Increase in SA's mid-festive road fatalities

There has been an increase in mid-festive road fatalities, compared to 2023. Five hundred and twelve people died on South Africa's roads so far compared to 499 in 2023.

Briefing the media on Thursday, on the N1 at Touwsriver, Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy gave an update on the mid-Festive Season preliminary road safety report.

COURTESY: X - @TrafficRTMC

The report also focused on the Festive Season road safety campaign that commenced on 1 December 2024 and initiatives and plans that seek to reduce the number of the crashes and fatalities during this period.

Creecy says motorists use mobile apps to avoid roadblocks on major routes, adding that the so-called back routes saw an increase in accidents

The transport minister says the number of arrests has increased by 677 from 2023 to 3 063 in 2024.

She raised concerns about the number of motorists being three sheets to the wind. According to preliminary figures, more than 900 were arrested for drunk driving

‘’We remain concerned about the high number of people who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and pedestrians who use roads recklessly. A total of 941 drivers were arrested for drunk driving while 230 were arrested for driving at excessive speeds. A total of 98 pedestrians were arrested for crossing the roads where it is not safe do to so,’’ said Creecy.

Despite efforts by traffic enforcement, the country has seen a significant increase in fatal road traffic crashes so far in the festive season.

A total of 439 fatal crashes have been recorded which is a 3.1 % increase when compared to 426 fatal crashes recorded in the same period last year.

‘’The majority of those who died were pedestrians (45.6%), followed by passengers (26.8%), drivers (26.7%) and cyclists (0.74%). Major crashes, where five fatalities were recorded from one incident, had a significant impact on the number of road deaths in this period. Four major crashes were recorded in the period under review with 30 fatalities.’’

Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo accounted for 70% of all fatalities in this period. Gauteng has the highest number of fatalities at 96 fatalities from 90 crashes, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 77 fatalities from 71 crashes, and the Western Cape with 74 fatalities from 61 crashes. The Eastern Cape and Limpopo both at 11%. The Northern Cape has the lowest number of fatalities with 4%

Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy says she met with all 9 MEC’s on Tuesday, and they have agreed to intensify efforts to safeguard those on the roads

Creecy noted that some provinces are experiencing difficulty in implementing the 24/7 shift system, and has instructed provincial authorities to implement a flexi-shift system to improve traffic officer visibility at all hours of the day.

She reminded everyone that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

‘’We should continue to remain on high alert until everyone has returned from holidays and for every single day that we spend on the road,’’ said Barbara Creecy, Transport Minister.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

''No need to panic'', says WCDoHW, following four cases of diphtheria in Cape Metro

Four laboratory-confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease has been confirmed by the Western Cape Health & Wellness Department.

In a statement, the department said one of these cases has sadly passed away.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with an infected person. Children without full immunisation and adults with waning immunity are at higher risk, especially in crowded conditions. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, chills, nausea, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

The Department says it is working closely with all partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), and the City of Cape Town in managing these cases.

It asked residents not to panic while efforts to control diphtheria cases are under way.

The department says that it is working closely with all partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), and the City of Cape Town in managing these cases.

The department has assured residents that it has stepped up efforts to screen people who have been exposed to the disease in the affected communities.

It is reported that over 300 people in the Philippi farmlands were tested for diphtheria after an elderly woman’s death in the Riemvasmaak informal settlement last week.

‘’Treatment is also being offered to those with symptoms consistent with the disease,’’ it said.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 14k children tagged at Cape Town beaches over the past long weekend, as part of Identikidz programme

More than 14 000 children were tagged at Cape Town beaches over the past long weekend, as part of the City of Cape Town’s Identikidz programme.

The Identikidz project allows children to be tagged on arrival at the beach, with a band containing their caregiver’s details. In the event that a child gets separated from their family, responders can use the contact information to reunite them.

COURTESY: CoCT

According to the municipality, Muizenberg was the busiest with 2 283 children tagged, followed by Strandfontein (2 021) and Strand (1 747). Identikidz, coordinated by the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department, tagged 14 396 children across 15 beaches, while eight lost children were reunited with their families.

During the last festive season more than 130 000 children were tagged, with 302 reunions.

 ‘’This is a positive start to the festive season as there were still many people on the beach for the long weekend. It is comforting to know parents and guardians make use of Identikidz. Over the next few weeks beaches will become busier and crowds will only get bigger so it is important for those visiting with small children to find the Identikidz registration desks and get their little ones tagged,’’ said Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

‘’Young children inevitably wander off or are confused by crowds and Identikidz provides an extra layer of protection for our most vulnerable bathers. I encourage adults to keep an eye on the children in their care and especially when they are in or near the water. We should all take beach safety seriously,’’ she added

Staff at the Identikidz registration desks will:

• With the permission of parents or caretakers, register children and issue them with an identification tag/wrist band

• Assist with the reunification of a lost or displaced child

• Work closely with the provincial Department of Social Development, the City’s enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service to ensure the safety and reunification of a lost or displaced child with their family.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Steenberg community attacks suspect

A 34-year-old man is in a holding cell at Steenberg police station, after he was arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and discharging of a firearm in a public place.

The incident, according to police spokesperson F.C van Wyk, follows a shooting incident on Tuesday morning at about 10:50 in Epston Close, Lavender Hill.

‘’Upon arrival of police members the suspect was assaulted by community members, and the members intervened. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment under police guard. He was discharged later and is currently in police custody,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk.

It is understood community members believed that the suspect recently shot and killed two teenagers in the area.

‘’No injuries or damages were reported to police. The members confiscated a Norinco pistol with three 9mm rounds and handed it in as exhibits. The suspect will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates court once charged,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

In an enquiry regarding the two teenagers, van Wyk said a 13-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have been killed in a suspected gang-related shooting.

“On their arrival, they found the bodies of a 13-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the head and a 17-year-old male with gunshot wounds to the head and both legs. The victims were declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.”

The motive is believed to be gang-related.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Construction has begun on a temporary structure to house Parliament

Construction has begun on a temporary structure to house Parliament, ahead of 2025 Opening of Parliament and State of The Nation Address (SONA).

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) officially handed over the site to the contractor in Cape Town for the interim dome on Tuesday.

The Dome will serve as the temporal home for Parliament for the next two years, whilst Parliament is being rebuilt following the fire that gutted it two years ago. The Dome will be set up at the Niewmeester Parking Site within the Parliamentary Precinct.

‘’The project of setting up the Dome is expected to take 24 days from today, which will be on time for the 2025 opening of Parliament and State of the Nation address. The project has the blessings of both the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, MP and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, MP. The erection of this structure is set to save the state a lot of money in terms of accommodating Parliament in the next two years,’’ said Sifiso Mdakane, DPWI Director-General.

COURTESY: X - @DepartmentPWI

Eight, 12m containers, carrying all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from the Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria to Cape Town, were handed over to commence construction. The DPWI says the project is being overseen by the Chief Professional Architect from the Prestige Unit of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and construction experts.

‘’The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will provide regular updates until the completion of this project and official handover to Parliament,’’ said Sifiso Mdakane, DPWI Director-General.

Done by: Mitchum George

KZN self-confessed killer takes his own life

WARNING: THIS BLOG DOES CONTAIN GRAPHIC DETAILS

 A man who had confessed to killing his girlfriend on a social media video that went viral was found hanging on a tree on Wednesday morning

KwaZulu-Natal police said they found the body of the 25-year-old woman on Tuesday evening.

‘’Police responded to reports of a murder on a gravel road at Malangeni area in Umzinto where the body of a 25-year-old woman was found lying in the middle of the road. Her bloodied body was found with several stab wounds and a broken knife was found next to her body,’’ said Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KZN police spokesperson.

‘’Reports indicate that the suspect fetched the woman, who was his girlfriend, from her home and it is suspected that the two had domestic related altercation which escalated to the murder. The suspect’s vehicle was found abandoned down the road from where the woman’s body was found, and blood on the front passenger seat suggested that the suspect killed the woman inside his vehicle,’’ he added.

KZN police confirm that this suspect who had confessed to killing a woman on Facebook, has been found hanging from a tree, not far from where he allegedly stabbed the woman to death. His body was found by members of SAPS who were combing the scene. pic.twitter.com/Uj18tLFZkW

— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) December 18, 2024

Netshuinda says a manhunt was launched which led to the discovery of the suspect’s body which was hanging on a tree, a short distance from where he killed the woman, in what is believed to be a suicide.

‘’Police are investigating a case of murder and an inquest docket will also be opened for further investigation.’’

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, condemned the incident.

“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in our society. Such acts of violence are a betrayal of our shared humanity and have no place in our nation. Furthermore, the use of social media to amplify such cruelty is utterly unacceptable and reflects a disregard for basic decency and the dignity of others. The act of this individual having taken his own life ends the immediate legal pursuit of justice, but it does not diminish the severity of his actions or the pain inflicted on the victim, the victim’s family, friends, and community, including his own family. Families and communities need to be very much alive and alert to issues of mental health of their members; any sign or suspicion of this disease must be reported to Social Workers and other authorities without any delay.’’

‘’We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim and reaffirm the government’s commitment to intensifying efforts to create a society where women and children can live free from fear,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Deadline for spaza shop registration extended

National Government has extended the date for spaza shop owners to register their businesses to avoid possible closure.

On 15 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa set a 21-day deadline for spaza shop registrations, which would have initially ended on Tuesday. The deadline was part of efforts to combat a surge in foodborne illnesses.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosi Hlabisa, addressed media on Wednesday on food safety and security in the country

‘’The government still needs to do more work to ensure that the sector is properly regulated and adheres to health regulations. The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses.  Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations.’’

‘’In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity,’’ he added.

PICTURE - X: COGTA Min. Velenkosi Hlabisa

Hlabisia says 42 915 applications nationally were received since 15 November and 17 December 2024. Of these, says Hlabisa, 19 386 applications were approved. There are 392 registration centres across South Africa.

National Government says it has decided, in consultation with the President Cyril ramaphosa, to extend the registration deadline for all Spaza Shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.

Hlabisa says prior to the revised deadline, government will continue, it says, to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country.

‘’Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses. For this process, Environmental Health Practitioners and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.’’

‘’Notwithstanding the holiday scaling down of operations, municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those who will be registering. We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline.’’

Hlabisa warned that a lot still needs to happen for those who have registered their businesses and others who still need to do so.

‘’We need to explain that we are dealing with two distinct processes. The 1st process is Business compliance where you need to register the Spaza shops or any food handling business. The second process is compliance with health regulations. This process does not depend on whether you are registered or not. If you don’t comply with the health regulations the business is closed down immediately. Hence 1041 spaza shops have already been closed.’’

‘’We are aware of some who have encountered obstacles not of their own making, preventing them from complying with the 21-day registration period. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken the time to register their businesses. This was an essential step in ensuring that these businesses uphold the dignity and protect the human lives of the public they serve from which they derive their livelihoods. We are, however, also aware that others have just stayed away and ignored the directive to register their businesses. We want to warn that people must register their businesses and subject these to health compliance inspections,’’ he added.

Government has called on civil society and business partners to help educate community on food safety.

‘’One of the most important initiatives we have undertaken is the rollout of a public education and awareness campaign aimed at children of school-going age, teachers, and their parents.’’

‘’It is important that we intensify this campaign, especially during this busy festive season and in preparation for the opening of schools in early January. The messages on food safety and the dangers of pesticides in domestic environments are quite critical in reducing the risk of infections and food contamination,’’ added Hlabisa.

Government says it has learnt valuable lessons in a short space of time, especially, it says, regarding the need for strengthened enforcement of regulation of spaza shops and other small food handling outlets.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Nearly 1 000 constables deployed to WC; ~R50k alcohol 'flushed'

The Western Cape has welcomed 940 newly appointed constables, as part of the 2 700 new police officers who recently graduated from different police colleges nationally.

The new appointments were well received by Western Cape Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, during a parade at 35 Squadron, Erica Drive, Belhar, on Tuesday.

COURTESY: SAPS

According to Patekile, these newly appointed constables will bolster Safer Festive Season Operations at malls, beaches and places where high volumes of people are expected to gather. They will be guided and mentored by experienced officers.

He also highlighted crime in general with the emphasis on violent crime which are rife and the theory they have learned, will be put to test in practice. Patekile reminded them that the Code of Conduct will be their ‘bible for their entire career’.

‘’Your deployment will bolster boots on the ground to live your calling to serve and protect, with pride and professionalism… Do not change the Blue uniform for an orange one.’’

Authorities also destroyed about R50 million’s worth of alcohol that was confiscated between April and November 2024, of which 71 333 litres were destroyed.

 

COURTESY: SAPS

Done by: Mitchum George

Young people encouraged to return library items without being fined

Young people up to the age of 17 are encouraged to return library items between 16 and 21 December without being fined.

The City of Cape Town is hosting its Fine Free Week and said there are 280 books outstanding for this age category, valued at more than R30 000.

‘’Our fine free weeks have shown good results in the past, and we are hoping for similar outcomes this time around. I encourage our young people to exploit this opportunity and return those books that they may have forgotten about, with no fines payable during the period. I also want to encourage learners to please return any study guides or materials that they used during the exams, so that we can start the new year with everything back where it belongs, and accessible to other patrons,’ said Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

ARCHIVE - Bush Radio's Mitchum George reading a children's book

At the same time, libraries will also launch the Eco-Warrior Reading Programme, which is a collaboration between the City’s libraries and Urban Waste Management Department, Nal’ibali and Read to Rise for children aged nine to 13. The programme, which aims to promote environmental awareness, encourage reading and foster a love for nature, while also addressing the so-called ’summer reading slump’, started on Tuesday and runs until 31 January 2025.

The Reading Programme will address climate change.

‘’The Eco-Warrior Reading Programme is a unique initiative that combines reading, environmental education and climate action. This programme will motivate young people to read and learn – reading also improves writing skills. We would like to encourage our young people to visit the nearest library and get involved, so that they can reap the benefits in the future,’’ Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Research shows that children can lose between two and three months of reading progress during the holiday periods, primarily due to the lack of engagement with books and other reading material.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Twenty-four people have lost their lives on Western Cape roads this past long weekend

Twenty-four people have lost their lives on Western Cape roads this past long weekend. This was revealed by the Western Cape Mobility Department. Between 13 and 16 December 2024, preliminary statistics reveal a staggering 22 crashes, resulting in 24 fatalities and numerous injuries. Of these, 7 pedestrians tragically lost their lives.

COURTESY: X - @IsaacSileku

Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, expressed ‘’grave concern’’ over the alarming number of road accidents and fatalities reported.

‘’While enforcement and road safety campaigns launched in late November have led to some improvement in compliance with traffic laws, the loss of lives remains unacceptably high. These tragedies not only leave families heartbroken but also have a lasting social and economic impact on our communities.’’

Sileku emphasised that the government’s efforts alone are not enough.

“We need every resident in the province to work with us in creating safer roads… most of these accidents are caused by human behaviour and could have been easily prevented.”

He says traffic visibility, combined with targeted safety education for road users and predictive technology, is key to reducing injuries and fatalities.

The weekend statistics are a sobering reminder for all road users, drivers and pedestrians, to work together for safer roads. Let’s commit to responsible driving, vigilance, and reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Every action counts. 🚗🚶🏼‍♂️#RoadSafety #DriveResponsibly pic.twitter.com/OzVKfHU6zt

— IsaacSileku (@IsaacSileku) December 17, 2024

Sileku provided tips to all road users to take greater responsibility:

·        Drivers should adhere to speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and ensure that they and their passengers wear seatbelts.

·        Pedestrians must use designated crossings and bridges, if not possible ensure that you use a crossing where you are visible, particularly at night

·        Parents and caregivers must ensure that children are transported safely using appropriate restraints at all times.

‘’As we approach the peak of the festive season, it is critical for all of us to reflect on how our choices impact others on the road. By prioritising safety, we can significantly reduce the number of preventable road deaths,’’ said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape mobility MEC.

“Let us all commit to practicing safer road-use behaviour. Together, we can create a culture of accountability and care that prioritises and protects the sanctity of human life. The Western Cape Government will continue its efforts to safeguard our roads. I urge every citizen to join us in this mission,” he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Accused Cape cop killer rearrested

An alleged cop killer will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Sive Sigobo (34) appeared briefly in the Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The Hawks alongside Cape Town Flying Squad and K9 Unit arrested Sigobo on Monday. The arrest follows after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Sigobo and Xolisa Lufutha stands accused of the June 2022 of Warrant-Officer Siyakubonga Mphakathi.

Mphakathi was shot and killed by unknown suspects in Philippi and his service pistol was robbed. Reports indicate that he was driving in his private vehicle when the suspects ambushed and killed him. Shortly after the murder, the pair was arrested but the case was struck off the court roll by the Western Cape High Court due to an administrative issue. Both accused were then released. Warrants of arrest were obtained for them to be re-arrested.

Lufutha was arrested during May 2024 and has since been released on bail. The matter was remanded to 11 February 2025 for trial in the Khayelitsha Priority Court.

The matter against Sigobo is postponed to 19 December 2024 for legal aid representative.

 

Done By: Mitchum George