clarity on what is happening with their gold cards and how their national government is going to fulfill its promise to support them,’’ said the MEC.

‘’Questions that the statement does not address are whether these methods have been tested or if beneficiaries living in far-flung rural communities have been considered,’’ she added.

The MEC is in the view that to make this method a success, Postbank and SASSA need to establish an effective communication strategy to ensure this message gets to all communities and beneficiaries, especially those living in rural areas and the elderly.

‘’All retailers need to be ready and briefed regarding this new method otherwise we might have instances where beneficiaries are turned away at tills. Is there really no other solution to make the gold card renewals a smoother process, for those who still wish to use their physical cards?,’’ asked Fernandez.

She slammed the national minister of social development, Lindiwe Zulu, claiming Zulu is dodign a bullet, when benenfeciairies demand answers.

‘’These entities fall within YOUR purview Minister Zulu, you owe it to the millions of vulnerable citizens across the country to take decisive leadership on this matter. It is time that the national minister takes responsibility and steps up to the plate in protecting the most vulnerable in our society,’’ said Sharna Fernandez, Western Cape’s Social Development MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SASSA beneficaries can now withdrawl money without a Card

Postbank has introduced a new method of paying SASSA grants, and that is by going cardless.

In a statement, Postbank assured beneficiaries whose SASSA/Postbank Gold Cards have expired or haven't been collected can still receive their grants safely and for free at participating retailers like Shoprite, Usave, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and OK.

PICTURE: SASSA

According to Dr. Bongani Diako, Postbank spokesperson, grants recipients whose SASSA cards have expired, or are soon to expire, no longer need to go to Post Office branches to collect new cards as they be paid their social grants.

‘’To use this new payment method, SASSA beneficiaries just need to bring their ID documents and SASSA/Postbank Gold Card PIN to any of the participating retailers. At the till point, they will be asked to validate their identity and enter their cellphone number, and then enter their PIN to receive their payment. The process is fast, free, and safe, and beneficiaries can get assistance from cashiers if needed.’’

Diako says the cardless option will be rolled out to retailers at the end of the next April month-end payments that start in the first week of May 2023.

‘’There's no need to pre-register for this new payment method. Postbank's cardless grants payment method will also help reduce the queues for card replacements at Post Office branches as there is no longer the need to collect cards to be paid.’’

‘’SASSA beneficiaries collecting their social grants money through Post Office branches or physical cash payment points whose SASSA/Postbank Gold Cards have expired, or are soon to expire, will be able to be paid inside branches or the physical cash payment points sites via biometric verification,’’ added Dr. Bongani Diako, Postbank spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eighteen WC schools burgled or vandalised during Easter holidays

Eighteen schools in the Western Cape reported incidents of theft and vandalism, during the Easter holiday. This is the same number of schools that was affected during the same period in 2022.

PICTURE: iStock

The Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier, said criminals stole a variety of items ranging from piping and fencing, to stationery and sports equipment.

‘’We provided 457 of our schools with subsidies forsecurity guards during the holiday, but this does not make schools immune to crime. The best defence for our schools remains an involved community that keeps a close eye on their local school.’’

Maynier urged community members to report any suspicious acivities to local authorities, to SAPS or the Safe Schools hotline on 0800 45 46 47.

‘’[This] can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property. If you see something, speak up. There must be no place where the criminals targeting our schools can hide,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape’s Education MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Close to 10 000 late applications for the 2024 school year received thus far by WCED

Close to 10 000 late applications for the 2024 school year has, thus far, been received by the Western Cape’s Education Department (WCED).

The provincial department has extended its school online admissions process until 25 May 2023, but these will be considered as ‘late applications’, meaning these applications will only be considered by schools after they have considered the applications received on time.

PICTURE: WCED

Education MEC, David Maynier said 156 093 applications were submitted on time during the admissions applications window, which ended 14 April.

‘’The parents of a further 9 900 learners have submitted late applications, as we have kept the online system open to capture these as we have done in previous years. This brings the number of unique learner applications so far to 165 993. And with parents applying to more than one school, the total number of applications to schools is a whopping 536 764.’’

‘’This presents a mammoth administrative challenge, and our staff have worked tirelessly to get the applications processed and any technical challenges resolved,’’ added Maynier.

The MEC urged parents to not delay applying.

‘’By doing so, it will affect our planning processes and could result in delays in placing your child. We must work together to ensure a smooth start to 2024!,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape’s Education MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Former Cape attorney arrested for fraud, forgery, uttering and money laundering

Former attorney, Zeenat Mohamed, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with fraud, forgery, uttering and money laundering.

PICTURE - HAWKS: Zeenat Mohamed

According to the Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, Mohamed made a brief appearance in court, later the same day and was practicing as an attorney and conveyancer at the time of the alleged crimes.

It is reported that whilst Mohamed was practicing as an attorney and conveyancer, she misappropriated trust funds of over R6.6 million that was intended for settling two immovable property transactions between May 2020 and August 2021.

The court subsequently granted Mohamed bail of R50 000 with strict conditions. The case was postponed to 23 May 2023

Done by Esobusi Mkangelwa

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, launched Freedom Month, at Freedom Park, in the City of Tshwane

The 2023 Freedom Month takes place under the theme: “Consolidating and Safeguarding Our Democratic Gains”.

The Minister explained one of the issue the president of Republic emphasized with regards to how the freedom day is celebrated.

He presented the latest Stats SA Household Survey (2021), which is a regular survey that gives an empirical account of improvement in terms of the general standards of living in households across the country.

This year, the 27th of April marks the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections. Freedom Day is commemorated every year to honour those unsung heroes and heroines who fought for freedom and paved the way for an equal, representative, non-racial society.

“As we live here today until the end of the month, we shall continue to celebrate the life of President Nelson Mandela beyond this month, beyond July but also as an anchor and hope of our people since 1994 that in spite of our difficulties we face as people, he remains a pillar of hope” said the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.

South Africans are also encouraged to go out in numbers to celebrate the freedom day which was envisaged by the first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSING OVER A HUNDRED BOTTLES OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Western Cape police arrested three suspects for the illegal possession of prescribed drugs at Hanover Park on Tuesday.

After searching four premises in the area, police successfully recovered 50 boxes of Mayla Aprozalam, used to treat anxiety, and 189 bottles of Stilpane.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the Hawks' Zinzi Hani, the drugs were confiscated at Cape Town International Airport cargo, en route to London. The suspects, aged between 18 and 19 will appear in the Belville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

“While some drugs are illegal to possess without a prescription, these schedule 5 and 6 medicine are nevertheless finding their way into the wrong hands. The illegal possession of prescription drugs is rife in the Western Cape,” says Hani. 

The three suspects were detained for contravening the Medicine and Related Substance Act. 

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien

IEC welcomes signing of Electoral Amendment Bill

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has welcomed the signing into law of the Electoral Amendment Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The commission’s chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, provided the necessary legal certainty required to prepare for the 2024 national and provincial elections.

COURTEASY: IEC

The Commission has now approved an integrated chart of electoral milestones which contains all activities and timelines that underpin preparations for 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Registered political parties that do not have seats in any legislature or the National Assembly will have to meet the same 15 percent quota requirement and also pay a deposit.

The Commission reiterates that with the assent of the Bill certainty has now been created in the planning framework for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

"Our time is short and we cannot afford any delay. All electoral stakeholders are asked to start their preparations in order to avoid missing immutable electoral timelines,’’ the Commission said.

The IEC said it will hold registration drives of approximately 24 000 voting stations over the weekend of 18 and 19 November 2023 to register new voters and to enable already registered voters to inspect and where necessary update their registration details. These drives result in updating of the voters’ roll.

Done by Sibulele Stuurman

SIX SUSPECTS APPEAR IN COURT FOR ABALONE POSSESSION WORTH R2.8 MILLION

Six suspects are to appear in the Cape Town Regional Court on Tuesday for the possession of abalone and managing a drying facility.

According to the Hawks, the recovered abalone was valued at R2.8 million. It was discovered when the National Investigating Unit (NIU) followed up on information about two vehicles en route to Cape Town.

PICTURE: Google Images

After pulling over one of the vehicles, officers discovered seven bags of wet abalone and arrested a foreign national. The second vehicle was also pulled over and five South Africans were arrested.

Upon further investigation, officers were led to a site in Century City, Milnerton, where they found an abalone processing facility. They confiscated large amounts of the product, along with the equipment used to process it.

The six suspects face charges ranging from illegal processing of abalone to illegal possession of abalone.

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien

Overloaded scholar transport leaves one dead as taxi collides with car in M/Plain

A Grade 5 learner has died following a collision between a taxi and another car in Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain, on Monday morning. The police’s F.C van Wyk says that the Toyota Quantum was transporting 24 learners from various schools in Mitchells Plain, when it collided with the BMW, at around 08:10, on the corner of AZ Berman Drive and Marguerite Street.

‘’One of the children, a boy aged between 8 and 10, was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries and later succumbed due to injuries sustained. The other children were treated on the scene or taken to nearby hospitals with minor injuries,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk.

PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Van Wyk added that no arrest as been made yet, and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Lentegeur SAPS are probing a case of culpable homicide.

Anyone with any information about this accident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The principal of Rocklands primary, Keith Scheepers, confirmed that the deceased attended his school.

‘’It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the very sad news… Learners were taken to hospital for observation, but unfortunately, one of our Grade 5 learners succumbed to his injuries. It is a very sad moment for us as a school and a community.’’

 VIDEO SUPPLIED

Ward Councillor, Avron Plaatjies, urged SAPS to resolve the situation as soon as possible. He pleaded with motorists to drive with caution.

The Western Cape's Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie has urged the provincial traffic authorities to prioritise investigations into ascertaining what caused Monday morning's accident.

‘’What a horrible way to start the week. A family has lost a young child. We ask the provincial regulatory entity to do an urgent investigation into the transport operator. We ask everyone to please abide by the road regulations to ensure everyone arrive home safely to spend time with their families.’’

Michael Jacobs, Deputy Chairperson for the Mitchell’s Plain United Residence Association, lamented provincial and local authorities for not taking enough action into ensuring learner transport safety. According to Jacobs, more needs to be done in this regard.

‘’This is not the first or the last of such tragic incidents involving school children in Mitchell's Plain, as the relevant authorities have been made aware of the extent of the problem within Mitchell's Plain for a number of years. It is not as if they don't know how desperate the situation is when it comes to learner transport in Mitchell's Plain. So do we have enough traffic officers on duty in Mitchell's Plain to ensure proactive and visible traffic policing? How many traffic officers on duty per shift and at what times? Councillor this is part of your oversight duties, so why deflect from your responsibility as a councillor? So it is very simple, do we have enough traffic officers in Mitchell's Plain to deal with the deadly carnage on our roads?,’’ said a frustrating Michael Jacobs.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Ocean View suspects let go, as case struck off the roll

The case against two suspects that was arrested in connection with the Ocean View mass shooting, dealt a blow as the case was struck off the roll

The duo appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said the Magistrate struck the case off the roll after one of the accused’s legal representatives protested that the men were not brought before the court within 48 hours of their arrest as is required by law.

‘’Kindly be advised that due process in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act was followed by SAPS to ensure that the two suspects were brought before court to face charges of murder.   The reasons for the case being struck from the court roll are best addressed by the NPA. The case is still under investigation and our detectives are hard at work to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, SAPS Provincial Commander.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, expressed his dismay in relation to the news that this matter has been trucked off the court roll.

‘’I have already written to the [provincial] Police Commissioner, Lt. General Thembisile Patekile, to enquire what exactly transpired in this particular case, exactly when the accused were arrested and if they were kept in custody beyond the mandatory 48 hours, and if that was the case then why were they not brought before the court.

‘’The arrest of the two suspects brought much needed hope that the suspects will see swift justice were it to be found that they were indeed guilty of committing this crime. I have already also engaged and sent communication to the NPA to get a better sense of this matter from the court’s perspective,’’ added Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

PICTURE - Marcellino Martin: Bush Radio's mitchum George with MEC Reagen Allen

Done By: Mitchum George

Indigenous languages takes the spotlight on World Book Day 2023

Sunday marked World Book and Copyright Day, and this day, which is celebrated annually on the 23^rd of April, recognises the importance of books and authors, and to encourage everyone to read books.

PICTURE: Bush Radio's Mitchum George reading a children's book

Several prominent authors like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died on this day, so it is only fitting to commemorate this day.

The theme for 2023 is ‘’Indigenous Languages!’’ According to UNESCO, of the almost 7 000 existing languages – many of which are fast disappearing – the majority are spoken by indigenous people who represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said libraries are there to use any opportunity to cultivate, and encourage a love for reading and books.

‘’ Books give flight to our imagination and makes the ordinary a magical experience. They inform, enlighten, enthral and help us understand and live our history and culture. World Book Day celebrates all of this and this year encourages everyone to embrace all that books do.’’

‘’It is our duty as adults to encourage a love for reading and there is no better way than to lead by example. A passion for reading starts with hearing stories being told. We cannot expect our children to enjoy reading when parents and other adults do not set them on a book journey. It is never too early to start reading to a child and to give them the lifelong gift of a love of books,’’ added Patricia van der Ross, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier said his department has set aside R96 million to increase the amount of reading material in the province’s schools

‘’ We are currently rolling out a massive intervention to improve reading for meaning, which includes providing new decodable readers and anthologies for the Foundation Phase to our primary schools. The R96 million investment, which forms part of the Western Cape Reading Strategy, covers three languages, and will substantially increase the amount of reading material in our schools.

‘’But raising literacy levels requires a joint effort by government, researchers, civil society, and all the residents of our province: a collective effort we call Team READ. Parents play an especially important role in improving their children’s reading skills. So I encourage every parent – particularly those with young children – to read a book with their child today. A love of reading is a priceless gift, and the earlier our learners develop this valuable skill, the better!’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape traffic officers seized dagga worth estimated R9m

The Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, has applauded the efforts of provincial traffic officers in fighting crime.

Traffic officers found a ton of dagga worth an estimated street value of nine-million rand in a truck near Beaufort West.

PICTURE: WCGov.

The truck was travelling from Durban to Cape Town and he driver of the truck was arrested.

The officer also arrested a taxi driver in another incident when they found dagga weighing over 13 kilograms in his vehicle. The taxi was also stopped near Beaufort West.

PICTURE: WCGov.

Mackenzie says the provincial traffic officers are doing a good job of keeping the public safe.

‘’Our Provincial Traffic Services continue to make the Western Cape safer, with their 24/7, 365-days-a-year enforcement presence. I salute the commitment of our officers and officials who do everything they can to protect the public and serve the province they love.’’

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha are looking for a missing teenager

The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is asking for the community to help the look for a 15-year-old girl who is still missing since 22 September last year in Helenvale.

It is alleged that on that day in the afternoon Nikita Williams known as Dolly left her home to go to a shop and she never returned, she was then reported missing on the 12 of October.

According to her mother, people have seen her on several occasions frequenting drug dens in Durban Road and central.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about her whereabouts to contact the FCS unit, D/Sgt Ayanda Songxaba on 071 352 4733 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,callers may remain anonymous.

Done by Esobusi Mkangelwa