R30 000 reward for information leading to Grabouw school principal’s murder

A R30 000 reward has been offered for any information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects who murdered aschool principal in the Overberg, in the Western Cape, earlier this month.

Zameka Mfubesi, 46, was gunned down in Grabouw while driving along the N2 highway about 2 p.m on 18 September 2020. Mfubesi was the principal of Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw. The motive for the murder is unknown at this stage.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), provincial police and the family of the victim, Western Cape Education MEC, Debbie Schäfer, said her department have agreed to contribute R20 000 to the reward, while Ms Mfubesi’s family is contributing the remaining R10 000.

“Ms Mfubesi’s death came as a great shock and is a profound loss to her family, school community and the WCED, and members of the public are urged to come forward to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. All information provided and received will be treated confidentially,” Schäfer said.

She also noted the reward will be paid for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the suspects and will be shared if more than one person furnishes the authorities with information.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape Community Safety MEC condemns policing inefficiencies

The Western Cape’s MEC of Community Safety, Albert Fritz has written to the office of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman noting reported incidents of police inefficiencies that occurred in May 2020, where a senior police officer allegedly threatened an elderly woman, a pregnant woman and several Muizenberg residents.

It was further reported in April 2020, that a Lavender Hill mother was left bruised and humiliated after Steenberg police officers allegedly arrested, physically assaulted and spat in her face when she went to seek help at the police station.

MEC Fritz said, “On 11 May 2020, I wrote to the WCPO, Mr J.J. Brand, regarding the numerous complaints of police inefficiencies reported during the lockdown period at Muizenberg and Steenberg SAPS and requested an investigation into these allegations in terms of section 17 of the Western Cape Community Safety Act (the Act).”

“Of course, reports of police inefficiencies are not limited to Muizenberg or Steenberg SAPS alone and there are in fact reported cases of police inefficiencies from across the province. I call on residents who experience such to immediately come forward and report it to the office of the WCPO. It is unacceptable that certain members of SAPS should act so aggressively towards the residents that they are duty-bound to serve. Now I must add that by and large, we can be proud of our police officers who serve us and make us safer in a tireless and dedicated manner. We are concerned about a few instances in which this is not the case, and each instance deserves our attention,’’ Fritz added

The Community Safety MEC welcomed the WCPO’s investigation into allegations of unacceptable behaviour by members of Muizenberg police and calls on members of the public who experience such to come forward and report it to the WCPO.

“I wish to commend the WCPO, Mr Brand, and his office on their investigation into the reports of police inefficiencies at Steenberg and Muizenberg SAPS. As a province, we are fortunate to have invaluable resource which guides us in conducting investigations into reports of police inefficiencies and barriers in community and police relations.”

 

Done By: Tyler Layman

Second tremor hits Cape Town

A second tremor occurred in Cape Town on Sunday morning. The Council for Geoscience (CGS) said the earth tremor was felt at 09:12. ‘’The earthquake registered a preliminary 2.3 on the magnitude scale as recorded by the South African Seismograph Network.’’

In a statement, the CGS said that the epicentre of the tremor was located about 5-6 kilometres north of Durbanville, Cape Town.

According to the CGS, the difference between an earthquake and an earth tremor, lies in the magnitude of the event. Within the South African context, a seismic event with a magnitude lower than 4.0 is considered a tremor.

Some Capetonians experienced tremors on Saturday night, after a slight earthquake was felt in certain parts of the city. According to official US earthquake websites, the quake occurred at 7.10pm at a depth of about 10km and about 1600km offshore, on the South-west Indian Ridge.

In a statement, the Council for Geoscience confirmed the event, saying the earthquake occurred at around 20:40 last night. It said that the earthquake registered a preliminary 2.5 on the local magnitude scale as recorded by the South African Seismograph Network.

The statement further read that it is not the initial earthquake that occurred at 19:10 off the coast of South Africa. There were no tsunami warnings or reports of damage.

The Western Cape’s MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell says there is no need for panic.

 “We’re fortunate in the fact that the African continent is on a very stable tectonic plate. We do not have major fault lines. Specifically, Southern Africa is on a very stable fault line. This means our risk for earthquakes and tsunamis are very low. While there is always some seismic risk, we don’t believe there is a real threat for a mega earthquake of seven or more on the Richter scale in the Western Cape. While we can never rule it out completely, the science doesn’t support it. It also bears noting that a 7 on the Richter scale is considered to be 33 times stronger than a 6.”

The City of Cape Town has urged the public to report any potential impacts to their Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

 

City firefighter robbed at gunpoint

A City of Cape Town firefighter was threatened with a gun and robbed of a portable radio, whilst attending to a fire call in Khayelitsha on Friday night.

Lansdowne Road Fire crews were busy attending to an informal structure fire in Bangiso Street, in Victoria Mxgene, when the driver of the fire engine was approached by a man who pointed at him and robbed him of a portable radio.

The crew extinguished the fire and then made their way to the nearest police station to lay charges.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has condemned the incident.

“These deplorable actions are the work of cowards who show no consideration for their neighbours or the men and women who put their lives on the line fighting fires. These crimes cannot be tolerated’’

Smith urged residents to come forward with information on the perpetrators.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Four family members killed in Browns Farm

A manhunt is underway after four family members were killed and another was injured by unknown gunmen in Browns Farm, Cape Town on Thursday.

According to police, preliminary reports revealed that the gunmen forcefully entered a home in Makhosi Street and shot and killed three women aged 18, 30 and 69.

In a statement, the police’s Novela Potelwa said that an 11-year-old boy was also killed during the shooting. Potelwa said the injured person was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

"The SAPS' 72-hour activation plan is in place and resources have been mobilised to trace and apprehend the perpetrators of the shooting," she added.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation was urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape COVID-19 ICU admissions below 100

The number of people currently admitted to intensive care or high care units because of the coronavirus has dropped below 100. According to the Western Cape Government, 612 patients are in hospital with COVID-19, whereby 99 are in ICU or high care.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says this is very good news. ‘’An additional sign that all our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those most at risk of becoming seriously ill, are paying off.''

Winde wished those who are still in hospital, and those currently recovering, well on their journey to full health. The Western Cape Premier, has furthermore urged citizens to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others against the coronavirus.

South Africa has a total of 668 529 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, this after 1 480 new infections were recorded over the last 24-hours. The country also saw 29 more people succumbing to the virus. Of those, the Northern Cape recorded the most fatalities with 8, followed by the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng province each recording 5 fatalities each, the Western Cape saw 4 more people succumbing to the coronavirus, whilst 2 fatalities were recorded in Limpopo. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 16 312.

599 149 people recovered from the coronavirus in South Africa. This translates to a recovery rate of 89.6%.

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town dam levels over 98% full

Cape Town dam levels have increased by 2.2%, now at 98.2% full.

The Theewaterkloof dam’s levels, which supplies the City of Cape Town, have increased by 2.5%, from 95.6% to 98.1%.

The Berg Rivier’s & Streenbras Lower dams are all over 100% full. Levels. The Steenbras Upper dam is nearing full capacity at 99.4%. The Bulshoek Dam in the West Coast is the only dam increased by over 5%.

Water consumption for the week increase from last week’s 647 million litres to 666 million litres per day.

Water tariffsin the City of Cape Town are currently on level 1. No word, as yet, on when the water restrictions will be lifted.

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) National Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, says unlike the inland areas which are experiencing low water levels, the Western Cape Province have been blessed with good rains this season.

“We are however mindful that Western Cape receives mostly winter rainfall and we are almost drawing closer to the end of the hydrological cycle” says Ratau.

‘’There is an anticipated increase in water use by industry and other sectors as the COVID 19 risk-adjusted strategy has been lowered to alert level 1. This is mainly because the economy is opening further following hard lockdown,’’ Ratau added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

GABS bus torched in Mfuleni over the weekend

Yet another bus was torched over the weekend. This time in Mfuleni, bringing the total number of Golden Arrow Bus Services buses destroyed this year to nine. Each bus is said to run a cost of R2.4 million, bringing the total loss to the bus service at over R20 million.

GABS is also offering a R200 000 reward for anyone who can help police investigations, which includes video footage of perpetrators, which will lead to the arrest and conviction.

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape has condemned the spate of attacks on the Bus Services.

“We cannot allow the torching of buses to continue as it is a vital means of transport for residents to commute to and from work in the province. Through torching buses, vandals contribute to escalating service delivery costs and delays at the expense of residents, ‘’ says Daylin Mitchell, DA Western Cape Committee Spokesperson on Transport and Public works.

Mitchell says he will be sitting with various stakeholders on a way forward. ‘’As Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Transport and Public Works in the province, I will call a meeting with the provincial department, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Golden Arrow in order for residents to be provided with critical information on what is being done to end the attacks on buses and bring perpetrators to book.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SA records over 590 000 COVID-19 recoveries as country enters alert level 1 lockdown

South Africans woke up to the country being in alert level 1 of the nationwide lockdown. The easing of restrictions sees, amongst others, gatherings of no more than 50% of the normal capacity of a venue - that's up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings, and 500 people for outdoor gatherings; The maximum capacity at funerals has been increased to 100 people, whilst Night vigils are still prohibited; and you will have to be indoors between midnight & 4a.m, unless you have a permit.

Alcohol for home consumption can be sold from Monday to Friday between 9a.m and 5p.m. On-site consumption, meanwhile, will be allowed subject to adherence to the curfew.

Addressing the nation last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government will gradually ease restrictions on international travel for business and leisure from 1 October 2020. Ramaphosa reiterated on citizens to adhere to health protocols.

Monday sees South Africa being 179 days into lockdown, and the country saw 13 more Covid-19 fatalities over the last 24-hrs. Of those, 6 are from the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape & Gauteng province each recorded 3 fatalities, and only 1 fatality was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.

This takes South Africa’s Covid-19 death toll to 15 953.

1 555 new COVID-19 infections were recorded over the last 24-hrs, bringing the total confirmed cases to 661 211.

On an encouraging note, 590 071 people recovered from the coronavirus, which translates to a recovery rate of 89,2%.

Globally, South Africa has the eighth most Covid-19 infections in the world, behind the USA, Brazil, India, Russia. Peru, Columbia and Mexico.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

R1million reward offered for information on detective Charl Kinnear’s murder

Forensics for Justice, a non-profit organization, is offering a R1 million reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for arranging the murder of detective, Lieutenant Colonel Charl Kinnear.

Kinnear, who was attached to the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit, was gunned down in front of his house in Bishop Lavis on Friday.

Carlisle Kinnear, son of Charl Kinnear, recounted the events that unfolded seconds before his father’s fatal shooting.

“My last conversation with him was 30 seconds before he was shot. He phoned me to pull my car out of the driveway, he was standing there waiting for me.’’ Kinnear told the Weekend Argus

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde described Kinnear as an officer who was committed to keep the community safe. Winde called on Police Minister Bheki Cele and President Cyril Ramaphosa to employ more police to strengthen the service as an institution.

A memorial service will be held later this week.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase said that the murder of the police officer was still under investigation by a multi-disciplinary team led by the Hawks.

Done By: Mitchum George

Two suspects arrested after robbing a taxi driver and passenger in Elsies River.

Two suspects were arrested on Saturday night, shortly after they robbed a taxi driver and passenger in 35th Avenue in Elsies River.

The police’s Noloyiso Rwexana said the driver was driving in Halt Street when he stopped to pick up passengers. Three male passengers got into the taxi and when inside the taxi, one passenger pulled out a firearm and threatened the driver. The suspects then robbed the driver of cash and a passenger. They then alighted the taxi and ran away.

''The victims flagged a police van that was on patrol in the area and informed them of the armed robbery. Police followed up on the matter and one suspect was arrested in possession of a special revolver and the second suspect was arrested hiding in another yard,'' Rwexana added.

A victim, who asked not to be named, told Bush Radio News that one of the passengers alerted her that the suspects who boarded the taxi looked ''dodgy''. She then proceeded by hiding her valuables. The victims explained that a female passenger was smacked after she allegedly refused to hand over her belongings. ''The woman refused to give her bag, and they then snatched the bag from her. They also smacked the poor woman, who asked me to help her, but I was too afraid as to what they would do to me.''

Done By: Mitchum George

International FASD Awareness Day

Wednesday marks the 21st annual commemoration of International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day.

The World Health Organization reports that the prevalence of FASD in the world is projected to be 1,5%. South Africa has the highest reported FASD prevalence rates in the world, with rates as high as 28% in some communities. It is estimated that the country’s overall rate is at least 6%. According to the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), all children with FASD have some form of permanent brain damage, presenting as developmental delays, learning and behavioural problems. FASD is incurable.

To show support, the Western Cape’s Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, observed a minute’s silence at 09h08 for affected children and their families, thereafter rang a bell at 09h09. Annually, on the 9th day of the 9th month at 09:09, bells are rung across the world to raise awareness about FASD, and the irreversible damage to unborn children caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

Fernandez urged expected mothers to refrain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy: “I encourage all pregnant women to care for their unborn children by not drinking alcohol while pregnant. No amount of alcohol is safe. We all have a responsibility to support pregnant women, and encourage them to abstain from drinking alcohol throughout their pregnancies.’’

“It is critical that we acknowledge the harms caused by alcohol misuse, and that we support our family members, friends, and loved ones who may need help,” says MEC Fernandez.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien, says more needs to be done to prevent FASD

‘’The high prevalence rates of FASD must be ascribed to the lack of a comprehensive and multi-sectoral policy.’’

‘’ Appropriate prevention and management efforts continue to pose a challenge for policymakers and service providers. A sustained call for a co-ordinated effort for the prevention and management of FASD has been made by stakeholders,’’ says Badroodien

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town dam levels are 95.6% full

Dams across the Western Cape have seen good increases, thanks to a good winter rainfall season. The latest average dam level in the province is 75.3% full. This is nearly 10% higher than what it was last year (2019: 66.3%).

“It was wonderful to see in the past week how a few of the Clanwilliam dam sluices were opened to try to lower the dam’s water level which was above 102% full. Only a month or two ago the dam was less than 20% full,’’ says Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

Cape Town dam levels are standing at 95.6% (2019: 81.9%). This is an increase of 4.9% from the previous week. Water consumption for the same period increased by 21 million litres per day from an average of 633 million litres per day the previous week to 654 million litres per day.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, said this is ‘riveting’: ‘‘Seeing the dam levels draw nearer and nearer to the 100% mark is absolutely riveting. For everyone who grimly watched the weather forecasts on the edge of their seats through the winters of the past few years, reaching 95,6% today is remarkable.’’

Limberg said lowering of water tariffs depends on the increase in water consumption. According to the City of Cape Town, they have moved to reduced tariff levels to level 1. It says water tariffs was adjusted to align with projected volumes.

‘’As previously stated, a reduction in tariffs will be dependent on an increase in consumption. Currently, the City is selling approximately 30% less water than before the drought, but is facing additional costs that come with increasing our resilience. It is important that the City cover its costs to ensure that the maintenance and augmentation programmes can be carried out.  Should the amount of water we are selling significantly increase, this will be factored into the tariffs, but given the uncertain impact of climate change, it may not be wise to actively encourage such an approach at this stage.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Glass particles found in Liqui Fruit Red Grape 330ml cans

Pioneer Foods has informed the National Consumer Commission (NCC) that one of their products, Liqui Fruit Red Grape 330ml cans, to recall a batch of the product after receiving reports of small glass particles inside them.

In a statement, the company said that the investigation as to the root cause and extent of the issue is underway, but as a precautionary measure, the company is conducting a product recall.

Acting Consumer Commissioner Ms. Thezi Mabuza said: ‘’The information we have is that there are glass particles found in the product and this poses a health risk to consumers if consumed. We urge consumers who bought this product to stop consuming it immediately and return it back to the retailer of purchase for a full refund.’’

The description of the product in question is as follows:

 

•        Pioneer Foods Product Code: 27327

•        Outer case Barcode: 6001240225615

•        Shrink pack Barcode: 6001240225608

•        Single Unit Barcode: 6001240225592 – (printed on side of can)

•        With this specific date coding BB 01.04.2021 C TIME and BB 02.04.2021 C TIME

 

If the can is identified as being among this batch, you must return them to the retailer for a full refund.

Pioneer Foods has assured customers that all other products are safe to consume.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape Transport MEC warns of possible taxi ranks closure

Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela warned of a possible closure of taxi ranks and routes in the province, if the violence and shooting incidents persists.

Madikizela met with representatives from two groups, namely Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) ‘’to engage both sets of leaders on the current taxi related violence and murders that involve their members and affiliates.’’

The transport MEC claims taxi associations wants to vie for control over taxi routes and ranks throughout the Western Cape, including current ‘hotspots’ in Bellville, Mbekweni, Houtbay, Masiphumelele, Ceres and other areas.

In recent months, there has been a surge in violence linked to competition over routes.

According to the MEC, there were 56 taxi-related murders and 32 attempted murders since the start of the year.

‘’SAPS is making good progress with investigations into these cases and others with 106 arrests over the last 3 years and 54 cases currently on the Court rolls.’’

CATA and Codeta leaders expressed their concerns and complaints along with their own proposals towards the resolution of specific disputes. Madikizela said his department and the affiliates had a lot of similarities

‘’…from which I and my officials were able to extract a number of common threads that have been used to craft a set of resolutions that were sent to both parties and to affected municipalities for their inputs. The draft resolutions include a number of ‘non-negotiables’ which I tabled at the start of each of the two meetings.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

 

Police launches 72-hour activation plan after Malawian-National was shot & killed in George

A 23-year-old Malawian-National was shot and killed on Friday in Touwsranten near Wilderness, George. Misheck Jemitalla, who is a shop assistant at a spaza shop, succumbed to his injuries after a bullet hit him in the chest.

Police spokesperson, Michael Pojie said the suspects opened fire without any warning.

‘’Preliminary investigation reveals that the shop that is situated in Begonia Street, Touwsranten was still trading at about 19:40 when two suspects of which at least the one was armed with what seems to be a 9mm black pistol, entered the shop and closed the entrance door behind them. Both wore facial masks to cover their faces.’’

‘’The assailants robbed two customers of their cellphones before they fled towards the dense bushes on foot after taking a substantial amount of cash from the cash register.’’, Pojie added.

Police also confiscated three 9mm spent cartridges.

Police has opened a murder and business robbery case for further investigations.

The suspects were described to be in their late twenties, both of slender build and approximately 1.75 metres tall. Their faces were covered.

The Eden Cluster Commander, Major General Oswald Reddy and senior members visited the scene and immediately activated the 72-hour plan to bring the suspects to book. Reddy condemned the incident and appealed to the George community to be vigilant at all times and to come forward with information that can assist with the investigation.

‘’We appeal to anyone with information that can assist the investigation to please contact the investigation officer, Sergeant John Boezak at the George Detectives offices at 044 803 4764/14, 072 942 0042 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be dealt with confidentially.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

St. Helena residents march for #JusticeForLeo

Laingville residents is set to march on Saturday for justice for 9-year-old Leo Williams. Williams died last month after being hit in the head by a stray bullet as police clashed with demonstrators outside his home last month. The boy was watching TV when the bullet struck him.

The community will march under the banner #JusticeForLeo.

Western Cape Community Safety MEC, Albert Fritz, urged residents to refrain from any form of violence during Saturday's demonstration.

“I call for calm amidst reports of planned protest action in St Helena Bay. I urge residents to refrain from any protest action which is violent and/or causes damage to property as it is both illegal and criminal.”

“I again wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of young Leo Williams. No parent should have to bury their child. His death is a tragedy and has devastated the community as a whole.” 

Fritz said that he has previously written to the office of the Provincial Commissioner, requesting further clarity on this matter and welcomed the investigation by Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

“Going forward, I will closely monitor IPID’s recommendations into the investigation and liaise with the provincial Minister of Human Settlements on related service delivery complaints. I will further engage with a local community leader to update him on these interventions in efforts to bring restore calm to the community.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape Community Safety MEC hosts violence prevention workshop for youth

The Western Cape’s MEC of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, held an internal workshop on Monday focusing on its approach to violence prevention for youth. Fritz said that violence is a public health -, police and correctional services issue. Addressing violence requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.

The programme included a focus on conceptual design, looking at the Western Cape Safety Plan and the public health approach to violence prevention.

After the workshop, the MEC had a session on situational analysis on youth in the province, after the workshop which included an overview on the Department’s programmes and content mapping. The program was concluded with a session on building the framework.

MEC Fritz said: “The discussions were underpinned and guided by the Western Cape Safety Plan. The WC Safety Plan aims to halve the murder rate in the province over the next ten years through a combination of additional law enforcement and a range of violence prevention programmes. These programmes will particularly target the 11 priority areas where and when crime is most likely to take place.”

Fritz reflected on the day’s happenings: “We enjoyed robust and fruitful discussion yesterday (On Monday) which helped us to map out the impact of violence on youth, and how best we can prevent it. In particular, we discussed the impact of alcohol in propelling violence and related smart interventions that can be taken to address this. Going forward, the lens of public health will be critical in our approach to reducing and preventing the prevalence of violence in our province.”

PHOTO SUPPLIED

The death of an innocent

 On Thursday 27th August 2020, Nathaniel Julius - a down-syndrome 16 year-old teenager - was shot in Eldorado Park, Gauteng allegedly by a police officer. The young boys death sparked outrage in the community of Eldorado Park, with members of the community calling for justice for the death of the teenager who lived with Down syndrome. It is alleged Nathaniel had left to to obtain food for his family and, while outside, saw a police van with emergency lights on. According to reports, the teenager was unarmed and became excited and police shot at him and dragged into a police van. Police then  rushed him to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital where they have also been accused of trying to cover up the events surrounding the shooting. Nathaniel later died in hospital. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the family of Nathaniel who has been deprived of a future and whose tragic death has caused anger and unrest in the coloured community, adding that the death of any young person was a matter of concern.

On Friday 28th August 2020,  IPID spokesperson Ndileka Cola said they struggled to conduct their work the previous day because of the volatile situation in the community, however since then the Police watchdog has annnouced they were investigating Nathaniel’s death “as a result of police action”. An allegation was then made against an officer known as 'Scorpion', however IPID head Jennifer Ntlatseng said the police watchdog had conducted a ballistics analysis, which found that the bullet which killed the teenager was not from Scorpion’s gun and that she had been told by members of the local Community Policing Forum that Scorpion was a “no nonsense police officer” and in fact not a villain as depicted by the media. Eldorado Park residents protest outside the police station following the death of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies, who was allegedly shot by police after they allegedly became frustrated with his responses to their questions.

Ntlatseng said IPID was also busy reconstructing the crime scene to determine if the version of events they had received from the police was consistent, adding that they were looking at a period of about two weeks to conclude their investigation and the four officers would be moved from the Eldorado Park Police Station until investigations were complete. The suspected officers were arrested on Friday night. Members of the community also demanded arrested community leaders be released and Bheki Cele said the police would arrange with the prosecution to see if they could be released on Friday 28th August 2020 ahead of their court appearance on Monday 31th August 2020, facing  murder charges and  "possibly defeating the ends of justice".An additional charge of possession of prohibited ammunition, which was confirmed by Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson, Ndileka Cola, has been added to the charges against two police officers implicated in Eldorado Park teenager, Nathaniel Julius', murder.

His death, allegedly at the hands of the South African police, has also raised the question of whether coloured lives matter and has once again brought into sharp focus the level of police brutality suffered by black communities in South Africa. His death has united the coloured community and given it a chance to express its views on coloured culture and the continued neglected suffering of coloured communities. Rightly or wrongly, as a result, some have chosen to distance the coloured community from the Black Lives Matter movement, electing to rally behind what they call "Coloured Lives Matter". However that is not the import of what needs to be said about police brutality and South Africa’s culture of violence today. There is said to be hopes that his killing will highlight what needs to be fixed within the South African police force.

 Bush radio followed up on the case with a member of the Eldorado community on the 31 August 2020: https://soundcloud.com/bush-radio1/interview-with-sheldon-from-eldorado-park-on-nathabiel-julius-murder-case

 Reference audio from outside the Protea Court House:https://soundcloud.com/bush-radio1/audio-from-outside-the-protea-court-house

Done by Erin Johnson