Another bloodshed weekend across the Cape

It’s been another bloodshed weekend across the Cape.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police are investigating a murder which claimed the life of a 46-year-old man who is wheelchair-bound in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain on Saturday. Then, an 18-year-old man boy was shot in Lentegeur, on Sunday night.

‘’ Lentegeur police are investigating an attempted murder case following a shooting incident on Sunday at around 20:50 in Blokombos Street, Lentegeur… According to reports police members attended to the crime scene where upon arrival they were informed by the community members that the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unknown suspect/s who fled the scene are yet to be arrested,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Grassy park police are also investigating a triple murder that occurred in Parkwood on Sunday night.

Western Cape police said the trio aged between 30 and 40, were sitting outside a house when unknown suspects opened fire on them from a white vehicle.

‘’The victims were sitting outside a residence in Kiewiet Way, Parkwood, at approximately 19:50 when unknown suspects opened fire on them from a white vehicle. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting. A fourth victim, aged 24, sustained injuries but declined medical assistance from emergency services at the scene,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.

Police are investigating a murder after a 25-year-old woman was shot and killed near the Mfuleni police station, on Monday afternoon. Police said the motive behind the attack, which occurred in Bentley Road, Blue Downs, is being probed

‘’at about 12:10… Police members responded to a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival on the scene they found the victim inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds to her body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation and arrests are yet to be made,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Anyone with any information about the shooting incidents is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Sixteen people displaced after fire broke out at Cissie Gool House

Sixteen people were left displaced after a fire broke out at the Old Woodstock Hospital, also known as the Cissie Gool House, in the early hours of Monday.

PHOTO: Shaneca Cupido

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service said they received the call just after 3a.m of a building alight at the building situated in Mountain road.

‘’ The Fire and Rescue Service received the emergency call at 03:35 of a building alight in Mountain Road, Woodstock on Monday the 19th of May 2025. Fire crews from  Roeland Street, Sea Point, Salt River and Milnerton Fire Stations attended to the scene,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

‘’Fire crews had to use the aerial resource as the fire burnt through the roof. The first floor was severely affected and a total of 16 people were displaced. The heroic efforts of the staff ensured that no one was injured and that the fire was quickly contained to minimize further damage to the structure,’’ he added.

Carelse said firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze at 07:00 and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. He added that a Building Inspector has been requested to ascertain if the structural integrity has been compromised.

The City's Fire & Rescue Serivesaid they received the call of a building alight after 3a.m pic.twitter.com/E5QcZUfJvQ

— Bushradionews (@Bushradionews) May 19, 2025

Bush Radio News visited the site and spoke to house leader, Fagmieda Ling, who explained that she was woken up by sirens.

‘’This morning, we were woken up by sirens and a call from the building managers that a certain section of our occupation is on fire. That's at 4 o'clock this morning. I jumped out of my bed and I just went around and knocked on everybody's doors to just get up because according to the building managers, it was quite huge and when I came closer to the place where the fire was, it was indeed huge. The fire was already through the roof.’’

‘’We don't know how the fire started, we know where it started and it happened in a corner. A child was woken up, apparently by the smoke and then  she jumped up and she too ran to a neighbor's house and alerted them that the room was on fire. She too could not give any explanation as to how the fire started and when the actual fire started. Everybody was up and ran around to see what they could do to assist the families that was already affected because the fire swept through the rooftops,’’ added Ling.

Ling said that sixteen people were affected.

‘’Eight or ten of these families were heavily affected, as their place was totally burned down. The others that were affected were water drenched, the belongings were soaked in water, because some had concrete roofs and the others had wood structures above them.’’

Housing advocacy groups, Ndifuna Ukwazi and Reclaim The City, has appealed for donations of blankets; mattresses; pillows; Toiletries like soap, toothpaste, washcloths; Gas and raw food for cooking.

Reclaim the City said it has set up emergency accommodation in their communal halls.

For more information contact Denver Arendse on 067 150 7143 or Elaine Diedericks on 079 728 6513. Goods can also be dropped at Cissie Gool House, Gate 1, situated on 1 Mountain Road, Woodstock

Done By: Shaneca Cupido

Gwede Mantashe appointed Acting President as Ramaphosa & Mashatile on working visits

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has been designated as the Acting President until 22 May.

PICTURE: X - @GwedeMantashe1

This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to arrive in the United States of America (USA) on Monday as part of a working visit. Ramaphosa is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Presidency said that both Presidents are expected to discuss trade and bilateral relations, amongst others.

Recently, at least 49 Afrikaaner South Africans left the country for the USA under the guise that they are seeking refuge from a “genocide” in South Africa.

The South African government has repeatedly said it will continue engaging with the USA following President Trump’s move earlier this year to halt future funding to South Africa as his administration investigates allegations of “land confiscation” - following President Ramaphosa’s assent of the Expropriation Act.

Government held firm on this stance even as then South African ambassador to the USA Ebrahim Rasool was expelled and a new 30% tariff was imposed on South African exports albeit, the new tariff was paused for 90 days.

“The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and a shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement last week.

🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa is leaving for the United States of America where he is embarking on a working visit from 19- 22 May 2025.

The President will meet President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington DC to discuss bilateral, regional and global… pic.twitter.com/GhWJnCmaxr

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has on Monday arrived in Paris, France, for a working visit aimed at reinforcing South Africa’s historic and warm bilateral relations with that country. During the working visit, the two countries will be expanding on existing cooperation projects as well as identify new areas of cooperation with specific focus on trade and investment.

The Deputy President’s visit follows a recent visit by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, last week to co-chair the 9th Session of the Forum for Political Dialogue (FPD) where the status of bilateral political relations between the two countries was discussed, including matters of mutual interest relating to international developments.

“Deputy President Mashatile will participate in the SA-France Investment Conference, where South Africa will intensify cooperation in the fields of infrastructure development; science, technology and innovation; education and skills development as well as improve the already strong people-to-people links between the two countries and increase the flow of tourism to South Africa from France,” said the Presidency in a statement.

As part of his programme, Mashatile will pay a courtesy call on President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron; meet with captains of different industries and conduct site visits to the Suez Global Waste Management Company and Dassault Systèmes.

The Deputy President is accompanied by Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi; Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy; Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie; Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille; Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela; Deputy Minister Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man shot dead in Mitchells Plain

The circumstances surrounding the death of a 46-year-old man in still under inhvestigation following a shooting incident in at the corner of Stag and Klipspringer Roads Eastridge, Mitchells Plain.

Mitchells Plain police attended to a shooting incident on Saturday afternoon where a 46 year old man was shot and fatally wounded.

The deceased were shot multiple times to the head and body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

“The motive is believed to be gang related. A murder case was registered for investigation.

The unknown suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.” police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.

Anyone with information isurged to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

 

 

 

City of Cape Town records increase in rodent complaints

The City of Cape Town says it recorded an increase in rodent complaints in a period of nine months. The City said it serviced 44 121 block baiting stations and attended to 4 743 - a 31% increase compared to the previous year.

During the same period between July 2024 and March 2025, the previous year, Environmental Health received 3 616 complaints about rodent activity and serviced 63 997 baiting stations.

PICTURE: City of Cape Town

The biggest increase in complaints are from the Khayelitsha area, and is directly linked to a special health education programme encouraging residents to log service requests instead of using illegal pesticides.

‘’By law, it is the responsibility of property owners and businesses to keep their premises rodent free and in a clean and hygienic state. An effective rodent control programme is a necessary public health measure, aimed at protecting residents from contracting diseases associated with rodents,’’ said the City.

During April and May, City Health staff increase baiting points, as rodents become more active ahead of winter and start moving indoors for shelter.

‘’Rodents are vectors of a wide variety of diseases and by controlling these vermin, we are protecting public health, maintaining quality of life and preserving property. They can also contaminate food and water supplies, which is why rodent control is in the interest of everyone. Practitioners provide rodent control services in all areas, but it goes hand in hand with education and awareness around the factors which contribute to an increase in rodents, such as waste management and illegal dumping,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

The top five areas with the most rodent complaints are Khayelitsha, Langa, Cross Roads, Parklands and Westridge.

The City appealed to residents to do their part to deter rodents, by: storing food in secure containers; Clean food preparation areas immediately after use; Make sure rubbish bins are securely closed; Do not dump waste illegally; Do not leave uneaten pet food out; and Seal cracks or holes in walls, floors and under doors

 

Done by: Bush Radio News

Help prevent sewer bloackgae, urge City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is urging Somerset West residents to help prevent sewer blockages. According to the municipality, kitchen fats and oils, sanitary products, rags and construction rubble illegally dumped in manholes are the highest contributors to sewer overflows in this area.

It said between July 2024 and March 2025, 280 sewer blockages were reported in Somerset West – significantly more than the 175 logged during the entire previous financial year.

COURTESY: City of Cape Town

Blockages caused by foreign items (including building material, sanitary products, and even nappies), have more than doubled. Sand and tree roots found in the sewer system are significantly higher; while blockages due to fats, oils and grease have increased more than fourfold.

The Westridge area accounts for 26% of the 280 sewer blockages logged in Somerset West. There were 73 incidents, of which 24 related to foreign objects and 33 to roots.

The Somerset West Business Park recorded nine incidents, eight of which were caused by foreign objects.

‘’Residents and businesses are primary roleplayers in keeping Cape Town’s sewers clear of foreign objects that when disposed of incorrectly, blocks pipes. Blockages result in sewer overflows on to our streets or in the environment, compromising hygiene and living conditions for communities, especially during winter,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

‘’While these numbers for Somerset West may seem like just statistics, each blockage poses health and environmental risks which can be mitigated by a change in habits and awareness of how to responsibly dispose of waste,’’ he added.

During winter, increased rainfall typically leads to higher volumes of stormwater entering the sewer network, especially in areas where illegal stormwater connections exist or infrastructure is vulnerable. This can overload the system and worsen the impact of blockages, leading to more frequent overflows into public spaces and natural water sources.

‘’Proactive action by residents, supported by the City, is essential to help reduce the risks ahead of the rainy season and to protect the health and safety of our communities,’’ said Badroodien.

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Six car brands recalled

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a sweeping recall of several vehicle models in South Africa, mostly due to safety defects.

The affected brands include Jeep, Chrysler, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Volvo, with issues ranging from defective airbags to faulty batteries and braking systems.

PICTURE: VW South Africa

Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd has recalled Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300c models produced between 2014 and 2016 due to faulty Takata airbags.

"The passenger airbag inflator may rupture during normal airbag deployment events due to excessive internal pressure. In the event of a rupture, metal fragments could strike vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death,’’ said Stellantis in its statement.

Due to similar airbag risks, Stellantis also recalled the Citroën C4, DS4, and DS5 models manufactured from 2009 to 2016.

"There is a potential for metal fragments to detach and strike occupants when the airbag deploys with excessive force. This could lead to severe injuries or fatalities,’’ said NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is recalling CLA (118 platform) and S-Class (model series 223) vehicles. The problem lies with brake hoses on both the rear and front axles.

"In the CLA, rear axle brake hoses may not meet specifications, leading to chafing and leaks over time. In the S-Class, hoses may begin to leak in hot, humid environments. In both cases, this compromises braking performance, the company explained.

The affected S-Class vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2023.

Audi South Africa is recalling 46 units of the Audi e-tron GT electric vehicle, manufactured from 27 October 2021.

"There is a serious safety risk stemming from irregularities in some cell modules of the high-voltage battery. The battery may overheat and pose an acute fire hazard. This could result in severe or fatal injuries and significant property damage,’’ said Audi.

Volkswagen of South Africa has recalled 905 VW Polo Sedans sold from 2 April 2025. The rear seatbelt latch plates were produced with insufficient hardness.

"There may be a reduced protective effect during a crash, this increases the risk of injury for passengers."

Volvo Car South Africa is recalling 27 XC90 vehicles (model years 2020–2022) due to battery cell overheating when fully charged.

"The risk, in worst-case scenarios, is a thermal event essentially a fire hazard," said the manufacturer.

Acting NCC Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, said vehicle owners must not delay taking action.

"We urge all consumers in possession of the affected vehicles to contact their nearest authorised dealership immediately, these defects are not minor — they present life-threatening risks. Consumer safety is non-negotiable."

She added that all repairs or part replacements will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.

"Consumers unsure whether their vehicle is affected can check with their brand’s customer service or visit an authorised dealership. This is a clear reminder of why product recalls matter; the cost of ignoring them could be far greater than just a trip to the dealership."

 

Done by: Bush Radio News

Parolee who allegedly raped Hanover Park girl to remain behind bars

The Correctional Services Department has expressed concern regarding the arrest of a parolee in connection with the alleged rape and kidnaping of a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park.

Igshaan Williams (51) appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of rape, human trafficking, abduction and sexual assault. The state alleges that he lured the child to his home by sending her to buy milk on Tuesday. When she returned, he apparently gave her a sandwich to eat which purportedly made her drowsy, and she then fell asleep, by which the accused allegedly raped her

PICTURE: Pixabay

The Department confirmed that the suspect is a parolee.

’’The individual appeared in court under the name Igshaan Williams. However, DCS records identify him as Isaac Booi. Community Corrections officials have since verified his identity and confirmed that he is indeed a parolee currently under the supervision of the Cape Town Community Corrections office.’’

‘’Booi was originally sentenced on 13 March 2008 to 25 years’ imprisonment for rape and indecent assault. After serving the minimum required portion of his sentence at Voorberg Correctional Centre, he was placed on parole on 26 November 2024 His parole period was scheduled to run until 22 May 2044,’’

Nxumalo said following his court appearance on Friday, the Department will initiate the parole revocation process

‘’This process will be concluded within the prescribed 14-day period, in line with DCS internal procedures. The Department has launched an internal investigation to review and assess the effectiveness of monitoring measures applied during his parole period.

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald is facing a huge task as ghe confirmed that more than 3,000 parolees had been rearrested between April 2024 and March 2025. Groenewald was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.

Civil rights organisations, Action Society, wants the National Register for Sexual Offenders to be made public.

“The community was outraged when they heard what happened to this girl and we will stand by them. We have a serious problem in this country with parolees being released back into communities only to victimise more women and children. Furthermore, we at Action Society firmly believe that situations like this can be prevented in the future if we make the National Register for Sexual Offenders public – if we know the people living in our midst we can be more vigilant and protect our loved ones,” said Kaylynn Palm, Action Society spokesperson.

The case has been postponed to 23 May 2025 for the suspect to appoint a legal representative, and has been remanded in custody.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man granted bail after allegedly pranking colleague into drinking acid

The case against a 53-year-old man who allegedly pranked a minor into consuming acid at Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery in Mitchell’s Plain, has been granted bail

Nuruddin Tembe, who is charged with attempted murder, was granted bail of R1 000 on Thursday at the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate's Court, after he was arrested on Tuesday

Bush Radio News previously reported that the 17 year old victim, and employee at the butchery situated in Woodlands, Fayaad Norton, was pranked into drinking a liquid from a cool drink bottle which contained acid. Norton was admitted to hospital.

‘’ Lentegeur police are investigating an attempted murder case following an incident on Sunday 11 May 2025 at about 12:20 at a butchery in Mitchells Plain… He got cramps and vomited where after he was admitted to a medical facility to receive medical treatment. The case was reported by a family member the next day,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson, upon enquiry.

In a statement, Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery confirmed that investigations are underway.

‘’We want to make it clear that we remain respectful, while being focused on maintaining a safe working environment for all our staff and customers We trust that the legal process will determine the facts and outcome of the incident in due course We are further conducting an international investigation while fully cooperating with the South African Police Service’’

According to Tembe’s bail conditions, he must stay away from Woodlands. Tembe’s legal representative, attorney Asghar Mia, said that they are willing to work with the police to try and get the matter resolved.

The matter resumes on 12 August 2025.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man charged for alleged rape of Hanover Park girl to appear in court

Police confirmed that the man who allegedly raped a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park will appear in court on Friday.

COURTESY: Action Society

The SAPS initially said the 51-year-old suspect will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

It is understood the State did not have any information of the appearance as the suspects name was not on the court role.

Police did not rule out of additional charges that could be added.

The Hanover Parks CPF’s Khasiefa Mohammed spoke to Bush Radio News about the matter

‘’The perpetrator recently was released on parole after 25 years in prison.  The perpetrator was not kept at Phillipi police station and was transferred to another police station for safety out of fear for the community who might retaliate.’’

‘’Police wanted to keep the suspect for 48 hours to see what the parole conditions stated, whether he should have been in Hanover Park or not, as her has a history [criminal record],’’ added Mohammed.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Golden Arrow Bus Driver Dies Behind The Wheel

A Golden Arrow bus driver died yesterday morning while driving after he fell ill behind the wheel of a bus causing him to crash into a pavement and hit a tree.

The incident took place in Brackenfell and no passengers were onboard as the driver was heading to the depot. When authorities arrived at the crime scene the 37-year-old bus driver had already passed away and was declared deceased on the scene.

Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, Public Relations Manager for the Golden Arrow Bus Services confirmed the incident and said the driver died while on his way back to the depot. Dyke-Beyer says “Golden Arrow can confirm an incident which occurred at approximately 7.30am on Wednesday morning on Brackenfell Boulevard. According to all information available to us at this stage, one of our bus drivers was en route back to the depot, in an empty bus, when he suffered a sudden medical condition which caused him to leave the road and collide with a tree. Medical personnel were unable to revive him, and he sadly passed away at the scene”.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that Brackenfell police registered an inquest following an accident on Wednesday morning at about 07:30. Van Wyk says “According to reports a Golden Arrow Bus was on the way from Vredekloof down Boulevard Road with no passengers inside the bus when the driver lost control and drove into the pavement on the left hand side. When assistance arrived the 37-year-old driver was declared deceased on the scene”.

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Done by Shaneca Cupido