WhatsApp user purports to be IEC head, Sy Mamabolo

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has warned the public of an imposter posing as the Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo.

In a statement, the IEC said the Commission first became aware of the impostor in October 2022 and issued a public alert and reported to the matter to police for investigation.

‘’Indications of the South African Police Service are that investigations are still continuing. The activities of the imposter receded in December 2022 but have now resurfaced since the weekend,’’ said Kate Bapela, IEC spokesperson.

Bapela said the impostor uses the cellphone number 084 577 9791. The impostor appears very active on WhatsApp wherein he or she is conversing with unsuspecting professional contacts and acquaintances of the Chief Electoral Officer.

‘’The WhatsApp account linked to the 084 577 9791 bears the photographs of the Chief Electoral Officer. These photographs are easily accessible from news sites and publications on the internet,’’ she added.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the police should they encounter anyone claiming to be the Chief Electoral Officer. Furthermore, members of the public are also urged to contact the Commission to verify any information.

The IEC condemned the impersonation of the Chief Electoral Officer, saying it is damaging the reputation of the institution,

‘’a feat we can least afford as we scale up the preparations for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. We urge the South African Police Service to intensify the investigation and apprehend the culprit as his or her criminal conduct undermines electoral democratic processes of the country and the Commission as a foremost election management body on the African continent,’’ said Kate Bapela, IEC spokesperson.

 

PICTURE: IEC

Done By: Mitchum George

Two shot and killed in separate incidents in Langa

Langa police are investigating two separate cases of murder that occurred last Wednesday.

In the first incident, officers discovered the body of a 48-year-old taxi owner

‘’…at about 21:00, at Zone 17, Langa. Police were alerted about a shooting incident and they proceeded to the scene and upon arrival they found a body of a man with multiple gunshot wounds,’’ said Captain Nowonga Sukwana.

In a separate incident, an half an hour later, a 37-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital, after being found with gunshot wounds.

Langa police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information, relating to the incident.

‘’Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Jacklyn Lucas on 083 354 4074 or  Langa SAPS on 021 695 8000 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or My SAPS mobile application. All information will be treated confidentiality and callers may remain anonymous,’’ added Sukwana.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Crime escalates in Grassy Park due to increasing homelessness

A combined safety meeting in Grassy Park addressing crime, revealed that areas with an increasing homeless population have seen an increase in criminal activity.

This is according to ward councilor Donovan Nelson.

He says that this has led to many residents complaining and raising the issue with councilors.

Meanwhile, Grassy Park Police Station Commander Col Dawood Laing, said most people living on the streets of Grassy Park on 5th Avenue and Victoria Road were not displaced, but rather chose to live on the streets.

“Currently, the spaces where (street people) live have become drug hotspots and grounds for criminal activity. This has led to many residents complaining and raising the matter with councilors. Tonight’s meeting has serious implications for Grassy Park and is a pivotal step in the right direction. It’s important for us to get everyone in the room when it comes to these complex matters.” 

He added that crime, drug trades, and gangsterism have since escalated, with some dealers being as young as fifteen.

“Most of the people have families and parents who live in Grassy Park. At home, they have rules to follow, such as not being allowed to use drugs, so they choose to sleep on the streets." 

Metro police defeat attempted hijacking in Mitchells Plain

An attempted hijacking suspect was arrested by Metro Police in Mitchells Plain after quick action on Sunday.

According to the City, while driving on Highlands Drive in Mitchells Plain approaching the intersection with Jakes Gerwel Drive, Metro Police officers spotted an older guy attempting to attract their attention by hopping out of his blue Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

He shouted that he had been hijacked and needed assistance as he was beaten over the head.

Officers managed to apprehend the suspect and discovered a firearm in the bag and the 23-year-old was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted hijacking.

“The number of hijackings seem to be on the increase and our officers will prioritise hotspot areas during patrols” said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Cape Town gang member faces 15 years behind bars

The Wynberg Regional court handed a heavy sentence to Sherman Lee Arendse Friday after the 30-year-old American Gang member shot and killed Toufieg Samuels in February 2017.

The police’s Ndakhwe Gwala said Arendse was arrested and remanded in custody during trial, after his bail application was denied by the Athlone Magistrate’s court. The suspect was sentenced 15 years direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Done by: Alungile Njemla

ANC Wants De Ruyter to lay criminal charges over Eskom Corruption

The African National Congress (ANC) is still reeling after Eskom’s outgoing CEO, André de Ruyter, accused party members of being involved in corrupt activities at the power utility.

De Ruyter said this during an interview that was both highly praised and criticised.

Several organisations hailed De Ruyter as a hero for finally speaking up, while others lambasted him for making the accusations without proper evidence.

The ANC’s spokesperson, Mahlengi Bbhengu, says they have given De Ruyter seven days to substantiate his claims or face criminal charges for contravention of the law.

"We draw attention to the provisions of Section 34 of the Prevention and Combating Corrupt Activities Act, 2004, which make it illegal for any person in authority not to report an act or information or corruption and criminality," she said. 

Since De Ruyter's revelations, the party's senior leaders have been criticizing him for most of last week. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele labelled him as a "failure and right-wing".

Case against alleged Parliament arsonist, Zandile Mafe, postponed until 17 March

The case against the alleged Parliament arsonist, Zandile Mafe, was adjourned in the Western Cape High Court until 17 March.

The adjournment was granted so his legal team could work out the logistics of his psychiatric observation.

Mafe refuses to be admitted to the Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town, and instead wants to be observed by a hospital in the Eastern Cape.

However, his legal representative, Luvuyo Godla, did not want to see the reasons for his client.

He was arrested more than a year ago, after a fire left a large part of the Parliament in ruins.

He faces charges including terrorism, arson and theft.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

South Africa records first cholera death

South Africa has recorded its first death linked to the recent cases of cholera detected in the country.

The Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, announced on Thursday, that the deceased was the country’s fifth case of the disease.

The deceased has been identified as a 24-year-old male residing in Emandleni Wattville, Ekurhuleni, with no travel history.

“The patient presented with profuse watery diarrhoea and was admitted at Tambo Memorial Hospital. His results confirmed positive status and sadly, he passed away a few days later," Phaahla said.

One of his contacts is still in hospital and further investigation is being conducted.

The body of the deceased, according to the department, will be transported to KwaZulu-Natal for burial and health officials will advise the bereaved family and undertakers of the safe burial precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to the department, there are five confirmed cases of cholera in South Africa.

Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated or polluted water.

According to the department, people can be infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating contaminated food.

Symptoms include diarrhoea dehydration, vomiting and body weakness.

Members of the public are reminded to maintain hand hygiene to prevent possible transmission.

“All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, are encouraged immediately visit their nearest health facility for screening and testing to ensure early detection and successful treatment, if test positive.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Five killed on N1 between Beaufort West and Leeu Gamka

Five people were killed when the car they were travelling in, collided with a truck on the gravel road running alongside the railway line, on the N1 between Beaufort West and Leeu Gamka, on Friday morning.

SUPPLIED: WCDoT

According to reports from traffic officers at the scene, the car with six occupants, drove straight under the fully loaded trailer of the heavy motor vehicle that was departing from a lay-by, resulting in the vehicle being trapped under the truck.

Five occupants including two children aged ten and 11 were certified dead at the scene.

The sixth occupant has been transported to hospital for medical treatment. The N1 remains closed as authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

SUPPLIED: WCDoT

The Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo McKenzie, expressed his sadness regarding the incident

‘’ I would like to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured passenger a speedy recovery.

 ‘’I urge everyone using our road network to play a role in road safety for all road users. Motorists are to be vigilant at all times, adhere to the speed limit and take regular rest stops every 200km or 2 hours,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Thaakiera Ackerdien

Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe de Ruyter "must name names" in his corruption claims

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said says former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter "must name names" in his corruption claims.

He said that de Ruyter "must not throw a stone in a bush and hope an animal will come out" in his briefing at Parliament's portfolio committee on mineral resources and energy on Friday.

This is after Ex CEO André de Ruyter was reported to leave the position with immediate effect. Cassim was appointed as Eskom’s Chief Financial Officer in 2018.

Mantashe said he was looking forward to the appointment of an electricity minister who would be responsible for ending load shedding.

According to Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, de Ruyter will be leaving at the end of February and Calib Cassim will lead Eskom until further notice.

by Everngelista Muza

Eskom appoints Calib Cassim as CEO of the utility

Eskom announced the appointment of Calib Cassim as the current Group Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Mr Cassim will lead the Eskom management team until further notice.

Mr Cassim was first appointed as Eskom’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in November 2018 after serving as Acting CFO from July 2017.

He is a registered Chartered Accountant and holds a master’s degree in Business Leadership. He also holds over 20 years of service in Eskom.  

His qualifications and vast experience have provided Mr Cassim with a deep understanding and appreciation of the Eskom business and the electricity industry, especially regarding the challenges facing the financing of operations and future expansion of the industry.

 

Done by: Esona Mfazwe

Two City of Cape Town employees amongst three arrested for stolen copper buzz bars

Two City of Cape Town employees are amongst three suspects who were arrested by Western Cape police, for being in possession of stolen copper buzz bars

PICTURE - SAPS: Two CoCT employees arrested for stolen copper buzz bars

The police’s Ndakhe Gwala said the joint operation between the Economic Infrastructure Task Team and the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Investigation unit conducted an intelligence driven operation on Wednesday in Ndabeni.

‘’The joint operation was carried out in the Ndabeni area [on Wednesday], where it was discovered that the suspects had illegally booked out copper buzz bars worth R445 246-07 from the stock room during 2022. They transported the stolen copper to a known scrap dealer in the area .

‘’Two males were arrested yesterday [[Wednesday] and a third one this morning [Thursday], under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act. The stolen copper remains to be retrieved,’’ she added.

The three suspects aged 41, 48 and 49 will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court, once they have been charged. 

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WCED submits papers to High Court to end taxi blockade

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has submitted papers to the Western Cape High Court on Thursday, as part of their next step in taking legal action to end the alleged illegal blockade of learner transport by taxi association, Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).

Codeta agreed on Friday to suspend their blockade, but according to the WCED, contracted Learner Transport Scheme drivers continued to be harassed this week, with 1 800 learners missing school on Monday. This has since dropped to 990 learners staying home on Tuesday, and 880 on Wednesday.

‘’It was clear from Codeta’s answering papers that their callous attitude toward our children’s constitutional right to education persists. Our schools have been supporting learners by sharing take home work packs with parents, but it is now imperative that our children return to school as soon as possible,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape’s Education MEC.

‘’We again call on Codeta to issue a public statement confirming their undertaking before the Court not to threaten, intimidate, or prevent learner transport from operating in the Western Cape,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man who stabbed victim to death at Strand shebeen, sentenced to 12 years in prison

The Strand Regional court sentenced Anele White, to 12 years imprisonment for the murder of a 25-year-old back in November 2021.

PICTURE: Pixabay

33-year-old White, got involved in a physical altercation with the victim at a shebeen in Ezinkomeni informal settlement.

It’s understood White left and came back later with a knife which he used to stab the victim to death

‘’He was arrested on the same day by Lwandle police and remanded in custody. His case was assigned to an experienced investigator, Detective Sergeant Mfundo Soyiyo of Lwandle Detective unit, who worked hand in glove with the prosecuting team in ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book,’’ said the police’s Ndakhe Gwala.

Following a two year trial, Anele White was sentenced on Monday to 12 years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Western Cape’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Phathekile welcomed the judgement.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two arrested for dagga and imitation firearm in Bishop Lavis

Two suspects were arrested in Bishop Lavis on Thursday, for being in possession of drugs and an imitation firearm.

Metro Police’s superintendent, Ruth Solomons said at around 07:30, officers were flagged down by residents who gave them the description of a taxi and a car that was involved in an accident on Jakes Gerwel Drive.

‘’As the officers responded to the location, they spotted the motor vehicle heading in their direction and signaled the driver to pull over. Upon interviewing the driver, the occupants became nervous. The officers searched the vehicle and found 68 Dagga packets and an imitation firearm in the possession of two occupants,’’ she said.

PICTURE - Metro police: Drugs and imitation firearm confiscated in Bishop Lavis

The suspects, both aged 23, were arrested and respectively charged for the possession of Dagga and an imitation firearm.

They were detained at Bishop Lavis SAPS.

 

Done By: Sibulele Stuurman

Body recovered in Gordon’s Bay

City of Cape Town lifeguards have recovered the body of a man in Gordon’s Bay. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) the body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon.

PICTURE; NSRI logo

It is believed that it is a body of one of the two fishermen who went missing in the area on Monday.

‘’Under the guidance of the Police Dive Unit CoCT lifeguards recovered the body of the man to the shore where SA Police Services, the Police Dive Unit and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services attended at the scene. The body of the man was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services,’’ said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

‘’Police are assisting the families of the 2 missing fishermen, who were reported missing on a small open boat off-shore of Strand on Monday, with identification procedures. It is believed that the body is that of the 54 year old man from that incident. The search for the other fisherman continues,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Search continues for German tourist, who went missing in Hout Bay

The Western Cape Police Dive Unit, held a media briefing on Tuesday, at NSRI Hout Bay rescue station in preparation for the ongoing search operation for a German man suspected to be missing at Hout Bay on the Hangberg trail, between Hout Bay and Sandy Bay. The alarm was raised by family abroad.

Western Cape police released a statement on Saturday regarding the disappearance of 22-year-old, Nick Frischke, a German tourist who arrived in South Africa on 6 February 2023.

SUPPLIED - SAPS: Nick Frischke

‘’Reports suggested that Nick was a resident at a local Air Bed and Breakfast in Pinelands. On Tuesday 14 February 2023 at around 10:00, he left the premises on foot and never returned. At the time of his disappearance , he was last seen wearing a blue denim shorts with white takkies and a beige T-shirt and a back pack. He was seen in a local store in the V&A Waterfront. It is imperative to note that Nick does not speak English very well,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

Anyone with information that can assist the Police with this case can contact the investigating officer Detective Sgt Daluxolo Mhlauli, on 076 609 0764 or call Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or the Police emergency number 10111.”

 

Done BY: Mitchum George

Four men shot and killed four men in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein

Western Cape police are still searching for suspects who allegedly shot and killed four men in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, on Tuesday night. The police’s Novela Potelwa said officers were called out to an informal settlement in the area at approximately 20:00, where they found the bodies of four men with gunshot wounds in a shack. She added that the deceased persons believed to be in their early thirties are all from the Wallacedene area.

‘’The motive for the shooting incident is the subject of a police investigation undertaken by provincial serious and violent crime detectives who are currently questioning several persons,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

‘’The serious violent crimes detectives are also investigating the possibility that the deceased persons were involved in a business robbery that occurred in the area,’’ she added.

Potelwa said as the investigation continues, further details about the deceased persons will be released.

PICTURE: SAPS

Done by: Mitchum George

Eskom CEO, Andre De Ruyter, leaves with immediate efffect

The outgoing Eskom CEO, Andre De Ruyter, who was meant to leave the company next month, has left with immediate effect.

PICTURE - Eskom: Andre De Ruyter

De Ruyter, who took over as CEO in 2020, resigned in December 2022, but was due to vacate office at the end of March 2023, to give Eskom time to find a successor.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the embattled parastatal said Andrè de Ruyter contract was reduced to 28 February 2023.

‘’The board further resolved that Mr de Ruyter will not be required to serve the balance of his notice period but that he will be released from his position with immediate effect,’’ it said.

‘’Acting GCE arrangements are being finalized with the shareholder Minister and will be communicated shortly,’’ it added.

The shock announcement came just hours after De Ruyter gave an interview with news channel, eNCA, where he expressed doubts about the political will in government to end endemic graft at the power utility.

De Ruyter has said he suffered an attempted poisoning attempt in December, shortly after he tendered his resignation.

Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national state of disaster and the appointment of an electricity minister to try intensify the response to the crisis.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Cape trees under threat from a beetle infestation

The City of Cape Town reported an invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB) that has been spreading steadily within less than a month.

The city said that the latest infestations was confirmed in Observatory along the Liesbeek River, and Kenilworth. 128 sightings of this pest have been reported in the Southern suburbs.

The beetle was discovered outside of the Somerset West area for the first time on 24 January 2023 with the sighting of an infested Boxelder tree on a private property along Kildare Road in Newlands. Since then, more sightings have been reported in Newlands, Rondebosch, Mowbray, Claremont, and also along the Liesbeek River corridor.

'This is extremely alarming and confirms our worst fear: that the pest is spreading and that we will probably discover more sightings in more areas as the weeks go by. By 21 February 2023, we have recorded a total number of 128 infested trees.

The City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews said that the PSHB is a serious threat to Cape Town's urban forest as infested trees have to be chipped.

All trees on private properties to those along roads, on verges, in parks and at wine farms are under threat.

“ I want to urge private property owners, and wine farm owners in particular, to be on high alert as infestations of oak trees have been confirmed at wine farms outside of the City's boundaries.

'This is a very small beetle, but the potential damage is at scale’, said Andrews.

by Everngelista Muza

COSATU Budget speech expectations

The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) is looking forward to its 2023/24 budget, which is due to submit the Congress to Parliament on 22 February 2023. This budget must escape the ineffective and unsuccessful cuts that have stifled and squeezed an already ailing economy.

COSATU said that it is very troubling that the Treasury has viewed the budget as the primary vehicle for implementing restrictive fiscal policies since 2014. Both the revenue and expenditure portions of the budget are constrained by the GEAR parameter.

According to COSATU, the budget should be an effective tool for economic recovery, transformation and improvement of service delivery.

“It needs to be viewed as a developmental tool that prioritizes pro-poor social expenditure and adopts increased progressivity of taxation.”

 The Federation also wants the government to pursue a social investment strategy that in the long term would reduce government debt as a proportion of DGP at a much faster rate.

 

Done by: Esona Mfazwe

Somerset West police to investigate the disappearance of a six month old baby

Western Cape police are looking into a kidnapping case, following the disappearance of a six-month-old baby.

According to reports, Somerset West police are investigating the case after the toddler went missing on Monday.

In a statement, Captain Nowonga Sukwana said that the nanny who was looking after a seven-year-old girl and the six month old baby alleged that she gave the woman she just meet after she offered to buy both children some food.

Police learned that the woman left with both children, she also left her hand bag with the nanny after she claimed she will be back but never returned.

“The 7-year-old daughter was found near the nanny’s house but the baby was missing. Attempts were made to find the missing baby since December 2022 but the attempts proved futile”, said Captain Nowonga Sukwana

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist with the safe return of the baby and the arrest of the woman to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Asanda Hlana on 082 301 8910 or alternatively the Crime Stop no on 08600 10111 or your nearest police station.

by Everngelista muza

SANTACO calls off planned 'stay away'

Taxi association, SANTACO has confirmed that Wednesday’s planned stay away has been called off.

In a statement, SANTACO’s provincial General Secretary, Elryno Saaiers, said that the stay away has been called off due to, what he says, progress made in the meeting between Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town top officials.

SUPPLIED: WCGov & CoCT officials meeting with members of SANTACO 

‘’We hereby notify all operators, drivers and commuters that taxi operations will continue as usual. We thank you for your support and cooperation in striving towards a transformed transportation system.’’

SANTACO initially planned not to operate tomorrow, as they were unhappy over increased fines and impoundment of minibus taxi’s, as well as golden Arrow Bus Services allegedly operating on the B97 route between Mbekweni to Paarl.

Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie are delighted with the outcome of the meeting with SANTACO

“The commitments made in today’s engagement indicate a show of good faith from all sides. Through the Task Team, we will work together to address the challenges faced by the minibus taxi industry and ensure people can travel safely this week.”

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde thanked the leadership of SANTACO for agreeing to Wednesday’s meeting.

“We need to find a way forward together to reach a sustainable solution to the grievances raised by the council. We must all ensure our residents come first and that they can move around safely and reliably.”

“It is not just about averting this strike, which I am thrilled we have been able to achieve at a time when our economy is struggling amid stage 6 loadshedding, it is also about improving public transport, making it an economic enabler to meet the growing needs of our growing population. In an environment where we are facing increasing congestion and a dysfunctional passenger rail system that is unable to ease problems in the mobility sector, a longer-term issue for us is: how we build an integrated public transport system that is the backbone and enabler of our economy and society. You the minibus taxi industry play a critical role in citizen mobility,” he added.

McKenzie is set to convene and chair a weekly task team comprised of representatives from the Western cape Government and the City of Cape Town, together with leadership of SANTACO-Western Cape, to address issues such as  fast-tracking the Special Regulatory Process related to operating licences; training of registered drivers to upskill them in critical skills; and other measures to enhance commuter safety.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

City adds additional forces ahead of SANTACO strike

The City of Cape Town says it has rolled out a fully integrated operational plan in support of South African Police Services, across the metro, ahead of Wednesday’s planned taxi strike by Santaco.

‘’With a concerted effort to protect related infrastructure and the safety of all citizens, maximum resources have been deployed over this period. Required budget allowances have been authorised to bring additional staff on board in an overtime capacity, with a heavy armed presence at each of the Public Transport Interchanges, including Nyanga, Bellville, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Philippi East, Wynberg, Cape Town and Kraaifontein,’’ said JP Smith, mayco member for safety and security.

‘’Undercover units will be monitoring strategic routes, with specially formulated response teams activated per area. Individual Joint Operation Centres (JOC) will be setup within each area, all coordinated from the main JOC in Goodwood,’’ he added.

Smith warned that any attempt to blockade or obstruct any road or thoroughfare will result in immediate impoundment and arrest of such perpetrators.

‘’Any incidents or acts of public violence that occur will result in criminal dockets being registered and a prosecution sought. These will be compiled and actioned directly by the investigative resource within the directorate.’’

The mayco member acknowledged the right to strike, but urged Santaco not cause damage and inconvenience other road users.

‘’It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure full control and order over any protest action and to ensure it is of a peaceful nature. Should any incidents of violence or intimidation occur during this period, the City will immediately roll out a harsh enforcement plan as was previously seen both in Nyanga and Hout Bay, with focused enforcement and impoundments on members of the Public Transport Industry’’.

‘’Further to this, the City will seek a civil claim for any damages, along with criminal charges against the organisers of the proposed protest action, leadership of Santaco and its members responsible,’’ added Smith.

He said that SANTACO’s reason for striking over increased fines and impoundment of minibus taxi’s, is a national government issue and not a local one.

‘’It must be noted that such enforcement action is derived from legislation passed from national government more than a decade back and is nothing new. The City will continue enforcing such legislation in an effort to protect passengers and fellow road users.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

GABS pleads with SANTACO not to attack their buses on Wednesday

Golden Arrow Bus Services has pleaded with taxi association, SANTACO, to ensure that other operators and commuters are not affected adversely as result of their withholding of services.

The call comes as SANTACO is set to embark on a ‘provincial stay away’ on Wednesday.

GABS’ spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said buses will operate on Wednesday.

‘’Golden Arrow Bus Services has historically come under attack whenever taxi operators or associations have held strikes or shutdowns. Once services resume the attacks are forgotten until another strike or shutdown is announced at which time the same awful process is repeated. It cannot be coincidence that our employees, passengers and assets are targeted every time that the taxi industry undertakes this type of stayaway.’’

‘’Human beings cannot be treated as collateral damage, and we do not accept the preposterous suggestion that previous attacks are coincidental or unrelated. It is not good enough to simply say that violence and damage to property is not condoned. We therefore call on SANTACO to take the necessary action to ensure that other operators and commuters are not affected adversely as result of their withholding of services,’’ she added.

PICTURE: GABS

‘’We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied in this way in what seems to be becoming a more and more frequent occurrence. We will take whatever legal action is necessary to protect our rights and the rights of our passengers,’’ added Dyke-Beyer.

GABS denied using the B97 route as SANTACO claimed.

‘’We would like to correct the untruths that have been spread regarding the B97 Paarl to Bellville route. Golden Arrow operated on that route temporarily as of July 2021 at the behest of the MEC for Transport and Public Works until such a time as a resolution was reached between the taxi associations servicing the route. We ceased selling multi-journey products in the weeks leading up to the service cancellation which officially took place on 23 December 2022.’’

‘’Whilst we no longer operate the B97 route, we do operate a separate Wellington to City service which we introduced in December 2020, for which we have all the requisite permissions and operating permits. We will not cease operating on this route as a result of bullying and false information,’’ she added.

Dyke-Beyer said they cannot be blamed if passengers prefers buses over taxi’s.

‘’Passengers have a right to choose their preferred mode of transport and to do so without fear of recrimination.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eviction notices are to be served at unlawful occupation hotspots in the City

The Western Cape High Court granted the City of Cape Town’s application for eviction notices to be served at various unlawful occupations in the CBD. Notices will be served before the next court hearing in April.

City Social Development officials have made repeated offers of social assistance to those unlawfully occupying public spaces in the city, including offers of dignified shelter at NGO-run night shelters and City-run Safe Spaces.

The department expanded Care Interventions with R77 million. This is part of a city-wide approach of assessing the social circumstances of those living on the streets. While some have accepted these offers of support, the unlawful occupants receiving notices are those who have consistently refused all offers of social assistance.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said no person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs, while indefinitely refusing all offers of shelter and social assistance.

“Our city’s public places serve important social and community purposes, and must be open and available for all. Illegal occupations of City open spaces impact the safety of traffic and pedestrians, as well as local businesses critical to growing the economy. Accepting social assistance to get off the streets is the best choice for dignity, health, and well-being.”

Housing activist organisation, Ndifuna Ukwazi, says the City of Cape Town did not think the eviction plan, through.

‘’How is it possible to interdict someone from occupying public space in future, as City of Cape Town intends to do with people expensing homelessness? The eviction plan is: Shelters or nothing, but shelters are not a solution to homelessness so should people try being invisible instead?’’

‘’If the City of Cape Town succeeded in evicting approx. 300 people experiencing homelessness into shelters AND got an interdict preventing them from occupying public space in future: How would every state security officer know who the 300 is and who isn't, to enforce this?,’’ it asked.

Not only does the @CityofCT want to evict people who live on the street, they also want to deprive them of their possessions {"any possessions"} for a whole calendar month, for 'safe custody' ?!?! #eviction #homelessness pic.twitter.com/0WkuPL6u3d

— Ndifuna Ukwazi (@NdifunaUkwazi) February 21, 2023

Done By: Esona Mfazwe

The City offering a R100 000 reward to find info on city official killer

The City of Cape Town is offering a R100 000 reward, after a city official was murdered at a Delft housing construction site.

Wendy Kloppers became yet another victim, as she is one of five people shot at the Power Construction’s N2 Gateway site in just a week. This is after she was gunned down while doing an inspection at a housing construction site in the area. The 48-year-old victim worked as an official in the City’s Environmental Affairs Department.

Last week, three construction workers were shot and wounded and a petrol bomb was launched at the site in what is referred to as the construction mafia running an extortion ring.

A week ago, Mathlodi Maseko, DA spokesperson on Human Settlements said there had been 14 cases of housing extortion reported.

According to Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Kloppers had been sitting inside a white BMW on Thursday when she was shot, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. A passenger who was with her was wounded in the arm.

“It seems that Kloppers had been waiting for the security guard to open the gate at the construction site when an unknown male approached the car on foot and fired several shots at the driver’s side. Kloppers tried to escape the gunman and rammed into the gate”, said Swartbooi.

Police had yet to determine the motive and have made no arrests.

According to reports the incident took place just hours before Police Minister Bheki Cele announced Delft as the second highest precinct for murder nationally,

The site is home to a R500 million housing project which will accommodate beneficiaries of Blikkiesdorp to Freedom Farm where 3 300 homes will be built and begin in March 2022.

by Everngelista Muza

Three suspects arrested in Delft on firearm related charge

Three suspects were arrested over the weekend in Delft in separate incidents, for firearm related charges.

In the first incident, a 35-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

The police’s Josheph Swaartbooi said officers were busy with patrols near a local shopping complex when they heard gunshots. “As they approached, they saw people running in different directions. The community members pointed at three unknown males at the entrance to the shop. The officers stopped and searched the trio and found a 9mm pistol with ammunition in the possession of one of the suspects.”

Meanwhile a The 40-year-old male was arrested and detained on a charge of discharging of a firearm in a municipal area. Swaarbooi said the officers were doing stop and search operations in Leiden when they heard gunshots. “They approached the house in Homtini Street where chaos erupted. Upon entering the premises, they saw an unknown man with a firearm in his hand who was about exit the premises. They stopped the suspect in his tracks and disarmed him.”

Furthermore, a 26-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of an illegal firearm. According to the police’s Joseph Swaartbooi officers responded to information and approached a home in Welwelshier Street. “An unknown male accompanied the police officers whilst they searched the premises. They recovered a black unknown calibre pistol hidden in a sports bag,” said Warrant officer Swaartbooi.

Once charged the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Bellville Magistrate court on the mentioned charges.

 

Done By Esona Mfazwe

A Cape Town lawyer who was allegedly kidnapped on Friday, has been rescued by police after a successful manhunt.

 

A Cape Town lawyer who was allegedly kidnapped on Friday, has been rescued by police after a successful manhunt.

 According to Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi the traumatised victim was found a day later in Klawer, about 300km from his Bellville home.

He added that the lawyer's wife reported her husband missing after he failed to return from work. Bellville detectives were deployed after consultation with the missing person's business associate and secretary and they visited the offices.

Swartbooi said, officers found the office was in "many ways disturbed" and certain items were missing. He added that they found a file on the desk which would be of vital importance in their investigation as it gave direct links to pursue.  

A manhunt was launched immediately I efforts to locate the missing person which the l3ed the police to the address of a woman in Yale Road, Behlar, who had visited the practice the previous day.

 According to a witnesses, who were questioned in the vicinity, placed the female at the crime scene when they confirmed that she was driving a white motor vehicle, believed to be the victim's motor vehicle, with an unknown man and two occupants.

The Klawer police spotted the vehicle at an address in their policing precinct and entered the house where they rescued the missing person who was traumatised.

Three people were arrested on a kidnapping charge which are two women and a man.

They are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court soon.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

10-year-old drowns at a Wilderness dam

A 10-year-old has drowned on Sunday at a farm dam inland of Wilderness.

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said that on arrival on the scene, NSRI rescue swimmers identified where a 10-year-old local child had last been seen in the water before disappearing under water while swimming with friends.

‘’Four NSRI rescue swimmers initiated a sweeping line free dive search and during the search the child was located and recovered on the shore. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced.’’

‘’After all efforts to resuscitate the child were exhausted sadly the child was declared deceased. The body of the child was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services,’’ added Lambinon

Police have opened an inquest docket.

 

PICTURE: NSRI logo

Done By: Mitchum George

Ricardo Mackenzie appointed as the Western Cape’s new Mobility MEC

Ricardo Denver Mackenzie has been appointed as the Western Cape’s new Mobility MEC.

The position became vacant when former MEC, Daylin Mitchell was appointed as the new Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, late last year.

Mackenzie was previously a Provincial Parliament’s Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works.

 “Mr. Mackenzie is a seasoned and dedicated public servant, passionate about transport-related issues. With him as the province’s new Mobility Minister he will drive the Western Cape Government’s commitment to transform public transport, ensuring it is safe, reliable, and affordable for our citizens,” said Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde.

“I look forward to working with Minister Mackenzie as we establish the new Mobility Department, which will be fully operational on 1 April 2023. Mobility is critical to our economy and I look forward to seeing him succeed,” he added.

PICTURE - WCG: Ricardo mcKenzie with Western cape Premier, alan Winde.

At the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Mackenzie undertook to do everything he can to get public transport moving again to offer commuters a dignified service.

“My commitment to the people of our province is to get them to work and school safely and on time. Mobility must be an enabler for job creation and economic growth. I also aim to foster a good working relationship with role players in the mobility sector,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape’s Mobility MEC.

PICTURE - WCG: Ricardo McKenzie being sworn in by Deputy Judge President of the Western Cape High Court, Patricia Goliath

The Premier thanked Agriculture MEC, Ivan Meyer for serving as Acting Mobility MEC, for the past few months.

 

Done By: Mitchum George