Man's body discovered in Elsies River

Elsies River police are probing a murder after an 18-year-old man was shot and killed. The police said the discovery was made at a local primary school alongside Jan van Riebeek Drive, on Friday morning.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Western Cape police said circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are still under investigation and that the motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.

‘’Elsies River police are investigating a case of murder following the discovery of the body of a 18-year-old man this morning (Friday, 2025-01-17) at about 07:20  in the road at 35th Street, Elsies River,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’According to reports, Police members responded to a compliant of a person laying at the mentioned address. On their arrival they found the body of a man dressed in a black tracksuit pants and blue top with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The victim was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel,’’ he added.

Van Wyk says no arrests has been made as yet.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Duo in Manenberg gang shooting decides on bail

Iekraam Achilles and Brandon Jansen, the two accused in the shooting of a five-year-old boy in Manenberg, made their second appearance at the Athlone Magistrate's Court, on Friday morning.

It was a brief appearance, as they made their bail applications.

Achilles says he intends to apply for bail, however Jansen aboded his bail application. The court also heard that Jansen had previous convictions against him, including a charge in 2018 for illegal possession of drugs. He is expected back in court on 28 March 2025.

Meanwhile Jansen has a pending matter before the court for unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as a pending assault case. The court also heard he has a history of warrant of arrests. He is back in court next Friday.

Five-year-old Ameer Abrahams succumbed to injuries last Wednesday after he was shot and wounded in a shooting incident in Irvine Street, last Monday. Little Ameer was walking with his father towards a nearby tuckshop, when they were caught between crossfire hitting the boy in the head. Two other women were also injured.

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Crowd gathered outside court in protest for suspect to be denied bail

The suspects face charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and malicious injury to property.

Speaking to Bush Radio News, Ameer’s father, Roman Bezuidenhout, says he wants justice to be served

‘’Die justice system kan meer gedoen het want dit gaan heeltyd gaan postpone word, en almal weet klaar hulle het my kind se lewe geneem. Ek voel dat hulle moet meer streng wees oor hoe hulle dinge doen, want hier is ‘n familie wat sonder ‘n kind sit, ‘n community wat broken (sic) is, deur wat hulle gedoen het. Ek dink die justice system moet trap op hulle voete (sic) en doen wat hulle moet doen om ons te help in die situasie.’’

[The justice system must do more, as cases alwatys gets postponed. Everyone knows that the suspects took my childs life. I feel like there should be stringent measures on how the justice system works, as there is a family who has lost a child, a community that is broken, because owhat the suspects has done. I think the justice system should do more in helping better the situation]

Bezuidenhout says it was a difficult week for the family, as it would’ve been the beginning of ameer’s scholling career

‘’Dit was baie hartseer. Ons het sy klein broer skool toe gevat het, en geweet het dai moes my kind gewees het. Hulle (Die skool) het ‘n memorial service gehad en dai het my afgebreek. Net om te dink my kind sal nooit sy report of certificate huis toe bring nie. Hulle het die power in hul gehad om te skiet.

[It was heartbreaking. We took Ameer’s little brother to school, knowing that it should have been my child. The school held a memorial service and that just broke me. Just to think that my child will never come home and show his report or a certificate of achievement. They (the suspects) had the power to shoot.]

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Placard calling for Justice for Ameer Abrahams (5)

The Manenberg CPF has welcomed the postponement of a case, saying they will leave no stone unturned until justice is served

‘’The justice system keeps on failing us. We are by a point, where these kind of people (suspects) must not have choices anymore, where they decide if they want bail or not. Government must step up their efforts to say no bail. The cases must also stop dragging as the family has to suffer for many years and at the end of the day, they are still unhappy about the outcome,’’ said Vanessa Adriaanse, Manenberg CPF Deputy Chairperson.

 

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Manenberg CPF Deputy Chairperson, Vanessa Adriaanse addressing crowd outside court

Done by: Mitchum George

Deployed officers arrested a suspect for possession of drugs in Mitchell's Plain

 A 36-year suspect was arrested for the possession of drugs; the arrest comes after officers on horseback were deployed area of Mitchell’s Plain to combat crime activities.

The suspect appeared nervous upon seeing police presence conducting patrols and the officers were alarmed and started to approach him.

“He instantly turned and changed his direction to a nearby spaza shop. One of the members dismounted from his horse and followed the suspect who was blocked in and searched. During the search, the members found a yellow bag concealed under his clothes, which contained 40 mandrax tablets and 40 sachets of tik,” said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape Police spokesperson.

The suspect was arrested and put in police custody at Lentegeur police station, for the above-mentioned charges.

He is scheduled to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ court today.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Peter de Villiers joins MK Party

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a new political home.

De Villiers was officially welcomed to Jacob Zuma's UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party by its deputy president and parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, at a ceremony this week.

COURTESY: X - @MKWesternCape

He was removed from the GOOD Party in March 2024 after allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a post on X, the MK party said De Villers appointment marks a significant milestone for the party.

‘’This welcoming signifies a commitment to unity and empowerment within the party, as they strive to harness De Villiers's experience and leadership skills to further their goals of unifying the people of the province as a whole.’’

The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party Western Cape welcomes the decision by these astute and well experienced leaders as it could not have come at a better time. The onboarding of these progressive and politically experienced comrades will further strengthen the agenda of the Progressive… pic.twitter.com/OH8e1jIiH2

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Western Cape Official (@MKWesternCape) January 15, 2025

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man's body discovered at Delft taxi rank

Delft police are investigating a case of murder after they found the body of an unknown man with gunshot wounds to his body, on Thursday morning.

SUPPLIED

The police said the discovery was made at the Palm Taxi rank in Eindhoven, Delft.

‘’The circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are still under investigation. Police members responded to the crime where upon arrival they found the body of an unknown man with gunshot wounds sustained to his body. The victim was declared as deceased at the scene by the medical personnel. The motive behind this incident forms part of an ongoing investigation,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

No arrests has been made as yet. Anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Israel and Hamas reaches deal for ceasefire

Outgoing United States President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that after many months of intensive diplomacy by his country, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.

“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon. For now, I am thrilled that those who have been held hostage are being reunited with their families,” President Biden said in a statement.

It followed the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The ceasefire will come into effect on Sunday.

Meanwhile, South Africa has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the 15-month long war.

The South African Government is calling for a just and lasting peace that protects the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis, noting that the ceasefire is a crucial first step toward addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Last year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) described Israel’s action in Gaza as plausibly genocidal.

“The ceasefire must lay the basis for a just peace which should include  the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian state. Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld,” the statement read.

“It is imperative that no land is annexed in either Gaza or the West Bank following the ceasefire, and that illegal settlement expansion is halted,” says Chrispin Phiri, International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson.

South Africa has further emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a lasting solution.

“Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. All obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately and unconditionally, allowing civilians unrestricted access to essential food, water, shelter, and healthcare,” added Phiri.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Aspiring traffic officers in WC warned about scam

The Western Cape Mobility Department have warned individuals about a scam whereby one needs to pay fees to attend the provincial Gene Louw Traffic Training College.

“The unscrupulous scammers, operating via social media, falsely claim to represent the college and request payments of R150 for registration forms and a further R3 000 for enrolment,”  said Isaac Sileku, Mobility MEC.
He said that in late 2024 and early 2025, several individuals arrived at the college, believing they had secured training opportunities, only to discover they had been deceived.

COURTESY: WC Mobility Dept.

A case of fraud has been opened and the department is actively working with law enforcement agencies.

“Gene Louw Traffic Training College emphatically states that no payments are required to secure admission, and it will not communicate through social media platforms on recruitment or training opportunities. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and recognise that any such request is a scam.”

COURTESY: WC Mobility Dept.

The department said there are no specific timelines for these advertisements and that prospective applicants should regularly monitor official channels.

“It is deeply concerning that scammers are preying on the hopes and ambitions of those seeking to serve our communities as traffic officers. The department will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our law-abiding residents and maintain the trustworthiness of our recruitment processes.  I urge everyone to remain cautious and report suspicious activities immediately,” Sileku explained. 

The Head of the Gene Louw Traffic College, Jacqueline Tweedie, said they were disheartened by these fraudulent activities that exploit the aspirations of prospective traffic officers. 

“This institution is committed to providing transparent and fair training opportunities to all qualified candidates. We remind everyone that admission to the college does not require any form of payment. Please verify all information through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams,” Tweedie added.


What to do if you are approached:

•    Do not make any payments or share personal information with individuals claiming to represent the Traffic Training College via social media or unofficial platforms.
•    Verify information directly through the Western Cape Government website.
•     Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Gang-related shooting claims one and injured another in Leonsdale

Elsies River police are investing a case of murder and attempted murder, following a shooting incident in Leonsdale on Wednesday morning.

PICTURE: Pixabay

In a statement, provincial police said officers were busy with stop and search operations and visiting schools, when a shooting erupted in 15th Avenue and Boater Close at about 08:15, claiming the life of a 21-year-old man and injuring a 34-year-old woman.

‘’During the shooting one male was fatally wounded and fell inside a house in Keerboom Close. The deceased had multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.  He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. A woman on the same premises was shot in the left hip.  She was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment by ambulance,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Van Wyk said the motive is believed to be gang related, and that no arrest has been made as yet.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done by: Mitchum George

WCED says it is doing all it can to save teacher posts, as political parties slams job cuts

Political parties in the Western Cape have slammed the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for cutting more than 2 400 teacher posts due to budget constraints.

According to the GOOD Party, learners from schools in less privileged areas continue to struggle due to the lack of resources.

 ‘’This glaring failure to ensure access to education raises serious questions about the department’s preparedness and priorities. The looming teacher cuts only threaten the ‘maturing’ education system further. Overcrowded classrooms, overstretched teachers, and a lack of individual attention will inevitably lead to vulnerable children slipping through the cracks,’’ said Brett Herron, Good Party’s Secretary General.

‘’The WCED’s decision to slash teaching posts in the face of mounting challenges is not just shortsighted; it’s a recipe for disaster. Meanwhile, the WCED’s budget remains an enigma… The handling of funds is murky at best and deliberately misleading at worst. The GOOD party demands answers and immediate action. The WCED must halt teacher cuts and prioritise placement. The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore,’’ he added.

The Economic Freedom fighters (EFF) in the Western Cape has called on the WCED to halt the planned teacher layoffs.

‘’The layoff of over 2000 teachers exacerbates the already severe teacher shortages, leading to increased instability and low morale among the teachers. These cuts have a direct negative impact on the learner-teacher ratio and the quality of education. The financial austerity measures, which disproportionately affect the poorest communities, continue to undermine our children’s futures,’’ said Unathi Ntame, EFF Western Cape chairperson.

Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teacher Union (SADTU) is planning a major protest in February. The union held an education stakeholders meeting at its offices in Belville South on Tuesday to discuss the provincial budget cuts

‘’Look at the schools where the cuts are happening. You will find that the schools are most affected are the poor and working class schools. We will challenge this. The Das action in the Western Cape and the national minister for not doing the proper oversight,’’ said Khalid Sayed, ANC Western Cape spokesperson and Shadow MEC for Education.

The WCED says it is doing all it can to save teacher posts.

‘’I said that we would fight for our teachers, and we continue to do so. Through further budget reprioritisation, we are in a position to make up to 477 new growth posts available to schools with a significant increase in learner numbers in 2025, and provide staff for the new schools we have completed,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape education MEC.

‘’Our Head of Department has sent a letter to schools in this regard, the allocation of these posts will be based on the data provided by our 10th day SNAP survey, which confirms the number of new learners that have arrived to take up the places that they have been offered in our schools. While this decision will have further implications for our budget deficit, it is crucial that our new and existing schools have the resources they need to accommodate additional learners in 2025,’’ he added.

The National Coloured Congress (NCC) says it is 'angered and shocked' by the job cuts.

''Education is a basic human right, and as NCC we demand the MEC of education to treat it as such,'' said Duwayne Jacobs, NCC Western Cape Provincial Chairperson

 

Done by: Mitchum George

More than 2 400 learners unplaced in WC as 2025 academic year gets underway

It was mixed emotions for both parents and children on Wednesday morning as the first day of the 2025 academic year got underway.

Over 1.2 million learners at Western Cape public schools will start their new school year, with 107 000 Grade 1s entering “big school” for the first time, and 100 000 Grade 8s starting their high school career. However, as of 14 January 2025, 2 478, or 2%, of Grade 1 and 8 learners, are unplaced for a school in the province. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says what is putting more strain on the provincial education system is receiving extremely late applications.

‘’Since the start of the year, new extremely late applications have been received for over 300 Grade 1 and 8 learners for the current school year. We have allocated places for 118 914, or 98%, of the learners for whom applications were received for Grade 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year by 31 December 2024,’’ said David Maynier, Education MEC.

‘’We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible,’’ he added.

Parents/Guardians who has not yet applied for the 2025 school year are urged to do so at their education district office.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Intra-taxi association conflict in Nyanga claims a life and leaves seven injured

Investigations are ongoing in a shooting incident that claimed the life of a taxi security guard and leaving seven others injured on Tuesday morning in what is believed to be intra-taxi association conflict in Nyanga.

PICTURE: Arrive Alive

Western Cape police have also confiscated 13 rifles and seven hand guns. Police spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, says nineteen security guards are currently being questioned as part of the investigation.

‘’Police reports indicate that a team comprising police intelligence operatives, National Intervention Unit, K-9, the drone unit and the provincial combat team were busy monitoring movements in close proximity of the Nyanga taxi rank when shots were exchanged between the warring parties. As a result of the deployment, further shooting was averted,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Meanwhile, additional officers has been deployed to the area for possible flare-ups

‘’The investigation is currently in the hands of the provincial taxi task team. Engagement with PSIRA is ongoing in efforts to determine the legality of the firearms and the security companies they work for,’’ said Potelwa.

Done by: Elona Sibunzi