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.

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

Alleged gang leader gunned down in front of his house in Heideveld

An alleged gang leader has been gunned down in front of his house in Heideveld. It is understood the leader of the Westsiders was on his way to work this morning when he was shot.

‘’Manenberg police are investigating a murder following a shooting incident that led to the death of a 34 year old man. According to reports the victim was on his way to work and when he approached his motor vehicle a VW Polo pulled next to him and two males exited and fired several shots at him. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The suspects fled the scene in a VW Polo vehicle,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

There has been several deaths relating to alleged prominent gangsters in the metro. 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 (JFK) in Lavender Hill has been shot and killed outside the Brackenfell police station.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Former Houtbay basketball coach sentenced to life for murder of 12-year-old boy

The Western Cape High Court on Wednesday sentenced a former basketball coach from Houtbay, to life imprisonment for murder.

Marvin Minnaar was found guilty of the 2020 murder of 12-year-old Sibusiso Dakuse from Imizamo Yethu. The boy’s body was found a few days after he went missing.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Minnaar was the coach of the Hout Bay Snipers basketball team and coached the deceased. He stayed near the deceased’s home in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. Dakuse went missing on the afternoon of 26 February 2020. Witness statements showed that the deceased, who stayed with his grandmother, was last seen alive in the presence of the accused around 7 pm that day, 26 February 2020. The following day, his grandmother reported him missing at the Hout Bay Police Station. This led to a widespread search involving the police and the community, and the accused also helped to look for him, although he knew that he had kidnapped, raped, and killed him.

The accused and his stepfather even went to the deceased’s house to enquire whether he had been found. He confirmed that he did see and walk with the deceased but parted ways close to the Hout Bay Police Station. He kept his lie even to the deceased’s grieving father, who enquired about his son’s disappearance. Police found the deceased’s naked body lying face down in the reeds of a wetland off a horse trail two days after his disappearance. They arrested the accused later that day. CCTV footage showed the deceased desperately attempting to flee from the accused and him speedily chasing, catching, and dragging the boy back into the bushes. Medical evidence revealed that he had a contusion in the anal area, and his neck had ligature marks around it. The postmortem report revealed that he died of strangulation and that the rest of his body had multiple abrasions and a blunt-force injury to his left eye.

Minaar has been deemed a danger to society.

 ‘’The court sentenced Minnaar to 8 years direct imprisonment for kidnapping, life imprisonment for rape and life imprisonment for murder. It ordered his sentence for kidnapping to run concurrently with the two life sentences. It declared him unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children. It ordered his name to be recorded in the National Child Protection Register and the National Sexual Offenders Register,’’ said Eric Ntabazalila, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Western Cape.

‘’In her judgment, Judge Nziweni read a clinical psychologist’s report, Abbas, who was part of a panel constituted in terms of Section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to determine whether the accused was a dangerous criminal. The report showed that Minnaar was evasive when answering questions and did not provide any detailed explanation regarding his actions on the day of the offences. He reported to the clinical psychologist that he did not realise the extent to which he choked the deceased and that he felt rejected by the deceased. He has antisocial personality traits with a history of problems with authority figures, trouble with the law and violating social norms with no regard for the consequences thereof.’’

‘’He has the presence of psychopathic and anti-social personality disorder traits, which were contributing factors to his offending. The report concluded that the accused poses and may continue to pose a serious ongoing threat to victims of similar victimology. Most of his risk factors are static, and he is not open to change, he minimised the offences for which he was convicted and exhibited superficial remorse and a lack of empathy. He posed a danger to the physical well-being of other people. Although the court agreed with the panel that the accused was a dangerous criminal as per Section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, it declined to declare him as dangerous as doing so may lead to the court finding substantial and compelling circumstances that justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences. The court found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances which justify it deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences,’’ concluded Ntabazalila.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Budget Speech postponed until March 12

 

The 2025 Budget speech was postponed to 12 March 2025. The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana was expected to deliver the budget speech at 2PM at Parliament 19 February 2025.

 

Before delivering the Budget speech the Minister was set to meet with cabinet for their approval of the budget. Cabinet disapproved of the alleged 2% increase in VAT from 15% to 17% and a number of other factors. The disagreement among parties in the Government of National Unity were mainly about the increase in taxes.

 Godongwana stated in a media briefing that the Budget speech will be postponed to 12 March 2025 for further evaluation and changes that will be made because of cabinet’s disapproval.

 A number of ministers and party leaders criticised the Minister of finance’s choices. City of Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said the postponement is a victory for the poor.

 Due to the shock South Africans received about the possible 2% VAT increase the Rand weakened yesterday after the national budget.

 The currency traded at R18.56 against the US dollar it decreased to 0.9 percent from its previous close.

 This also caused the worst selloff in South African government bonds since December, with the 2052 dollar bond trading about one cent lower to 89.20 cents on the dollar.

 Although the scheduling of the 2025 budget was scheduled for release at 2PM on the 19th of February a postponement was needed to allow for further deliberations to take place on the budget by cabinet.

 Godongwana said “The cabinet is united in the view that the budget must strike a balance between the interests of the public, economic growth, and fiscal sustainability. Furthermore the budget is produced and presented before the National Assembly according to rules outlined in the Public Finance Management Act”.

 The Budget speech will take place on 12 March 2025.

 Done by: Shaneca Cupido

 

Classes resumes at Elsies River school, as tensions between gangs plague the community

An escalating wave of gang-related violence in Elsies River has disrupted schooling in the area.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Some parents at Matroos Holy Trinity R.C. Primary School decided to let their child/ren stay at home on Wednesday, following the ongoing gang shootings. It’s understood that on Tuesday, alleged gang members ran into the school premises while being chased by law enforcement officers.

‘’The incident was of course frightening for both learners and staff and the school was subsequently dismissed. The school is open today [Wednesday] but many parents decided to leave their child at home due to ongoing violence in the area,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, Western Cape education department spokesperson.

‘’While we are grateful that no learners or educators have been physically harmed, the fear and trauma faced at the schools and other schools in the community are distressing. We would like to thank the educators who were able to manage their classrooms during this very difficult period and our thoughts are with law enforcement as they try to resolve this matter and bring peace to this community,’’ she added.

Western Cape police confirmed to Bush radio news that the situation in Elsies River is volatile.

Messages doing the rounds on social media warned residents to avoid Eureka Estate, also known as “White City” and Clarke Estate.

“Elsies River police responded to a complaint on Monday 17 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene near Heathview court in Clarke Estate, they found the body of a 63-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. A 15-year-old boy who also sustained a gunshot wound was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unknown suspects who fled the scene are yet to be arrested”, said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done by: Mitchum George