South Africa records close to 6 200 murders in 3 months - Mchunu

Contact crimes, including murder, kidnapping and extortion remain on the increase.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the crime statistics for the period between April and June 2024 on Friday.

PHOTO - Stephanie van Rayen: Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu

Contact crime increased by 2.6% overall, with more than 153 637 cases recorded for the three-month period.

"Crime is generally on the increase. Crimes that should worry us most are murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion,” said Mchunu.

PHOTO: Stephanie van Rayen

He said four of the nine provinces recorded an increase in murder cases.

"Four of the nine provinces recorded increases in murder cases, with the highest increase recorded in the Western Cape, followed by North West, then the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

"All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape (11 stations), KwaZulu-Natal (eight stations), Eastern Cape (six stations) and Gauteng (five stations). The leading stations among them were Nyanga, followed by Inanda, Umlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare."

VIDEO: Stephanie van Rayen

Almost 6 200 people were murdered during the period under review, a slight decrease for the quarter year-on-year.

There has also been an increase in the number of rape cases reported to authorities, from 9,252 counts to 9,309.

 

Done By: Stephanie van Rayen

DA retains seats in three WC wards

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has retained its seats in the by-elections that was held on Wednesday, in Ward 58, which includes  parts of Kenilworth, Claremont and Rondebosch.

In a statement, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that the new ward councillor is the DA’s Richard Charles Hill.

The party retained the seat after it won in the 2021 Local Government Election with the total votes cast of 98,32% in this Municipal By-Elections, compared to 84,44% 2021 Local Government Elections(LGE).

According to the IEC, there was a low turnout for the by-elections - 18.83% compared to the 2021 LGE 57,89% voter turnout. More than 21 000 voters were registered for the by-election in this ward.

ARCHIVE: Bush Radio

Other municipal by-elections were also held in the Cederberg (Ward 2) and Stellenbosch (Ward 17), also won by the DA.

In Cederberg, the new ward councillor is Yves De Antonio Blaauw. The DA won the seat previously held by the African National Congress (ANC).

‘’The party won a seat previously held by the ANC with 40,58% of the total votes cast. This is lower compared to 44,13% during the 2021 Local Government Elections. The by-elections’ Voter turnout was 46.22% compared to the 2021 LGE 55,19% voter turnout,’’ said Michael Hendrickse, IEC Western Cape Provincial Officer.

In Stellenbosch, the new ward councillor is Jeremy Shaun Fasser.

‘’The party retained the seat it won in the Municipal By-Elections with 96,28% of the total votes cast, compared to 74,81% during the 2021 Local Government Elections. The by-elections’ Voter turnout was 19.28% compared to the 2021 LGE 55,80% voter turnout,’’ said Hendrickse.

He thanked all the registered voters who, despite the extreme weather conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, came to the voting stations to cast their vote.

‘’Voters took the time to participate in the by-elections notwithstanding the recent National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024),’’ said Hendrikse.

He encouraged South African citizens who are not registered to vote to can visit the IEC’s website via www.elections.org.za.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Alleged extortionists shot and killed in Milnerton

Police have shot and killed four suspects in Milnerton on Thursday night. Four other accomplices, all from Cape Town, aged 23, 30, 34 and 38 sustained injuries and are under police guard in hospital.

PICTURE: SAPS

Police say the eight were allegedly on their way to commit a mass shooting.

‘’An operation by a Western Cape task team following intelligence about wanted alleged extortionists led to a shootout between the police and the suspects who were driving in a minibus on Thursday evening in Milnerton,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’Four firearms and rounds of ammunition were seized from the vehicle the suspects were travelling in. Police reports indicate as police followed the vehicle with suspects they came under fire from the occupants of the vehicle which led to police shooting back,’’ she added.

PICTURE: SAPS

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, said as police comb the scene and investigations continue further details are expected to emerge.

#sapsWC An operation by a Western Cape task team following intelligence about #wanted alleged extortionists led to a shootout between the police and the suspects who were driving in a minibus on Thursday evening in Milnerton. Four suspects were shot and killed and four other… pic.twitter.com/GsrNvzdgRI

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 30, 2024

Meanwhile, the Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu has sent a stern warning to alleged extortionists.

“And we do want to warn extortionists that we are on the lookout for them but we want to identify them and arrest them and bring them to justice. We want to warn them not to resist arrest when called upon to stop by police.”

Furthermore, Mchunu also warned people from shooting against police. He said police are the only people who have a mandate to protect us

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Thousands of teaching posts in the Western Cape on the line

In a profession already beset with challenges, educator’s contracts not being renewed in the Western Cape will add more strain to the sector.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says all provincial government schools will start their Educator Staff Establishments on Friday, which includes the counting of existing teachers and how many will be retained for the 2025 academic year.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The WCED is preparing to lay off around 2 400 teachers. Education authorities says a budget shortfall is to blame. The department days the budget cuts will not only impact the educators but programmes and infrastructure projects as well.

‘’ We are doing everything we can to fight for our teachers, but we are being short-changed by the national government, receiving only 64% of the cost of the nationally negotiated wage agreement, leaving the province to fund the remaining 36%, resulting in a massive budget shortfall of R3.8 billion. We have done everything we can to fight for our teachers by imposing budget cuts across the board, including on administration, curriculum and infrastructure,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

CIRCULAR OF WCED INTENTION TO REDUCE TEACHER POST

According to National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), there are currently 37 135 teachers in the Western Cape and 34,728 posts are now proposed for 2025.

‘’The ratio the WCED is projecting -- One teacher for every 36 learners. This is not translate to the reality within the classrooms teachers have in every classroom,’’ said Riedwaan Ahmed, NAPTOSA Western Cape Provincial CEO.

‘’Unions is in the proses of rescuing the current announcements for education, it looks like contract posts will be attended to first to go out the window. In their address they have asked for the pro poor and requested not to touch the foundation phases,’’ he added.

GOOD Secretary General, Brett Herron, says the reduction in educator posts will affect the quality of education learners receive in government schools.

‘’Once again, it is the poorer and less-resourced schools that will feel these cuts the most as the parents will be unable to fund, through school fees, the appointment of additional educators.’’

‘’Parents in increasingly dense, but middle to low income communities, are already struggling to get their children into schools with parents increasingly reporting that applications for access to schools for 2025 are being declined,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Reclaim the City and Ndifuna Ukwazi claims City not honest about plans of Cissie Gool House

Housing activists, Reclaim the City and Ndifuna Ukwazi, have accused the City of Cape Town of not being transparent about its plans for the Cissie Gool House.

The municipality is set to start a public participation process for the redevelopment of the Old Woodstock Hospital site, but the City are accused of failing to engage the occupiers about their future.

NU Buhle Booi says those who are occupying the building cannot be sidelined.

‘’[We] are both extremely concerned about the City of Cape Town’s ongoing reluctance to meaningfully engage with the occupiers of Cissie Gool House (Old Woodstock Hospital)…. This cannot constitute any meaningful engagement as the occupiers would have had no say in their fate…Cissie Gool House was occupied in 2017 in protest against the City and Province’s abject failure to deliver a single affordable home in the inner-city and surrounds since the dawn of democracy. Seven years later, it is still true that there has been almost no tangible progress in addressing spatial apartheid. Rather than swinging between criminalising or ignoring the residents of Cissie Gool House, we urge the City to meaningfully engage residents and share information with them so that the best outcome for the people of Cape Town can be found,’’ said Buhle Bood, Head of Political Organising at NU.

‘’Cissie Gool House was first promised as a site for affordable housing in 2008, as were the City’s Pickwick, Salt River Market, Dillon Lane and Pine Road projects. The City still has not broken ground on any of these projects today. Instead of criminalising occupiers and falsely blaming them for the City’s own lack of progress, the City needs to recognize its own mistakes, the constraints it operates under, and that rushing forward to evict 900 people from the only well-located housing for poor and working class people in the central city will do nothing to reverse spatial apartheid. It seems that the City wants to push forward with an eviction at all costs, despite the fact that this would be the biggest inner-city eviction in Cape Town since the height of apartheid. At a time when so many of the mayor’s much publicised projects are struggling to get off the ground, we need to ask whether this approach makes any sense. In fact, the City commissioned a report which said it would be possible to redevelop the site without evicting current residents, while providing more units of housing than the 500 units currently envisioned by the City. The proposals detailed in the report are the clearest and most suitable path forward. Worryingly, the City has chosen to ignore this report completely,’’ he added.

 Mayco Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim announced that the public participation process on the City's proposals for the Woodstock Hospital site will take place between September and October 2024.

‘’Our plans for this site as a mixed use market and affordable housing development will be a game-changer, bringing much-needed affordable housing, and an economic and value boost to this area. The property, with a potential residential development yield of approximately 500 units, comprising open market and social housing, will be released subject to the provision of affordable housing.’’

‘’All due process is being followed in ensuring we progress definitively on this long-awaited development. We look forward to a constructive and meaningful public participation process on this valuable project. My directorate has worked hard against so many obstacles and complexities, including the unlawful occupation and hi-jacking of the building, to move the project toward this point and I will not allow narrow agendas and special interests to derail our efforts to provide accelerated, inclusive affordable housing in well-located areas near the Cape Town CBD as well as other well-located land in the metro's urban centres,’’ added Pophaim.

According to the MMC, the illegal occupation of the Woodstock Hospital site has been the single biggest delay to this development.

‘’This is illegal and to the detriment of a fair and systematic process in subsidised housing allocation. I will not tolerate anyone undermining our affordable housing agenda or holding a fair housing allocations system ransom.’’

‘’The City will conduct engagements with the occupants as part of the broad public participation process to be undertaken for the disposal of the property. The response for the existing occupants will be dependent on the socio-economic profile of the households. The City intends to engage the households on the options available to them to determine the appropriate response for each household in terms of Council policy and legislation,’’ added Carl Pophaim, MMC for Human Settlements.

Done by: Mitchum George

NU & PRASA in court over 'illegal eviction' along Marine Drive

The Western Cape High Court will on Thursday hear the case between housing group, Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU), and rail agency, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), about the alleged illegal eviction of occupiers who had been living in informal structures and tents on Transnet-owned land along Marine Drive for about two decades.

It is understood that PRASA Protection Services and other security officers demolished the informal structures, confiscated building materials and confiscated occupiers’ personal belongings on 19 and 22 August 2024.

During the eviction, an elderly man was stabbed in the shoulder. Ally Al-Habsy (64) said he asked the security guards to produce documentation authorising their actions, but, according to him, none were shown.

‘’On Monday, 19 August, security came early morning, around 6a.m, and started breaking homes, shouting people must leave. I said if they want to break, then they must show the court order. They said they do not like foreigners, which means they are xenophobic. On Thursday, 22 August, around 11a.m, another security came from PRASA, some we know, they came to break down. I said if they are breaking the structure, not all are there. It was a big mistake for me, as they attacked me, I fell down, they tore my t-shirt and one stabbed me on my shoulder. I had nowhere to go, so I went to Ndifuna Ukwazi, who helped me.’’

PHOTO: NU  – Zacharia Mashele

The occupiers, who are represented by the Ndifuna Ukwazi Law Centre, on Monday, launched proceedings in the Western Cape High Court on an urgent basis for an order interdicting PRASA from carrying out further illegal demolitions of the occupiers’ homes and directing PRASA to return their confiscated materials and their belongings.

‘’PRASA’s illegal conduct exposes a continuous and flagrant disregard for the law and for the dignity of vulnerable occupiers. PRASA has been unafraid to use physical violence to achieve its unlawful ambitions and must be held responsible for its conduct,’’ said Dr Jonty Cogger, Ndifuna Ukwazi attorney.

In response, PRASA said it would be at the hearing.

“PRASA takes note of the allegations regarding the use of violence against its Protection Officers and is currently investigating the matter,” said Andiswa Makanda, PRASA spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Strand man accused of raping his grandmother abandons bail

A 27-year-old man has chosen to abandon bail at the Strand Magistrates Court, as he stands accused for the alleged rape of his grandmother.

It is understood that the 71-year-old woman from Strand was attacked and raped by her 27 year-old grandson on 13 August 2024. According to reports, this was not an isolated incident and that the accused had attacked her previously.

Police said that due to the sensitive nature of this incident, it will not divulge any details pertaining to the incident.

The Western Cape Community Policing Forum (CPF) has expressed its outrage following the attack

‘’This abhorrent act strikes at the very heart of our society’s moral fabric. It is a crime that cannot and must not be tolerated,’’ said Justin Kumlehn, Western Cape CPF board member.

The CPF demanded that the police, prosecutors, and the judiciary take immediate and decisive action to ensure that the perpetrator act is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

‘’This offender must not be allowed to walk free. We call for swift and just process that ensures the safety and dignity of all women, particularly our elderly, who are too often vulnerable to such atrocities. As a community, we must stand united against this violence. Far too often, crimes against the elderly and children go unreported, allowing perpetrators to continue their vicious actions unchecked.’’

‘’It is time for us to rise and declare ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.’’

Civil rights organisation, Action Society, shared its dismay towards the incident.

“This growing trend of abuse toward the elderly should concern all South Africans; they are the most vulnerable people in our society and any kind of violence toward should never be tolerated under any circumstances,’’ said Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre.

Palm stated that the 15 reported cases cannot be the only cases, and Action Society has reason to believe that these cases are being under-reported. According to the Western Cape Department of Social Development, 15 cases of elder abuse had been reported in the first quarter of 2024/2025.

“We believe there are other senior citizens who are being abused but remain silent because of fear. We are calling on community members to be the eyes and ears and report these incidents,” said Palm.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Tensions between taxi associations in the Atlantis area

There were tensions between taxi associations in the Atlantis area.

The Witsand Taxi Association, a member of CATA, currently holds Operating Licenses that allow for services on the route between Bellville, Saxonworld and Witsand, of Atlantis.

In Blaauwberg, other unregistered operators are seeking to operate unlawfully in the Atlantis area. Witsand Taxi Association belongs to CATA, while Blaauwberg rivals have recently joined CODETA, and established holdings within the Atlantis area.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

Mayco Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, says such operations are unlawful, as no Operating License can be granted for operating along a designated MyCiti bus route.

‘’Several public transport vehicles were impounded for operating without the necessary permits, and with tension still running high, operations continue under a heavy policing presence. Operating Licenses are awarded through the Provincial Regulatory Entity, based on various factors, including a supply-and-demand assessment and in accordance with the Integrated Public Transport Network plan. Each license therefore, comes with stipulated conditions, including the exact route the holder (and vehicle) is authorised to operate on.’’

‘’Where drivers operate on unauthorised routes, “authorised” operators sometimes retaliate with violent conflict in an effort to protect their routes, as was seen on the B97 route between Bellville and Paarl in 2021. During the violent conflict, this route was suspended for 18 months, before being reopened and public transport activities reinstated,’’ added Smith.

He says while the City does not have the authority to consider or award Operating Licenses, it does have the obligation under the Constitution to enforce traffic regulations. Ensuring the safety of commuters and the public, therefore becomes our top priority.

‘’We have convened a centralised Joint Operations Centre in Atlantis, monitoring the situation through our various technologies, and with 105 members providing enforcement across the Atlantis area.’’

Smith called upon those operating in this sector to uphold the laws, to prevent the threat of violence or intimidation to commuters and fellow road users.

Meanwhile, the Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) met on 20 August to introduce and formally welcome the new Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, who was appointed to the position in June. Sileku was briefed on key issues that have been under discussion by the MBTTT and its sub-committees.

‘’All stakeholders were invited to table further matters of interest and development within the sector, which will be taken up for further discussion in upcoming meetings. The MBTTT comprises representatives of the SANTACO-WC, the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively, and seeking common ground while prioritising the safety and interests of commuters,’’ read a joint statement by Western Cape Government, City of Cape town, and SANTACO.

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Three spheres of government shake hands to combat Cape crime

The police ministry says they are confident that the renewed agreement on policing from all three spheres of government will heel positive results.

A stakeholder engagement meeting, led by Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, between the South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape Government (WCG) and City of Cape Town (CoCT), was held on Tuesday, and the three spheres of government have drafted a cooperation agreement aimed at reducing rampant crime in the Cape metro.

PICTURE: SAPS

Some of the aspects include sharing of intelligence information. It also states that all spheres of government must implement their roles outlined in the agreement.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, says the gang wars, and extortion in Cape Town needs to be nipped in the bud.

‘’It is concerning that in the last crime statistics that were released for the period between October and December 2023, the City of Cape Town recorded a rise in murder and attempted murder cases. It is for this reason, that this city remains our top priority in the fight against crime as evidenced in our resources allocation to ensure that we heighten Police visibility in order to intensify crime prevention operations and our interventions in various hotspots. Each time we receive new Police recruits, the Western Cape also receives one of the biggest allocation from our newly trained Police Officers because we understand the urgent need to combat crime and deal decisively with criminality in this part of the country.’’

The Western Cape Government welcomed the intended signing of the policing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

 “It is an encouraging step towards more collaborative policing, based on evidence and data, which has been at the heart of the Western Cape Government's approach to addressing crime as outlined in our Safety Plan. My sincere hope is that this MoU will translate into the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape being adequately resourced to more effectively do its job in making communities safer. We must learn from the past and constantly revisit policing models based on our data-led approach. While we will work closer with the SAPS, thanks to this agreement, the WCG will still push for the devolution of policing powers because we believe that it is in the local sphere where you can make a major difference,’’ said Western Cape premier, Alan winde.

Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, said the MoU has long been a priority of the Western Cape Government, but it has taken up until now to come to fruition.

‘’The role of the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety is of coordination and oversight, and I am satisfied with the outcome. Far too often in the past, the relationships between spheres of government regarding crime-fighting in the Western Cape were confrontational rather than cooperative. I wish to thank Alderman JP Smith for being steadfast in the battle against crime. And I want to commend the national Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, for his willingness to start a new chapter of cooperation in the best interest of our residents.”

“Our people suffer at the hands of extortionists - be they small-scale criminals who rob the lady trying desperately to make ends meet by selling vegetables or the self-styled construction mafia which has a devasting impact on our economy. Our people suffer at the hands of murderers, gangsters, robbers, rapists, hijackers and every other type of criminal. Crime can only be beaten if we all work together. The Western Cape Government therefore welcomes this step towards beating crime and we give it our full support,” added Marais.

The City of Cape Town hopes the government of national unity (GNU) will pave way for more policing powers for its law enforcement agencies.

‘’It is our hope that this agreement is the first step towards a blueprint for mutual aid and partnerships, but also the sharing of up to date crime data and intelligence with City enforcement services; utilising the investments the City has made into policing, focused on improving public safety in Cape Town; expanding on the areas where such partnerships already exist; and Aligning approaches to support and enhance economic performance within the City. Good work and collaboration have already begun on combating economic crimes and extortion syndicates. Much more can and must be done to stop these syndicates,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety & Security.

The official signing of a Cooperation Agreement will take place on Friday.

Done By: Mitchum George

Resident in the Swartland region are addressing service delivery issues with their local municipality

Residents of Chatsworth and Silvertown in the Swartland region are expressing their service delivery concerns at their local municipality this morning.

A major issue is the lack of water supply following the collapse of three dams in Riverlands three weeks ago. The March coincides with a visit from Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina.

Picture: Pixabay

The dam failures resulted in significant flooding in Riverlands, displacing many residents. Community leader Ralph Burger mentioned that around 60 people are still being housed in two community centres.

Residents question if residents in both the upper and lower areas must relocate for safety and what will happen to the school located in the middle of this flooding.

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Hundreds march in honour of slain Uyinene Mrwetyana

The second leg of a march against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in memory of Uyinene Mrwetyana, is being planned for this weekend. It will take place in East London, after hundreds marched to Parliament over the weekend.

COURTESY: Facebook - Langa For Men

This past Saturday marked 5 years since the murder of Mrwetyana. She was killed while collecting a parcel in a post office in Claremont. Her killer, Luyanda Botha is serving 3 life sentences for her murder.

Bush Radio News · Uyinene Judgement News Feature

Speaking on Bush Radio’s Everyday People programme, the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation's (UMF) has emphasised the events critical role in remembering Uyinene Mrwetyana and educating the public about GBVF.

‘’Five years in and we still see woman being killed, abused and raped, the same way Uyinene has died, so that is why we have our annual walks saying that we cannot keep quiet. We know Uyinene passed away five years ago, but we know there are other women who are going through the same as Uyinene did. We are calling on Government to act and to remind communities that they cannot be silent when GBVF are happening. It is a call to action to everyone,’’ said Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

COURTESY: Social Media

Msengana says financial resources to support organisations for anti-GBVF, convictions for perpetrators, are some of the biggest stumbling blocks that organisations faced.

‘’Government need to send a clear message that they are not protecting perpetrators and they will be held accountable. Families wants to see harsher sentences. There are other interventions like trauma counselling for victims and families. Some victims need shelter as well, as there are not enough safe havens.’’

The UMF has been supported by several foundations, including Langa For Men, and Springbok rugby player Makazole Mapimpi's foundation.

‘’We cannot continue to work in silos. There are many organisations that are doing work on the ground and we are facing the same struggle. We want to see a future that is free for all women, young girls and boys and everyone that are vulnerable. One of the themes this year is to eliminate the fear. Five years in of our foundations and we see the fear of young people walking in the streets. We want the prioritization of safety and security to be on top of the agenda. When we partner, we show government that we want to see results,’’ said Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

She explains how the UMF keep the candle burning.

‘’’GBV walk is emotionally, mentally and spiritually taxing, so we support each other. When we think of Uyinene, she was full of life, driven and a student living her dream. It is this motivation not to give up, as we want to see young people pursuing those dreams without the fear that they will not return home. We are not doing it for ourselves, but for everyone.’’

‘’She was a courageous young woman and stood up for injustices and made sure her voice was heard and that is why we work closely with Higher Education institutions to give young people a voice. We also educate young men and women to educate them about GBVF. It is important to understand that GBVF also includes all those in society, whether LGBTQIA+, disabled and young men saying it is not just women affected by GBVF,’’ added Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man shot and killed in Bonteheuwel

Bishop Lavis police are investigating the murder of a 37-year-old man. The victim was shot and killed in Soetdoring Street, Bonteheuwel on Tuesday.

COURTESY: Angus McKenzie

The incident comes following a series of shootings across the metro over the weekend.

"Bishop Lavis police responded to a complaint of a shooting at Soetdoring Street in Bonteheuwel, and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was declared deceased by medical personnel."

Twigg said the motive of the attack is unknown at this stage and that no arrests has been made as yet.

Anyone with information regarding the incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10 111

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Case against duo charged in Khayelitsha C.I.T case resumes next week

The case against two suspects involved in a foiled cash-in-transit heist, in Khayelitsha, earlier this month, will resume next week.

PICTURE: Pixabay

24-year-old, Sihle Mabhongo, and 46-year-old Simphiwe Mzanya, appeared in the local magistrates court on Wednesday, where they were expected to apply for bail.

The duo face charges of possession of illegal firearms, explosives, and attempted murder. The Hawks previously revealed that Mzanywa' s parole has been revoked regarding another matter where he was arrested during 2022 and released in 2023. Meanwhile, Mabhongo has a pending case at Khayelitsha Court for possession of unlicensed firearm.

The duo were re-arrested by the Hawks on 12 August, after the case against the suspects were struck off the court roll

The matter is postponed to 3 September 2024 for the accused to consult with their respective legal representatives. They are remanded in custody.

During a media briefing on Sunday, the National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the three men freed by the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Residents in ward 58 urged to participate in by-elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape has urged residents in Ward 58 in the Cape metro to exercise their right by voting in Wednesday’s by-elections to choose a new councillor.

ARCHIVE: Mkhuseli Veto

The ward, which includes parts of Kenilworth, Claremont and Rondebosch, has mostly been victorious for the Democratic Alliance (DA), with the party taking 84% of the vote in the 2021 municipal election, with the Good Party and African National Congress (ANC), taking second and third place respectively.

The ward has been without a councillor since June, as Katherine Christie resigned to become a DA member of Parliament.

According to the IEC, three candidates have entered the race to control the ward. They are Dr Richard Hill from the DA, Bonita Stroeble from the Africa Restoration Alliance and Simphiwe Silwane from the ANC.

More than 21 000 voters are registered for the by-election.

There are polling stations at Claremont Primary School, Rosmead Central Primary School, 1st Wetton Scout Hall, Batavia School, Round Table Belvedere Community Centre, Rosebank Junior School and Voortrekker High School in Kenilworth.

Voting stations opened at 7a.m and will close at 9p.m.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

House owner and dog owner arrested in Kirstenhof arrested for for obstruction and animal cruelty

A house owner as well as a dog owner in Kirstenhof are facing charges of obstruction and animal cruelty.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says it received a complaint concerning dogs suffering from severe skin conditions on a property. The dogs, says the animal welfare organisation, were also used for breeding.

‘’Inspector Werner Taljaard was assigned to investigate the matter. Upon his initial visit, the occupant of the property refused entry, demanding that the Inspector return with a warrant from the Court. Following due process, a warrant was obtained the following day from the Wynberg Magistrates Court, and Inspector Taljaard, accompanied by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, returned to the property to execute the warrant and inspect the conditions of the dogs,’’ said Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson.

COURTESY: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

She explained that the situation escalated when the occupant and his wife obstructed entry to the property, arguing vehemently from within the property and initially refusing to open the gate.

‘’They were informed that their actions were criminal, potentially warranting arrest. The couple relented only when the officers prepared to scale the wall to gain entry to the property. Inside, tensions remained high as the occupant aggressively disputed the Inspector’s concerns about the dogs’ health. The registered owner of the dogs, who arrived later, also joined the confrontation and could not provide a permit required by the City of Cape Town for breeding with dogs,’’ says Abraham.

The spokesperson says during the inspection, another resident made attempts to hide the dogs inside the house in an effort to obstruct Inspector Taljaard from removing them.

‘’Law Enforcement swiftly intervened, preventing further attempts to conceal the dogs and obstruction of Inspector Taljaard’s duties. This defiance led to the arrest of both the occupant and the owner for obstruction and attempting to defeat the ends of justice,’’ said Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson.

All three dogs were seized and taken to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where they were examined by a veterinarian, who confirmed the dogs were victims of neglect, and suffering from chronic skin conditions.

The accused made their second court appearance on Wednesday, at the Wynberg Magistrates Court.

If convicted, they face the possibility of a fine of up to R40,000 or up to 12 months imprisonment.

“It is a criminal offence to obstruct an SPCA Inspector. We will not tolerate any form of obstruction; our Inspectors are empowered by statutory powers and have a solemn duty to protect animals,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Inmate who fled from KwaZulu-Natal correctional facility captured by police

Police have apprehended an inmate who escaped from a correctional facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Dumisani Mthethwa fled the Waterval Correctional Centre on Monday while part of a work crew in the garden.

At the time of his escape, he was serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated robbery. Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Numalo stated that Mthethwa will face court charges related to his escape.

Furthermore, his security classification will be reassessed, and he will be moved to another facility to enhance security.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

City on standby for bad weather experienced in Cape metro

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says it is on standby for any potential impacts experienced across the metro.

COURTESY: Social Media - Roof blown off at a Gatesville property

The South African weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded the Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds to an Orange Level 6, with strong to gale force winds blowing between 40 and 80km/h. It warned that gusts are expected to vary from 90 - 120km/h.

‘’ No incidents have been reported to the Disaster Operations Centre, but we are mindful of the fact that some low-lying areas remain waterlogged as a result of the record rainfall experienced in July,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City of Cape Ton Disaster’s Risk Management spokesperson.

‘’City services are on standby to attend to any impacts that may arise, and our humanitarian partners too are on alert, in the event that soft relief is required,’’ she added.

PICTURE: Social Media

A video went viral on Tuesday morning of a structure at the main entrance of Access Park in Kenilworth being blown over. Photos of trees uprooted and sink holes also surfaced.

COURTESY: Social Media

Powell asked the public to be on the lookout for any falling debris or other obstructions caused by the strong winds, and to take extra precautions on the roads.

‘’The public is urged to secure objects on their properties that could be carried by the wind, like outside furniture, and to be mindful of potential damage to garage doors, sliding doors and windows,’’ said Charlotte Powell, City of Cape Ton Disaster’s Risk Management spokesperson.

 

Done By: Stephanie van Rayen

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development fires 27 officials for various forms of misconduct

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has let go of 27 officials for various forms of misconduct.

PICTURE: Pixabay

In a statement, the department said these dismissals are part of 81 appeal matters recorded by the Department, which include 55 dismissals, 25 suspensions and 1 warning. It said these appeals were lodged by officials who were found guilty of serious misconduct.

“The misconduct in question ranged from fraud, theft, sexual harassment and bringing the department into disrepute to absenteeism, abuse of state vehicles and insubordination,” the department said.

“The [DJCOD] remains resolute in its commitment to finalise all appeals lodged with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and continues to strengthen its internal controls to combat any conduct that undermines its ability to deliver justice services effectively and efficiently. The consequence management measures implemented underscores the Department’s dedication to clean governance,’’ it added.

The department said all outstanding appeal matters are currently being processed and will be concluded in due course.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Minister receives preliminary report into collapse of Riverlands dam

The minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina has received a preliminary report into what led to the failure of three dams located in Riverlands in the Western Cape.

This follows the failure of three farm dams that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people displaced.

The department said the preliminary report into what led to the failure of the dams has been finalised and handed over to the Minister on Monday, following a two-week investigation.

“Upon studying the report, Minister Majodina will make public the findings thereof in due course,” the department said.

While the Department of Water and Sanitation does not own the failed dams, it exercises a regulatory function over all the dams in South Africa.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

March planned to German consulate in protest against the continued use of harmful pesticides

Social justice organisations, Oxfam South Africa and Women on Farms Project will march to the German Consulate in District Six on Tuesday, in protest against the continued use of harmful pesticides on South African farms.

They also want the German government to introduce effective legislation that will stop the production and export of highly hazardous pesticides from Germany.

COURTESY: FACEBOOK - Women on Farm Project

Oxfarm South Africa says farm workers health is compromised by these chemicals. She explains the significance of this march.

‘’We are taking back the issue of targeting the German Government. We will march to the consulate in Cape Town to hand over a joint memorandum with Oxfam South Africa and Oxfam Germany, where we are calling on the German government to implement and introduce effective legislation… We are also calling on German government to play a leadership role in ensuring that there is EU-wide legislation hat will ensure European pesticides companies stop the production and export of hughly hazardous pesticides,’’ said Lebogang Ramafoko, Oxfam South Africa’s Executive Director.

‘’We are raising our voices against the export of hazardous pesticides that are banned in Europe but continue to endanger lives in the global South, including right here in South Africa. Together, we are demanding justice and accountability to protect our communities and our environment,’’ she added.

Participants will gather at the Ashley Kriel Centre in Cape Town, preparing to march to the German Consulate, where they will meet at the corner of Wale and Adderly Street at 12:30

 

Done by: Stephanie van Rayen

Two held for murder of Eerste River break-dancer, Ruben Jansen

One of the teenagers accused of killing break-dancer and B-boy star Ruben Jansen, will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was shot and killed in Eerste Rivier on Sunday, 11 August 2024, while sitting inside a bakkie with two of his friends. His friends were left wounded.

SUPPLIED

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 19, have been charged with the murder and attempted murder. The 19-year-old returns to the dock on Tuesday, whilst the 15-year-old suspect will return to court on 16 September. They made their first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on 16 August, when their case was postponed for further investigation.

Hundreds participated in a silent walk on Sea Point Pavilion on Friday, to celebrate the memory of B Boy Ruben.

Jansen was laid to rest in Eerste River, this past Saturday.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Hawks asks public's assistance to trace alleged Khayelitsha cash-in-transit robbers

Three men freed by the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court this month are on the run.

PICTURE: SAPS

The case against the trio accused of being involved in a foiled cash-in-transit heist has been struck off the roll, which the Magistrate’s deemed the police’s failure to bring them to court within 48hours of the arrest. The Hawks has now launched a manhunt and have asked the public for help.

“We have obtained warrants for all those that were involved. Those that were still in hospital receiving medical attention, they have been secured before court in absentia and medical certificates were obtained. Those that were released, warrants of arrest have been issued and those are the ones that we are requesting the public to help in tracing,’’ said Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the Hawks.

“The advocate that was assigned to the matter is in agreement with the interpretation we had. It is a question in terms of the interpretation of the 48 hours. When it comes to the issue of computation of time, that is where the confusion sets in and this is where we think an error may have been made. It is a matter that the NPA will be requesting a review on, because it is believed that the calculation of hours may have come at the end of normal office hours,’’ he added.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Captain Swan on 082 469 2164 or Sergeant Hlatshaneni on 082 479 6265.

 

Done By: Mitchum George