Smooth sailing for Day 1 of final NSC exams for Classof2022 in W.Cape, says MEC

The Western Cape Education Department said the first day of the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) for the Class of 2022, was smooth sailing.

Out of 73 846 candidates in the Western Cape, nearly 65 000 candidates wrote their first paper for English Home Language, First Additional Language, or Second Additional Language, on Monday morning.

“The first session of the written matric exams has got off to a good start in the Western Cape, and no major problems have been reported so far,’’ said Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier.

‘’We thank the people of the Western Cape for their assistance in not disrupting proceedings so far, and appeal to all residents to make our matrics the VIPs of our province for the next few weeks while they complete the exams. We wish our candidates the very best for the exams!” he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Body of 15 year old found at Llandudno beach

The National Sea Rescue Institute announced that the body of a teenager allegedly slipped off rocks before being swept away by rip currents at Llandudno beach in Cape Town has been found.

According to reports, the body of the missing 15 year old was recovered yesterday, following an extensive search operation launched on Friday evening.

The NSRI's Craig Lambinon said that the teen was with friends at the time of the incident.

“The body of the teenager has been taken into care of the police and government health forensic pathology services. NSRI, police and community cohesion services has spent a significant time with family and friends and condolences are conveyed by all emergency services involved,” said the NSRI's Craig Lambinon.

Lambinon gave his deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends for their tragic loss.

by Everngelista Muza

The Basic Education Department remind matriculants that recources are available

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, says her department is fully prepared to deliver the National Senior Certificate Examinations.

Close to 754 000 full-time and about 168 000 part-time candidates are registered for the matric examinations across the country.

A total of 6 307 public schools and 578 independent centres will be used as exam venues. Motshekga said that this year also marks the fifth cohort of the South African Sign Language Home Language examinations included in the writing of matric exams.Dr. Moses Simelane, who’s chief director for curriculum in the department, said the class of 2022 was, what he deemed, ‘’the most unfit group” due to the interruptions of Covid-19.

The Basic Education Department also said it was confident that it offered enough support to prepare students for matric exams. 

The Basic Education Department David Maynier said that the pandemic caused so much disruption and anxiety, which has made an already  stressful exam even more challenging.

“We urge any learner struggling to cope with the pressure to approach your teacher for help, or to contact the Safe Schools hotline on 0800 45 46 47 (toll free).  We know how hard you have worked to get to this point, with the help of your teachers.  You are nearly over the finish line, so don’t give up now “.

He said added that ePortal contains nearly 9 000 matric-specific support resources that can accessed for extra revision before exams.

“This includes revision guides, Telematics videos, marking guides, study tips, and a variety of others”.

 The Grade 12  resources are available here: https://wcedeportal.co.za/resources-to-support-grade-12-learning-and-teaching.

by Everngelista Muza

WCGov wants probe into alleged SAPS and gangs

The Western Cape Government has expressed concern after a court judgement suggested that there could be a link between the police and gang groups in the province.

The judgement was delivered last Monday by the Western Cape High Court, alleging that the 28-gang members have infiltrated not only lower ranking officers, but the top management structures of SAPS in the Western Cape, as well.

In his ruling, Judge Daniel Thulare suggested that gang members has access to the table where the Western Cape Police Commissioner, sits with his senior managers, and accessing key documents and strategies on crime fighting in the province.

Premier Alan Winde says he has requested the provincial Police Ombudsman, to investigate if a commission of inquiry should be established.

‘’This matter cannot be ignored any longer by Police Minister Bheki Cele and the national government. In the absence of decisive action from them over a considerable amount of time, we as the Western Cape Government (WCG) are committed to addressing this critical issue,”

“We hope to finally address and stem the rot that is alleged to have set in within the SAPS under Minister Cele’s watch. There is also no doubt in my mind that President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to fire Minister Cele. How much longer can the President allow him to keep this critical cabinet position, in light of these serious allegations against SAPS?”,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said he’s horrified by the judge’s findings

‘’I am horrified by the judge’s words, and I commend him for denying bail to the accused involved in this case. Various current and previous cases have highlighted the alleged corrupt relationship between certain SAPS members and gangsters.’’

Allen said he met with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Thursday, who agreed that they will investigate the matter.

‘’I am, however, deeply concerned that the results of IPID investigations would ultimately land at Minister Cele’s door, and we know he hasn’t taken any further steps on this in the past. In the interests of Western Cape residents, who suffer gang violence on a daily basis, we therefore need to take our own steps.”

“The SAPS officers allegedly implicated do not deserve their blue uniform, as their alleged primary aim is not to serve and protect our residents, but allegedly to serve and protect the gangs. If this is the case, it is at the expense of our communities,’’ he added.

SAPS said that they will probe the allegations

“The SAPS has taken note of and is in the process of studying the judgment delivered by Western Cape High Court Judge Daniel Thulare,’’ said SAPS Spokesperson, Mathapelo Peters.

“The SAPS views the allegations made in the judgment as serious and concerning. The allegations will therefore be investigated by the relevant environments within the service,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man sought for fraud in Cape Town

Western Cape police is seeking the assistance of the public to trace Rayhaan Talip

The police’s Wesley Twigg said that police issued a warrant of arrest,  and that Talip is wanted on a fraud case which was registered at Milnerton police station.

‘’It is believed that the suspect lured investors to invest in his businesses and promised them returns on their investments before disappearing.’’

‘’Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Rayhaan is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Constable Letitia De Vries on 082 302 8215 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,’’ added Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

 

PICTURE - SAPS: Rayhaan Talip

Done By: Mitchum George

Medium term budget speech - October 2022

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his medium term budget speech on Wednesday. He said that South Africa’s economy has underperformed for many years noting several long-standing structural problems that has hampered the country’s growth. These include the unreliable electricity supply, costly and inefficient ports and rail network, crime and corruption, weak state capacity, and high  levels  of  market  concentration  and  barriers  to  entry  that  suppress  the emergence and growth of small businesses.

‘’These challenges undermine our efforts to create jobs, contributing to high levels of poverty and inequality. Our structural challenges have been exacerbated by new ones, including the global economic slowdown, high energy and food prices; and the destruction caused by natural disasters such as the recent floods. The 2022 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement aims to address the needs of South Africans and secure our future stability and prosperity.’’

According to Godongwana, the economic risks that was outlined in the February 2022 budget speech has materialised.

Globally, these include: rising inflation, tightening financial conditions and the ongoing effect of COVID-19, including the hard lockdowns in China and their impact on global demand and supply chains. These were made worse by the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As a result, the IMF’s global growth forecast for 2022 has been revised down, from 4.4 per cent to 3.2 per cent, and the 2023 estimate from 3.8 per cent to 2.7 per cent.

The finance minister said the recovery of economic activity in early 2022 was disrupted by floods in various parts of the country, industrial action in key sectors, and widespread power cuts. According to Godongwana, Government expect real GDP growth of 1.9 per cent in 2022, compared with an estimate of 2.1 per cent in February.

Over the next 3 years, the economy is expected to grow at an average of 1.6 per cent.

The minister admitted that there is a crisis in the country’s logistics sector. Inefficiencies in port and rail are costing the economy billions and further undermining efforts to raise growth.

As for strengthening state capability, Godongwana said that a strong and capable state is a necessary precondition for growth.

The state is responsible for creating and maintaining an enabling environment for growth and investment, it provides basic services, and promotes the rule of law.

Over the medium term, government’s combined spending on building new and rehabilitating existing infrastructure will increase from R66.7 billion in 2022/23 to R112.5 billion in 2025/26. This includes roads, bridges, storm-water systems and public buildings.

According to Godongwana, the possibility of a major price correction in financial markets is a significant risk. This will affect fiscal revenues going forward. The medium-term strategy therefore, needs to maintain a practical approach to fiscal policy.

The minister says they also expect gross government debt to stabilize at 71.4 per cent of GDP in 2022/23.

This means that they are proposing that no budget reductions are implemented in the 2023 Budget. In fact, combined government spending will exceed R2.2 trillion this year and will rise to R2.5 trillion in 2025/26.

The gross tax revenue estimate for 2022/23 has been revised up, by R83.5 billion, to R1.68 trillion.

The government is allocating a net addition of R13 billion in spending adjustments for the 2022/23 financial year in the Adjustments Appropriation Bill.

The largest adjustment — R6.3 billion, or 49 per cent of the total —– is allocated towards disaster relief.

Other adjustments in the Adjustments Appropriation include:

 

·    R389 million for 24 rural bridges through the Weli-sizwe Rural Bridges programme

·        R500 million is also set aside to kick off the Home Affairs digitisation project, that will employ 10 000 young people over 3 years.

·        R118 million to deal with interim relocation costs and to prepare for the rebuilding of Parliament.

Medium-term changes to spending plans are driven mainly by government’s decision to extend the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant by one year, until 31 March 2024.

The fiscal framework also includes funding for the carry-through costs of the 2022/23 public service wage increases, as well as for safety and security, infrastructure investment and service delivery.

Western Cape MEC concerned over the lack of police resources in the province

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, has raised concerns over the lack of police resources in the province.

The MEC on Monday and Tuesday conducted safety oversight visits and had engagements in the Breedevalley, Witzenberg and Langeberg Municipal areas

“The continued chronic under resourcing at the SAPS stations remains a deep concern, and the picture at the stations we visited is quite grim. At one station, there was only one officer in the charge office. At another, there are a number of officers facing various charges, including criminal charges and three are currently out on bail,’’ said Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

Allen said there’s a need in the province to address ill-discipline amongst SAPS members, to move away from deploying residents at local stations and filling the priority posts.

The MEC said he will engage with the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile about how police stations located outside the borders of the Cape Metro are also prioritised for resource allocations.

‘’Our dedicated men and women in blue are working under strenuous conditions, and I will continue making it my business to fight, lobby and advocate for them. At the same time, I’d also like to state that where we have SAPS officers overstepping boundaries and operating like criminals, you do not deserve the uniform and should instead join those in the orange uniforms,” concluded Allen

 

PICTURE - Marcellino Martin: Bush Radio's Mitchum George with MEC Allen

Done By: Mitchum George

Eskom hopes to reduce load shedding stage by the weekend

Eskom hopes to ease the load shedding stage by this weekend

Picture - Mitchum George: Load shedding at Bush Radio

Stage 3 loadshedding is currently underway until 16:00 on Thursday, thereafter, it will increase to Stage 4 until 5a.m on Friday. Loadshedding will be lowered to Stage 2 at 05:00 – 16:00 on Friday. It is anticipated Stages 2 and 1 loadshedding will be implemented during the weekend.

In a statement, the embattled parastatal said the emergency generation reserves are almost depleted, both the diesel and pumped storage dam levels.

‘’These, together with persistent high levels of breakdowns of generating units, are among the major contributors to the continuing generation capacity shortages. Since Tuesday evening Eskom teams have returned a generating unit each at Duvha, Kendal and Medupi power stations to service.’’

‘’Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend to breakdowns.’’

Load-shedding update

City customers
27 October
Stage 1: 05:00 - 16:00
Stage 3: 16:00 - 22:00
Stage 4: 22:00 - 05:00

28 October
No load-shedding: 05:00 - 12:00
Stage 1: 12:00 - 16:00
Stage 2: 16:00 - 22:00
Stage 3: 22:00 - 05:00#CTInfo pic.twitter.com/Z7cjLbDj7Y

— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) October 27, 2022

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 73 800 candidates in the Western Cape to sit down for their final NSC exams

More than 73 800 candidates in the Western Cape will sit down for their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Out of the 923 460 candidates writing the NSC exams, nationally, 73 846 candidates will write in the Western Cape. Of these, 62 361 are full-time candidates, and 11 485 are part-time candidates.

The Class of 2022 will begin with English Home Language, First Additional Language, and Second Additional Language, with 64 824 will write in the morning session. 124 papers are written over the exam period, which ends on 6 December with Agriculture Technology. The bulk of these candidates however will end with Afrikaans Paper 3 (Creative Writing) on Friday, 2 December.

Close to 12 000 candidates wrote their practical exams on Tuesday and Wednesday.

‘’We are pleased that our practical exams were completed without incident this week, despite load shedding concerns. Load shedding is less of an issue for the written exams, as venues are required to have natural light, and if there are any problems, learners can be shifted to another venue to write. Our districts monitor the situation closely and deal with any problems that arise on a case by case basis,’’ said Education MEC, David Maynier.

The WCED said the subject with the largest number of candidates writing is Mathematical Literacy, with 49 672 candidates writing Paper 1 on 4 November 2022, and Paper 2 on 7 November 2022

In contrast, seven subjects have a single candidate writing in our province: Hebrew Second Additional Language, IsiZulu Home Language, Latin Second Additional Language, Sepedi First Additional Language, Sepedi Home Language, Sesotho First Additional Language, and Sport and Exercise Science.

The exams in the province will be overseen by 1 889 invigilators at 478 examination centres. 870 000 answer scripts will then be marked by 3 313 markers at 11 marking centres. The WCED said the invigilators and the markers received training during October.

MEC David Maynier urged citizens and organisations not to disrupt the Class of 2022, when writing

‘’With exams of this scale, it is crucial that we not face any disruptions. We appeal to all social organisations, political groups and communities to ensure that exams can take place without disruption, and not to compromise our matrics’ chances in any way. Our matrics must be our province’s VIPs for the duration of the exams.’’

Maynier wished the ClassOf2022 well for their final school exams.

‘’To the Class of 2022: you have worked hard to get to this point, and you are nearly over the finish line, so don’t give up now. Do your very best, not for your teachers or your parents or the province, but for yourself, because your future is in your hands.’’

‘’We believe in you, and we look forward to celebrating your success in January!,’’ he added.

The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, will announce the national results on Thursday, 19 January 2023, and individual results will be available at schools and online on Friday, 20 January 2023.

 

PICTURE: Pixabay

Done By: Mitchum George

SA government aware of Sandton terror alert state the situation being monitored

The US embassy warned the South African government, of a potential attack over the weekend in Sandton.

In a security alert issued on Wednesday, the US Embassy said it did not have further information, but urged people to avoid gatherings in the area this coming weekend

According to Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President government will urgently inform South Africans of immediate threats, should the need arise.

“The South African government has noted the terror alert issued by the US Embassy on its website. This is part of the US government’s standard communication to its citizens. It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our country feel safe.

Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty”, said Magwenya.

by Everngelista Muza

Tazne van Vwk murder accussed found guilty, awaits sentencing

The Western Cape high court has found Mohadyn Pangaker guilty of the kidnapping, rape and murder of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk.

This is after Judgment was handed, following three days of looking into this matter and others. In total the perpetrator has been convicted on 21 of the 27 charges against him.

According to reports back in February 2020, the accused was arrested in the Eastern Cape more than a week after the girl disappeared from near her Elsies River home. After he was apprehended led police to her body in a stormwater pipe along the N1 Highway near Worcester. He now await for his sentencing in January next year.

by Everngelista Muza

Smooth start to NSC final practical exam, says WCED

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the Computer Application Technology (CAT) practical exam, proceed without incident in the province on Tuesday, despite concerns about load shedding.

The WCED’s Kerry Mauchline said plans are in place for the eventuality of power cuts.

‘’We congratulate our exam officials and our school staff for their hard work and planning that made this a reality. All of our contingency plans are in place for load shedding.

‘’There is a standard protocol that all schools follow for a scheduled power outage like load shedding. Our districts monitor the situation closely and deal with any problem that arise case by case basis,’’ added Kerry Mauchline, WCED spokesperson.

Nine-hundred-and-twenty-seven learners in the Western Cape is expected to complete their Information Technology (IT) exams on Wednesday.

‘’We wish them well for the exams,’’ concluded Mauchline.

 

PICTURE: WCED

Done By: Mitchum George

four suspects arrested for possession of undocumented flora

Western Cape police arrested four man found in possession of flora they could not account for.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that the suspects were apprehended on the N7 in Citrusdal. After the West Coast Rural Flying Squad received information about a blue Ford Fiesta travelling from Clanwilliam with indigenous plants in the vehicle.

“The vehicle was stopped and searched and three bags containing 3491 indigenous plants were found in the vehicle “.

He said that suspects could not provide any documentation for the flora. Once charged, the suspects are expected to appear in the in the Hermanus magistrate court on Thursday.

by Everngelista Muza

Western Cape police arrested two suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearm

Western Cape police arrested two suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearm. An 18 year old learner was apprehended on Tuesday morning, after police has received a tipoff on a student with illegal firearm.

Gansbaai police found the student with a 9mm pistol that has been confiscated, the suspect will make a court appearance on Thursday.

Meanwhile a 32 year old Unit arrested by Steenbras police after he was found in possession of a unlicensed firearm and ammunition this morning at in St Alexander Circle, Lavender Hill.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg sais “; At about 06:15 in St Alexander Circle, Lavender Hill. The members were busy with stop and search operations in the area when they saw the suspect who tried to run away when he saw the police vehicle approaching. The suspect was apprehended and searched and a 9mm pistol with ammunition was found in his possession “.

The suspect will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates court once charged.

by Everngelista Muza

Western Cape Government Holds GBV and Femicide Summit

The Western Cape Government hosted its Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Summit on Thursday, 24 October to report on the progress made in this sector, and to give civil society a platform to make inputs ahead of the Presidential Summit next month.

The theme for the summit was “Accountability, Acceleration and Amplification Now” and it was held in preparation for the National Presidential GBVF Summit taking place in November.

The summit focused on how, as a collective of government working together with civil society organisations, communities, and citizens, can bring about lasting change.

This comes after ten police stations account for almost 30% of all gender-based violence cases that have been reported in the Western Cape.

The stations with the highest levels of reported GBV cases are Delft, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Harare, Nyanga, Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Worcester and Kleinvlei.

According to SAPS, these stations reported 27% of all GBV cases in the province. Police also added that gender-based violence occurs the most over weekends and between 21:00p.m and midnight, with women between the ages of 26 and 35 most likely to be victims.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasized the province needed to place increased focus on reducing the number of women falling victim to GBV.

“Barely a week goes by where we do not have a women or child fall victim to gender-based violence or femicide in our province and country. This scourge haunts me”, he said.

The premier added that the GBV command centre recorded more than 400 cases in a year, adding that these instances were only those reported, and it was likely much higher.

The most recent quarterly crime statistics, which were between April and June, shows that 116 women were murdered in the Western Cape, a 25% year-on-year increase. Another 159 attempted murder cases were reported, along with 1 997 assault cases. 

However, Winde said the province was starting to see the benefits of its safety plan, implemented three years ago.

A key component of this plan had been the rollout of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officers and added that more than 3000 people are killed every year.

He highlighted the murder rate in Mitchells Plain had decreased by 42% in the last quarter, by 12% in Khayelitsha, and by 16% in Kraaifontein and said that he is delighted about the Violence Prevention Unit that will initiate 1^st April 2023 to tackle the GBV.

Winde then concluded by emphasizing that more needs to be done in order to tackle the issue of Gender-based violence and femicide in the province in order to protect and empower both women and children.

“The Provincial Government has implemented a host of interventions to combat GBVF, but more can and will be done. The issue remains one of the Western Cape’s most dire and pressing problems. GBVF remains a barrier for many of our citizens to living dignified lives. We have to do more to not just protect women and children but also empower them”, Winde lamented.

While Police brigadier, Monica Swarts said for crimes against children 0-17 years, between  April , 2021 to March, 2022, girls and boys within the age cat egory of 15 to 17 were mostly affected.

For girls, she said that the top cases were sexual gratification, domestic violence and non-domestic violence-related arguments. For boys, the top causes were non-domestic violence-related arguments, gang-violence, sexual gratification, followed by domestic violence.

“Unfortunately you will note during the 2021/2022 year compared to the previous financial year, we have seen increases in all of the categories: murder, attempted murder, assaults, as well as sexual offences.”

“And in terms of sexual offences, the volume increases were noted in the sexual assault category, while rape in this category did show a reduction”, she said.

 

 

By Lulama Klassen

 

Disbarred attorney rearrested for fraud and theft of R500 000

The Hawks in the Western Cape have rearrested a former attorney and conveyancer for charges of fraud and theft in excess of R500 000.

57-year-old Rugaya Van Der Schyff was arrested in Cape Town on Thursday, following a warrant of arrest.

Spokesperson, Zinzi Hani said Van Der Schyff was struck off from the roll of attorney, five years ago,following an interdict application which was lodged in 2016 and was subsequently arrested on the 28 March 2019 for misappropriating almost R4.8 million from a trust fund. Van Der Schyff was released on R20 000 bail on these fraud charges.

‘’Additional to this, she allegedly continued facilitating offers to purchase several properties from 2019, to date, knowing fully well her exclusion from her professional practise handed down by the Western Cape High Court.’’

‘’These new allegations maintained the impression that she was an attorney and conveyancer entitled to practice as such. She allegedly misled the community which resulted in their financial detriment. The misappropriation was done in her professional capacity as an additional duty of care and diligence in dealing with the transfer of properties and the Registrar of Deeds,’’ added Hani.

Van der Schyff appeared in the Strand Magistrate Court on Friday, 21 and the case was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A plan of action needed for safety of long-distance buses - DA

The DA in the Western Cape wants a plan of action from the Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, regarding the safety of long-distance buses, passengers, and drivers as the festive season draws near.

The call comes after long distance buses, specifically, Intercape buses have been frequently attacked, allegedly by members of the taxi industry. In April, Intercape driver Bangikhaya Machana was killed.

Earlier this month the Eastern Cape High Court ruled that Minister Mbalula take steps to deal with the ongoing attacks on long-distance bus service, Intercape and gave the Minister until this coming Friday, to produce an action plan in response to the continuous attacks.

‘’The Intercape Bus Company has confirmed that Minister Mbalula has not made any attempts to engage with the company. No consultations have been made with the Western Cape either, which is most affected by the incidents,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie,DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport.

‘’The DA, therefore, believes that a national action plan should inform the long-term protection of drivers, commuters, and infrastructure, especially during a period of heightened inter-provincial travel. We do not want to see any further violence, extortion, and bloodshed which could be prevented on our inter-provincial routes. Despite there having been fewer reported attacks, the Department must nevertheless prepare for the future,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Contingency plans in place for NSC practical exams

The Western Cape Education Department has rubbished all claims that the National Senior Certificate practical exams will not be written on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Class of 2022 are starting their final exams on Tuesday, with more than 11 000 matriculants in the Western Cape sitting down for Computer Applications Technology (CAT).

927 learners will write Information Technology in the province on Wednesday.

Education MEC, David Maynier says the department has put contingency measures in place in case of loadshedding

‘’Despite the unfortunate continuation of load shedding today we are proceeding with CAT practical exam today, and IT practical tomorrow, because we are prepared for the eventuality. Schools have contingency plans in place and the exams will go ahead as scheduled. We will deal with any problems that will arise on a case by case basis and candidates must go to exam centres to write as scheduled.’’

 

Doen By: Mitchum George

Foreign national sentenced for being found with R1m tik

A 43-year-old foreign national has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Priority court in Khayelitsha for dealing in drugs.

Cletus Obiwuru was arrested by Western Cape Flying Squad in October 2015, when officers pulled him over for reckless driving on the N1 close to Monte Vista turn off.

‘’In the boot of his vehicle, they found tik with an estimated street value of R1.04 million. He was arrested and detained at Goodwood SAPS for dealing in drugs,’’ said provincial spokesperson, Ndakwe Gwala.

‘’Following a thorough investigation by the Provincial Detectives, Obiwuru was convicted and sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment of which five years will be suspended for five years,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Fire broke out in Voortrekker Road, Bellville

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services are ascertaining the cause of a fire that broke out in Bellville on Tuesday morning.

Spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said firefighters responded to a blaze that started in a shop and spread to a flat in Voortrekker Road.

‘’The call was received at approximately 05:27 this morning. SAPS reported the incident in Voortrekker Road, Bellville. The cause is unknown. Approximately 26 firefighters attended to the scene, from Bellville, Durbanville, Belhar and Milnerton.’’

Carelse said the fire was extinguished just before 08:30.

 

FIRE INCIDENT

Building alight
○ In Bellville CBD area.
○ Services on scene
○ Expect delays & traffic
disruptions
○ Avoid the Area

#Phantom# Fire&Ice#WCLiveTraffic #WCLiveTelegram pic.twitter.com/SFaF62L63z

— SA 911 Breaking (@JustdoitZee) October 25, 2022

 

Done By: Mitchum George

No fireworks display without a permit, warns City

The City’s Mayco member for Safety and security, JP Smith, has warned residents of displaying fireworks without a permit. The ewarning comes as Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists all over the world are celebrating Diwali on Monday, also known as the ‘festival of lights. Furthermore, the call comes ahead of Guy Fawkes Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Smith reminded residents that permits are required for fireworks displays, additionally saying that there are no designated sites for the setting off of fireworks.

Since 2019, the City no longer provides designated fireworks sites for Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve but this, says the mayco member, has not stopped residents from discharging fireworks in residential areas.

Residents in use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.

‘’Last year, we still had a number of transgressions as residents continue to set off fireworks and were not even deterred by the lockdown measures at the time. During just four days, from 4 to 7 November 2021, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 357 complaints about the setting off of fireworks and 63 for the selling of fireworks,’’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

Smith encouraged those who want to host fireworks displays, to apply for a permit in terms of the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Any event where 200 or more attendees are expected, or that requires any infrastructure build, will also require an Events permit from the City.

‘’Chapter 11 of the Community Fire Safety By-law, which deals with fireworks, states that a controlling authority may set aside municipal land for the purpose of the letting off of fireworks by the public, subject to such conditions as may be determined by the controlling authority and indicated by a notice at the site,’’ said Smith.

Persons who would like to apply for a permit to host a firework display need to apply to the South African Police Service via email, at capetown.explosives.cmrd@saps.gov.za. They can copy the Head of the City’s Fire and Life Safety Section in their application – Ignatius.smart@capetown.gov.za.

‘’If the application is approved by SAPS, they then have to make contact with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where they plan to hold the display so that a site inspection can be carried out to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display,’’ said Smith.

‘’Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the immediate surroundings, permission also needs to be sought from residents and businesses in the area, and strict conditions have to be adhered to before, and during the fireworks display to mitigate any potential risk to public health and safety,’’ he added.

‘’In recent years there has been a growing call for a ban on fireworks, but only national government has the authority to do so. Every year our enforcement departments and animal welfare organisations have their hands full on these nights.’’

Smith urged residents to be responsible when displaying fireworks.

‘’I want to urge parents to be responsible as fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious, if not life threatening, injuries. Explosions at a close range can damage hearing, and then there is the fire risk and trauma caused to pets.’’

 

PICTURE: Pixabay

Done By: Mitchum George

City warns of consuming alcohol in public

The City’s mayco member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, has warned residents of consuming alcohol in public spaces. According to the latest statistics from the municipality, there’s been a spike in public consumption of alcohol, in the past week.

PICTURE: CoCT

‘’The number of weekly arrests continues to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it reinforces the good work being done on the streets by our staff members, but it is also indicative of ongoing levels of criminality. What we also started noticing this past week is the beginnings of the annual spike in public consumption of alcohol. While the number of confiscations is still low, it is likely to increase as we head into the peak summer season, so now is as good a time as any to remind the public that it is against the law to consume alcohol in public, it is a risk to public safety, and not only will your alcohol be confiscated, but you will also be fined,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

PICTURE: CoCT

Furthermore, The City’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 343 suspects and issued 93 727 fines during weekly enforcement operations

Among those arrested by Metro Police officers were 13 suspects on charges related to domestic violence.

On Saturday, officers arrested a 35-year-old driver after he knocked over a pedestrian in the CBD.

‘’CCTV operators detected a hit and run incident in the CBD, where a pedestrian was knocked down. Officers were dispatched, and managed to pull over the white Toyota Quantum. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was detained at Cape Town Central SAPS,’’ said Smith.

Meanwhile, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre saw a decrease in the number of incidents recorded this past weekend. 1 864 incidents were recorded, compared to 1 923 incidents over the previous weekend. This weekend’s calls included 141 assaults, 37 domestic violence cases and 47 motor vehicle accidents and 13 pedestrian vehicle accidents.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces changes to combat state capture and corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, 23 October about the State Capture Commission of Enquiry, including changes to the country’s laws and established new agencies to combat corruption.

“I am addressing you this evening on the fulfilment of a responsibility that was given to the President of the Republic nearly six years ago”.

“Yesterday, I submitted to Parliament Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector”, he said.

In his address, the president outlined the long journey of the state capture commission, which led to the final report six years after the deep-rooted corruption within state structures was exposed.

“This evening, I wish to outline the critical actions that government is taking, and the work that has already been done, to give effect to the Commission’s recommendations and forever bring an end to state capture in our country”.

“This was no ordinary commission of inquiry. It was a commission whose work will have a lasting impact on our democracy and our country”, he added.

Ramaphosa then reiterated that the effects of stage capture are evident in South Africa, through state entities that remain ruined by financial and administrative problems, as well as the failure of the local and national government departments to deliver services to the population effectively.

“The corruption that was perpetrated is a crime against the people of South Africa. Corruption is a betrayal of our democracy and an assault on the institutions that we established together to advance the values of our Constitution and the interests of our people”.

“The money that was stolen robbed our people of resources that should have led to the development of our country and improved livelihoods”.

“Yet, even as state capture and corruption sought to compromise our democracy and destroy our institutions, our democracy remained resilient and the people of South Africa stood defiant and resolute”.

“Despite our achievement at bringing state capture to an end, its effect remains”, the president said.

 The president said that over 1,000 companies and entities are likely linked to state capture and corruption, and through the commission, a host of changes have been recommended to ensure that the country doesn’t go through the same process in the near future.

He said that the state capture commission made 95 recommendations, which include a number of wide-sweeping changes involving policy and even constitutional reforms. In order to fight corruption, Ramaphosa announced several interventions, the most important of these, is making the Independent Directorate permanent.

 Amongst the several changes Ramaphosa announced, he underlined an independent anti-corruption agency for procurement and an anti-corruption unit will form part of a fundamental redesign of the country’s anti-corruption architecture.

The president also spoke about the how greed, selfishness and abuse of power have destroyed the Nation.

"As we celebrated this fulfilment of the struggle of the South African people for democracy and peace, few could have imagined the depths to which our country would be dragged by greed, selfishness and the abuse of power."

"Few could have imagined that from among the leadership of our public institutions, from within our business circles, from among our public representatives and public servants, would emerge a network of criminal intent", Ramaphosa highlighted.

By Lulama Klassen

Missing Stellenbosch teen couple found dead

Western Cape police confirmed that the bodies of a male and a female has been recovered from a motor vehicle on Monday 24 October 2022 which landed in a dam in Paul Kruger Street in Stellenbosch.

18-year-old Leila Lees and 19-year-old Ethan Kirkland were reported missing on Saturday At the time, the police’s Andre Traut said the pair were last seen at The Niche apartment block at about 5pm on Friday. They were driving in Kirkland’s maroon Subaru Forester.

PICTURE - SAPS: Leila Lees and Ethan Kirkland 

On Monday, the police’s Joseph Swartbooi said a community member spotted an object in a dam in the city centre and alerted the authorities.

‘’Earlier this morning [Monday] at around 10:10, the local police members responded and secured the scene, when they noticed the wheels of a motor vehicle , which was the only part of the vehicle that was visible. The police requested the assistance of SAPS Provincial Diving unit and upon arrival at the scene, after assessing the circumstances, they retrieved the bodies of the two victims from the motor vehicle.’’

‘’Both victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Stellenbosch police registered an inquest for further investigation,’’ added Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

Western Cape SAPS urged anyone with information of what led to the discovery to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WC MEC urges ClassOf2022 not to cheat

The Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier, has urged the Class of 2022 not to cheat for the upcoming and the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Maynier visited Vista Nova High School in Pinelands, last week to wish matric candidates well for the exams, and witness the signing of their matric Commitment Agreements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Every matric candidate, along with a parent or guardian, is required to sign the Commitment Agreement, which clearly outlines what behaviour is not acceptable during the exams, and what can happen if the rules are not followed. Among other rules, cellphones and notes are not permitted in the exam room. The agreement also outlines the responsibility of the candidate to report any information or rumour regarding exam irregularities.

PICTURE: Learners from Vista Nova H.S signs Matric Commitment Agreements From left: Imaan Daniels (in front), Kouthar Ismail, Jordan Jafthas, Mekhi De Gruchy (in front)

In 2021, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) found 9 learners that were in possession of crib notes, and a further 14 brought a cellphone into the exam room.

‘’I urge every candidate to take the agreement very, very seriously. They have signed the formal agreement, and cannot later claim to have not known they could not have notes in the exam room, or have forgotten that they had a cellphone with them,’’ said Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier.

‘’The consequences of such actions are serious: if found guilty, a candidate could be disqualified from the exam, and even be barred from writing up to three subsequent examinations. Criminal prosecution could be instituted should it be found that the candidate is involved in the leakage of any examination question paper,’’ he added.

‘’The severe consequences outweigh any perceived benefit of cheating. It is simply not worth it. Our matrics are old enough to understand the importance of following the rules, and parents also have a responsibility to ensure that their children understand what behaviour is not allowed during their exam period,’’ said Maynier.

The MEC also raised concerns over load shedding. Matriculants are expected to start the 2022 NSC exams on Tuesday, with 11 030 writing Computer Applications Technology (CAT) practical. 927 learners will complete their Information Technology (IT) practical exam on Wednesday.

‘’We hope that Eskom will be able to safeguard the exam times from load shedding, but we nonetheless have clear protocols in place in case of power failures during the practical exams and will monitor the situation closely,’’ said Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier.

Maynier wished matriculants well for their practical exams this week, adding that he’s looking forward to celebrating their results in January.

The rest of the Class of 2022 will sit down on Monday, 31 October, with language papers - English Paper 1, German Paper 1, Gujarati 1, Hindi First Additional Language Paper 1, Hebrew Second Additional Language Paper 1

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eskom implements stage 3 & 4 until Wednesday

Eskom announced that it will vary between Stage 3 and Stage 4 loadshedding until Wednesday morning.

The embattled parastatal implemented Stage 4 load shedding on Sunday.

Stage 3 loadshedding was then implemented from 05:00 on Monday until 16:00, thereafter increasing to Stage 4 until 05:00 on Tuesday morning. Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Tuesday until 16:00, thereafter increasing to Stage 4 until 05:00 on Wednesday morning.

Spokesperson, Sikonathi Manthantsha said the escalation of the latest rolling power cuts is due to the emergency generation reserves that are almost depleted, both the diesel and pumped storage dam levels.

‘’The higher loadshedding stages are required to help build up the emergency generation reserves during the week. During the weekend the breakdown of a generating unit each at Duvha, Kriel and Medupi power stations, as well as the delayed returns of a generating unit each at Camden, Kusile, Komati, and Kendal power stations have exacerbated current generation capacity shortages, forcing the escalation of loadshedding.’’

‘’Eskom teams have returned a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Hendrina, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka power stations to service. Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend to breakdowns,’’ he added.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Done By: Mitchum George