Unknown man's body discovered in Kraaifontein

Kraaifontein police are probing a case of murder after the body of an unknown man was discovered on Old Paarl Road, on Friday afternoon.

‘’ Kraaifontein police attended to a complaint on Friday 21 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene in Old Paarl Road at about 16:30,they found the body of an unknown man who sustained a stab wound. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled and is yet to be arrested,’’ said Waarant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Suspected gang leader gunned down in Parkwood

A suspected American gang leader has been gunned down in Parkwood. Two others were left wounded in Friday night’s shooting.

‘’Grassy Park detectives are hard at work pursuing leads in a bid to apprehend those who are responsible for the death of a male and the attempt to kill another male and female on Friday 21 February. At around 23:30 unknown gunmen opened fire at the occupant of a vehicle and two people in Willow Road in Parkwood. The driver of the vehicle did not survive this onslaught on his life and were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel whilst a male aged 35 and a female aged 29 were admitted to hospital with injuries. The unknown suspects fled the scene in an undisclosed direction,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Swartbooi says the motive for this murder and attempted murder is believed to be gang related. Grassy park police are probing a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

There has been several deaths relating to alleged prominent gangsters in the metro - Two days ago, an alleged gang leader part of the Westsiders has been gunned down in front of his house in Heideveld. Earlier this month, an alleged gangster of the Americans was fatally shot outside the Athlone Magistrates Court, and then last month, an alleged gang leader of the Junky Funky Kidz in Lavender Hill was shot and killed outside the Brackenfell police station.

The shooting occurred hours after police minister, Senzo Mchunu, who released the third quarter crime statistics of the current financial year, said he’s concerned about gang violence in the Western Cape. The latest figures show that 263 gang-related murders were reported in the province between October and December 2024.

‘’This is completely unacceptable and it must change. A large number of these murders (collectively amounting to a figure of 135) occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River,’’ said Senzo Mchunu, Police Minister.

‘’The issue of gang violence requires a rethink in approach, because this is not only a historic matter but is also repetitive in nature; there is no point in us discussing one and the same thing with no change. We are dedicating the 27th of February (that is, next week Thursday) to amongst other things, review policing in high murder zones, and our focus will therefore be on murders and firearms, whereafter we will decide on the concrete steps that need to be taken. Partnerships with communities and other partners will be a critical element in the rethink in approach,’’ he added.

Done By: Mitchum George

Skipper of a local fishing vessel drowned in Mossel Bay

A skipper of a local fishing vessel has drowned in Mossel Bay.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)’s Craig Lambinon said a local boater had come across a body of the man floating in the water, on Friday afternoon.

PICTURE: NSRI logo

‘’ At 15h17, Friday, 21 February, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a body floating in the water offshore of Fransmanshoek. A local boater that had come across a body of a man floating in the water had been requested to stay on the scene.’’

‘’On arrival on the scene, approximately 2.8 nautical miles offshore, NSRI crew onboard the NSRI rescue craft secured the body receiving authorisation from Police to recover the body onto the rescue craft. The body of the deceased man was brought to the NSRI Mossel Bay station 15 rescue base,’’ added Lambinon.

The NSRI spokesperson said the body of the adult man, confirmed to be the skipper of a local fishing vessel, reported as a man overboard was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

An inquest docket has been opened by Police.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

DSD minister accuses Postbank of dragging its feet w.r.t its card swapping project

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Postbank in ensuring that social grant beneficiaries can seamlessly transition from the gold SASSA card to the black Postbank card.

PICTURE: GovernmentZA

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe, met with her counterparts – the Members of Executive Council (MINMEC) responsible for Social Development - and held a second meeting in Cape Town on Friday, whereby she accused Postbank of dragging its feet in addressing challenges plaguing its card swapping project. Postbank has until 20 March to conclude the process.

 “Our clients must get what they deserve. That is our responsibility,’’ said Tolashe. The minister emphasised that as government they must lead, advise, and deliver to ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants with dignity and without unnecessary hardship that compromises their human dignity.

Acting CEO of SASSA, Themba Matlou, presented the agency’s progress, challenges and mitigation strategies at a meeting of the Social Development Minister and the MECs on Friday, and said that Postbank has already replaced 624 000 cards, and has undertaken to increase service sites, adding tellers, and deploying roving teams to improve accessibility.

According to SASSA – as of 13 February, 48 142 Postbank Black Cards have been issued in the Western Cape. 287 914 beneficiaries’ SASSA Gold Cards still need to be replaced.

Western Cape Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, says he has asked for additional service point to assist beneficiaries.

‘’Between 4 and 13 February, the daily average of SASSA clients replacing their cards in the Western Cape was 1490. The outstanding average per site is almost 24 000. If this average continues until 20 March, Postbank will be able to assist only 52 171, which will leave 82% of the outstanding 287 914 SASSA clients that still need to be assisted in the province. Thousands of beneficiaries will thus be left in limbo.’’

‘’Today in the MINMEC meeting I advocated for at least an additional 49 service points in the province (300% increase on existing capacity) to properly service the Western Cape’s beneficiaries, bringing our total sites to 65. At the current rate and without an increase in sites, it will be impossible to meet the March deadline. The Western Cape’s SASSA grant beneficiaries deserve a fair opportunity to migrate to the Postbank Black Cards. We also asked for a schedule of the Postbank mobile offices that will be going into these areas, as we’ve received many queries from the public about this,’’ added Londt.

SASSA announced an extension of its operating hours from 06:00 to 19:30 on weekdays and weekends to speed up card replacements and payment method changes. The agency says it will extend these hours until April 2025, ensuring all requests and transactions are processed timeously.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

ANC writes to SAHRC about two school closures in Kraaifontein

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission over the closure of two schools in the metro.

According to the party, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has closed half of the Solomon Mahlangu Primary and the entire BlueRidge Primary schools, situated in Kraaifontein.

ANC leader in the Western Cape Legislature, Khalid Sayed, says parents from Wallacedene have expressed opposition to the closure of the schools.

‘’It is unacceptable that the department is putting politics before children, setting arbitrary targets for new school constructions over the fundamental right to quality education. The dire conditions at Solomon Mahlangu Primary School, including the lack of access to water, computer rooms, sports fields, and safe food storage, compounded by severe overcrowding, constitute a clear violation of the children’s basic human rights and their right to a dignified and conducive learning environment.’’

‘’The department’s actions have not only jeopardized the education of these learners but have also placed an undue burden on neighboring schools like Enkululekweni Primary. The ANC condemns the department’s disregard for the well-being and future of these children and calls for the immediate reversal of this decision. We demand that the BlueRidge Primary School facility be opened without delay and made accessible to all students from Solomon Mahlangu Primary School,’’ added Sayed.

On Wednesday, parents moved their children, with their desks and chairs, from Solomon Mahlangu Primary School to Blue Ridge Primary School in protest. Blue Ridge Primary, a new school, opened for the new school year  and is directly opposite Solomon Mahlangu on Thakudi Street. The protest followed two days of disruptions on Monday and Tuesday when dozens of parents blocked entrances to both schools. They demanded that their children be transferred to Blue Ridge. It is understood that parents also protested to prevent new learners who are not from Wallacedene from enrolling at Blue Ridge. They argue that some classrooms at Blue Ridge remain empty while learners at Solomon Mahlangu have to endure poor learning conditions. The school lacks a computer lab, a science lab, a library, and a playground.

Reacting to this, and the WCED denied the closure of the two schools.

‘’It is categorically false that the WECED has closed these two schools. Only a Head of Department can close schools and he has not done so. What has however transpired is the disruption of schooling in the area and in attempt in illegally invading a new school building.

This week parents of a neighbouring school attempted to force their way onto a new school premises. This action has caused disruptions in both schools, as desks were moved from one school to take to the new school. The schools has been opened on Thursday and Friday, however the actions of the community has affected learner attendance.

‘’The WCED is engaging with school community to discuss the opportunity of the transfer of Grade 4 to 7 learners to the new school and is expected to take place at the end of the year once construction has been finalized. It cannot take place now as there is construction taking place in the intermediate phase.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Crime remains a major concern - Mchunu; measures to combat crime

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, acknowledged that while there has been decreases in most categories of the third quarter crime statistics of the 2024-25 financial year, crime remains a major concern.

He said one of the challenges the ministry is facing is the backlog of outstanding dockets.

‘’This issue has now been ‘projectised’ and costed, and we are actively securing funding to expedite investigations and prosecutions,’’ said Mchunu.

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu released the third quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year crime statistics in Pretoria on Friday, and revealed that there were 6 953 murders reported (decline of 9.8%)

The police minister said in order to effectively combat crime, his ministry needs to make use of and improving technology; Strengthening our Crime Intelligence; Capacitating and improving the efficiency of our detective services; Improving its forensic services; and Improvement of general environment under which police officers work.

‘’Commercial crimes remain a challenge, particularly fraud and corruption. We are confident that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) will continue to intensify efforts to combat these offences and hold perpetrators accountable,’’ said Mchunu.

Mchunu said fighting crime requires a whole of society approach.

‘’Fighting crime is not a task for law enforcement alone. It requires the active participation of communities, the private sector, and various stakeholders. We are enhancing our collaboration with the private sector and civil society to strengthen crime prevention measures and improve public safety.’’

‘’We appeal to communities to work hand in hand with law enforcement. Crime thrives in silence, and we urge all South Africans to report criminal activities, cooperate with the police, and participate in community policing forums,’’ said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

COURTESY: SAPS

Done By: Mitchum George

SA sees decrease in murder rate between October-December 2024

South Africa has, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions have been lifted, seen a significant decrease in the number of murders.

Between October and December 2024, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has seen a decline of 757 cases, compared to the same period as of 2023.

COURTESY: SAPS

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu released the third quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year crime statistics in Pretoria on Friday, and revealed that there were 6 953 murders reported (decline of 9.8%)

He says SAPS have seen an overall decrease in several categories of crime in the country.

"A 9.8% decrease in murder cases. A 3.3% reduction in rape cases. A 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences. A notable decline in carjacking’s and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises."

COURTESY - SAPS : Police Minister Senzo Mchunu

Mchunu said while other provinces saw a drop in murders, some remain hotspots.

"Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the highest contributors to overall national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape at 18.9% and the Western Cape at 17.4%.

“These provinces coincide with where our metros are in the whole country and they coincide with the density our population. They are our focus."

An increase however has been reported in cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

Mchunu says the Western Cape continues to record the highest number of gang-related murders, with 263 counts reported in this quarter alone.

‘’This is completely unacceptable and it must change. A large number of these murders (collectively amounting to a figure of 135) occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River.’’

‘’The issue of gang violence requires a rethink in approach, because this is not only a historic matter but is also repetitive in nature; there is no point in us discussing one and the same thing with no change. We are dedicating the 27th of February (that is, next week Thursday) to amongst other things, review policing in high murder zones, and our focus will therefore be on murders and firearms, where after we will decide on the concrete steps that need to be taken. Partnerships with communities and other partners will be a critical element in the rethink in approach.’’

The police ministry raised concern in the increase of attempted murder cases against children aged 0 to 17 years.

‘’This is an alarming development that calls for a concerted effort to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.’’

Additionally, rape cases have increased in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State, whereas other provinces have recorded decreases.

‘’We note the concern of the public. About extortions, kidnappings and drugs; all of these matters will receive our attention on the 27th of this month. We note that most of these kidnappings are said to be orchestrated from St Albans prisons, and the mastermind of these kidnappings still has access to a number of cell phones,’’ said Mchunu.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Trial of Joshlin Smith to be heard in Saldahna Bay in March

The trial of the three people charged with Joshlin Smith's kidnapping begins next month

Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, her then-boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, are facing charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Joshlin disappeared from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha in February 2024.

Judge Nathan Erasmus said at a preliminary hearing at the Western Cape High Court on Friday that the multi-purpose center in Saldanha is declared a High Court for the duration of the trial.

“Joshlin is still not found but we are able to continue with the charges against the accused. We appeal to anyone who has information to come forward and contact the investigating team as the investigations are ongoing,” said Eric Ntabazalila, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson.

The case will be heard continuously from 3 to 28 March.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

DCS denies Pollsmoor prison break in

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has denied a false report claiming that an individual successfully broke into Pollsmoor Correctional Facility over a two-year period.

The report claimed the man broke into the facility to “access free education and vocational training”.

“We categorically state that this story is entirely fictitious and does not reflect reality in any way. Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, like all correctional facilities in South Africa, operates under stringent security protocols designed to prevent unauthorized entry and exit. 

“The notion that an individual could repeatedly access a correctional centre undetected is not only implausible but also undermines the integrity of the correctional system and the dedication of our officials,” the department said.

The DCS explained the process of admitting an individual into a correctional facility.

“For any person to be admitted…a J7 form [warrant of detention] must be submitted for processing. This form serves as the legal authorisation for the department to detain an individual until their next court appearance. Under no circumstances can a person be admitted without this document, as doing so would constitute illegal detention.

“While the department remains committed to rehabilitation through education and skills development, these programmes are specifically designed to equip offenders with the tools to reintegrate into society upon release - not as an alternative education system for the general public. Our initiatives operate within the confines of the law and adhere to established correctional procedures,” the DCS said.

Citizens are warned to verify information before sharing it with others.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing misleading content that may cause unnecessary confusion or alarm. The security of correctional facilities is a matter of national importance, and fabricating or trivializing security breaches is both irresponsible and unhelpful.’’

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man appears in court for alleged racial remarks

A 50-year-old man will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today.

Police arrested the suspect in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday after he posted a video on social media making racist remarks against black people.

 In the video, the man claims that black people want to harm white people in South Africa.

In the video, of more than three minutes long he accuses “black, African” people of committing gruesome acts of violence, urging white people to recognise the so called threat.

 He remarked that “one day these black African k****** that’s what they are, they’re nothing less that they’re going to go to your house and rape your wife in front of you, kill your daughter, son in front of your eyes, before they kill you”.

He also said that white people are their “own worst enemies”.

EFF leader, Julius Malema, and President Cyril Ramaphosa are also menetioned in the video.

EFF STATEMENT ON THE ARREST AND CHARGE OF A RACIST WHITE MAN WESSEL PRINSLOO FOR RIDICULING AND UTTERING RACIAL SLURS DIRECTED AT BLACK AFRICAN PEOPLE

21 FEBRUARY 2025 pic.twitter.com/WzkGVHkRWy

— EFF_Western Cape (@EFFWesternCape_) February 21, 2025

Police have condemned the remarks, emphasising the importance of responsible social media use. Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa warned that failure to do so could have serious legal consequences.

 Done by: Shaneca Cupido

WCED appeals not to speculate regarding demise of MPlain learner

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has appealed to the community not to speculate on the cause of death of a leaner from Mitchell’s Plain. It is reported that Niyaaz Smith died by suicide after allegedly being bullied by his peers at Spine Road High School.

COURTESY - Social Media: Niyaaz Smith

However, police confirmed to Bush Radio News that a post mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

‘’Lentegeur police responded to a complaint on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene in Allexis Preller in New Woodlands, they found the body of a 14-year-old male. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding this incident are now under investigation. A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Lentegeur police registered an inquest for further investigation,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The WCED said counselling has been provided for those affected.

''The WCED has been informed of the death of a Grade 9 learner. We are concerned about the various stories speculating what led to the incident. Various allegations are being put on social media - one such incident is that the learner is being bullied. the school however confirmed that there is no previous reports of bullying involving the learner at the school. It is not yet clear if any of the allegations on social media are related at all to the incident. The WCED is investigating but also ask that we do not speculate until such information is confirmed.''

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has expressed sadness towards the incident

‘’Words cannot fully convey the sadness of losing a young man in the prime of his life,  The passing of 14 year old Niyaaz Smith, a Grade 8 learner at Spine Road High School comes as a tremendous shock to family and friends. We will never know the pain and sorrow his family must feel at his untimely passing. We pray that Almighty God in His great mercy would draw close to them in this sorrowful time.’’

‘’Our prayers, condolences and sympathies are with his father Ebrahim and mother Miriam, his brothers, 17 year old Zaheir and 7 year Hakeen, their family, relatives and friends. Zaheir is a Matric learner at Spine Road High School. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the teachers, staff and learners of Spine Road High School and the broader community. The passing of Niyaaz is one death to many.’’

Christians says the cause and reason for the death of Niyaaz must be investigated so that it does not happen again. Death by suicide is a tragedy that can be averted and must be averted at all costs. He called on every role player in society; schools, SAPS, Western Cape Education Department, Social Development and others to join forces to prevent death by suicide.

Smith will be laid to rest on Friday, as per Muslim rites. 

Done By: Mitchum George