Trio nabbed for various charges

The City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement officers arrested three suspects for various charges yesterday.

The charges include possession of suspected stolen property, fraud, and reckless and negligent driving.

It is said that the officers identified a car with mismatched licence plates and when they tried to stop the car, the driver sped off. The car crashed into a building and the suspects tried to escape, but officers managed to arrest them.

The city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety, JP Smith, says the suspects were detained at the Cape Town Central police station.

“ The latest crime stats show that criminals are continuously changing the  motors of oerating  as  the police change their enforcement strategies. The deployment made by the City’s Law Enforcement in the CBD and surrounds paid off with improve patrols in the Boa cop and the surroundings” he added.

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Grade 6 learner struck by taxi in Heideveld

A 12-year-old girl was killed after she was struck by a taxi in Heideveld, on Tuesday.

It is understood that 12-year-old Charmaine Dzvokora, was on her way to school when she was crossing Robert Sobukwe Road.

‘’On (Tuesday, 2023-05-30) at about 08:20 a 12-year-old girl was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident at Duinefontein Road, Heideveld, when she was struck by a white Toyota Quantum,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk.

Van Wyk said a culpable homicide case was opened for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. No arrests has been made,’’ he added.

Heideveld Primary School, principal Rosdien Desai expressed his condolences to the family.

“Charmaine will surely be missed by the staff and her classmates, who will be keeping her and the family in their prayers.”

Desai appealed to the parents and learners to be cautious when crossing the busy road.

SUPPLIED: School letter confirming Dzvokroa's death

Anyone with information about this fatal accident is kindly requested to contact Manenberg SAPS 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Thaakiera Ackerdien

Western Cape Premier says residents should look into green energy as an energy alternative

In his twelfth Energy Digicon, Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, looks at green hydrogen’s role in Western Cape’s energy resilience drive.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Premier Alan Winde hosted Rheinmetall Denel Munition Chief Executive Officer, Jan-Patrick Helmsen, at his weekly Energy Digicon to look at the opportunities in green hydrogen in helping to address the energy crisis.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition specializes in the development, design and manufacture of large- and medium-calibre ammunition families and is a world leader in the field of artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant engineering.

Rheinmetall’s business is mainly focused on NATO countries. RDM’s focus is on Asia, the Middle East, South America, South Africa and other African countries. Rheinmetall and its South African unit are able to draw on an expanded product portfolio when serving their respective core markets.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has taken the first steps towards improving its climate footprint as part of its German parent’s goal of becoming carbon dioxide neutral by 2035 and launched a proudly South African green hydrogen production, storage and transportation solution at AAD 2022.

The new solar plant will be a complete power system, not just solar arrays, and thus able to provide power continually. It will be able to generate all the power that the Somerset West facility requires.

Once operational, the company will not need any power from Eskom. The RDM hopes to be able to “export” surplus power back to the national grid, with which it remains attached to. In effort to become an energy partner to the country.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

Driver arrested for Mitchell's Plain's horrific accident

The driver who transported the learners in Tuesday’s horrific accident in Mitchell's Plain, has been arrested on a charge of culpable homicide. Western Cape police confirmed that the 55-year-old will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court, soon.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

"This office can confirm that five children between the ages seven and 11 years old succumbed to injuries sustained. The 55-year-old driver was arrested on a charge of culpable homicide and will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates court once he has been charged. We can also confirm that two children six and 15 years old were transported to hospital for medical treatment,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

The Western Cape’s Mobility and Education Department released a joint statement, saying initial reports suggest that the bakkie in which the learners were being transported hit a traffic light, resulting in the children being thrown off the back of the bakkie.

‘’This was not a Western Cape Education Department learner transport vehicle and the Western Cape Government is fully supporting the South African Police Services’ (SAPS) investigation underway,’’ read the statement.

Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie and Education MEC, David Maynier visited the scene on Tuesday morning. Mackenzie called on parents or caregivers to provide their children with reliable transport.

‘’Two weeks ago I personally had a meeting with scholar transport operators here in Mitchell’s plain to look at any regulatory matters that can prevent them at being registered as scholar transport operators.

‘’Times are tough. People are using cheapest transport available and that comes with risk - That comes risk of unregistered drivers and unroadworthy vehicles. We do not know at this point, but once the investigation shows what the condition was of the vehicle. We implore with parents – we know times are tough, money is tight, but please try and use a driver that has a roadworthy vehicle and driver that has a license that operate legally on the road. They are carrying precious cargo; they are carrying our future,’’ added Mackenzie.

Maynier said counselling has been provided to the affected schools.

“Today is a sad day in this province. A tragic accident has taken the lives of five young learners. They are from Wespoort PS, Harvester PS, Ridgeville PS, Highlands PS, and Duneside PS. Two learners are receiving medical treatment, from Ridgeville PS and Lentegeur HS. Western Cape Education Department counselling support teams are supporting the affected schools.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

CPUT Resumes academic activity after protests disruptions

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology has announced its plan to resume academic activity following the emergency evacuation of students and staff after violent protests escalated earlier in May. 

This comes as student leaders from universities across the country issued an ultimatum to the National Student Finacial Aid Scheme regarding funding concerns. 

Picture: CPUT D6 Campus

According to the statement, the initial recess period expected to start on 24 June has been brought forward to 24 May, with academic activity set to start on 5 June, and students expected back by 2 June. Mid-year examinations are expected to resume on 19 June instead of 7 July. 

“This scenario has been painstakingly planned, and we believe it presents the best solution (with minimal disruptions) to the rest of the 2023 academic programme. It also factors in Work Integrated Learning (WIL), postgraduate study concerns, and above all else the safety and security of all staff and students,” said the statement. 

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien 

City of Cape Town concerned over speeding offenses

The City of Cape Town has raised concerns over the number of arrests being made regarding speeding. Of the more than 55 000 offences in the past week, close to 30 000 speeding offenses were recorded in the previous week

   Picture: Pixabay

More than half of the offences recorded by the Traffic Service in the past week related to speeding.

Among the speeds recorded: 139 km/h in a 60 km/h zone; 137 km/h in a 70km/h zone and 150 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

‘’Odds are that the number of speeding offences are far higher, and there are many competing arguments trying to justify people's continued disregard for the law. The problem is, going from zero to a hundred in ten seconds doesn't work quite the same way in the reverse. It's a challenge in dry conditions to slow down or react to hazards on the road – we have a fair bit of rain in the forecast this week, that'll likely aggravate the situation,’’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

‘’I appeal to our road users to hit the brakes and consider their actions. Even where a motor vehicle accident is not too serious, it is still a massive inconvenience to all involved, and causes unnecessary traffic snarl ups. We all need to do our part to ensure safer roads, and that includes making sure that our vehicles are up to the task, but more importantly, that we drive responsibly, at all times,’’ he added.

Smith said over the weekend, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) logged 1 754 incidents, including 843 calls for medical  assistance, 47 domestic violence cases, 116 cases of assault, as well as 68 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents.

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Police investigate another mass shooting in Samora Machel

A three-year-old child is among people who were killed in Samora Machel, this past weekend.

The child’s 43-year-old mother and a 38-year-old man were also killed.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police say the motive behind the shooting of the victims is not yet known, It is said that one has been arrested yet for the shooting.

The community has called on the police to do everything to find the killers of the three people.

 “Samora Machel police are seeking assistance from the public for information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects who are responsible for the death of three people in Kosovo, Samora Machel” said police spokesperson André Traut.

Done by Esobusi Mkangelwa

Five school kids die as bakkie rollovers in Mitchell's Plain

Five children, aged between 13 and 16, were killed and another critically injured when the bakkie they travelled in rolled multiple times on A Z Berman Drive in Mitchells Plain, on Tuesday morning.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

A similar incident occurred a month ago, where a Grade 5learner was killed following a collision between a taxi and another car inLentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain.

ER24's Russel Meiring said paramedics found a bakkie upright in the middle of the road on Tuesday.

‘’Several children believed to be aged between 13 and 16, were seen scattered some distance away from the bakkie. Medics assessed the children and found that five had already succumbed to their numerous injuries while a sixth was in critical condition with numerous injuries.’’

‘’Paramedics treated the critical patient and provided him with numerous advanced life support interventions before he was transported to a nearby hospital for urgent care,’’ added Meiring.

Sub-Council 17 Chairperson, Elton Jansen said the learners are from Wespoort Primary School, Duneside -, Highlands -, Harvester -,Ridgeville Primary School, and Lentegeur High School.

Jansen expressed his condolences to those affected. He called on safer scholar transport.

‘’I call for the banning of transporting scholars on open vehicles/bakkies, overcrowded vehicles, and vehicles without the necessary safety measures.’’

The Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, shared Jansen’s sentiments.

"How many more school children must we lose on our roads before the transportation of children are taken seriously by these transport operators!?,’’ asked Mackenzie.

"Anyone who's transporting passengers, especially children, have a waited responsibility to keep them safe. All vehicles must be roadworthy and must have a permit, and drivers must obey the rules of the road," he added.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his condolences to the families and those affected.

‘’This is a terrible, dark day in our city. As a parent, my heart breaks for those who will not see their children return home from school today. While it can never restore the lives so tragically taken, we trust that authorities will establish the full facts surrounding this incident so that there may be accountability for any wrongdoing.’’

Western Cape SAPS confirmed the incident.

"Mitchell's Plain police registered a culpable homicide case... The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

President Ramaphosa appoints a three-member independent panel to enquire into docking of ''Lady R''

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a three-member independent panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Russian vessel known as Lady R in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December 2022.

COURTESY: Vessel tracker

Ramaphosa has appointed retired judge Phineas Mojapelo to lead the inquiry. The claims were raised by US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Bridgety.

Soon after the claims emerged, Ramaphosa said a panel would be appointed to investigate. The Presidency announced the names of the three-member panel on Sunday morning.

“The President has appointed Judge PMD Mojapelo as Chairperson, together with Adv. Leah Gcabashe SC, and Mr Enver Surty as other members of the panel,” said Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

“The President decided to establish the enquiry because of the seriousness of the allegations, the extent of public interest and the impact of this matter on South Africa’s international relations. The panel has been tasked to establish persons who were aware of the cargo ship’s arrival, and, if any, the contents to be off-loaded or loaded, the departure and destination of the cargo.”

Magwenya says the panel will report directly to President Ramaphosa.

“The panel’s report will include recommendations on any steps that may need to be taken in light of their findings or as a result of any breaches that may have occurred. The panel will report directly to the President and will be supported administratively by personnel in the Presidency assigned to this task by the Director-General in the Presidency.

According to the presidency, the panel will finalise its investigation within six weeks of its appointment and will be expected to submit its report to the president within two weeks of concluding its work. Magwenya added that the panel may request an extension of this time frame should it be necessary.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

NSRI JetRIB rescue craft stolen, burnt and recovered

Police in Cape Town are investigating a case of stolen and damaged property, after the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)’s JetRIB rescue craft was found in Delft, destroyed by fire on Sunday.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said on Sunday morning, NSRI crew arriving at NSRI Strandfontein rescue station for routine training discovered that the rescue station had been broken into during the early hours of the morning and an NSRI JetRIB rescue craft was missing.

‘’The 4 padlocks to the slipway boat gate were found open and damaged. During Sunday afternoon, what appeared to be a boat recently destroyed by a fire, was located on an open field in Blikkiesdorp, Delft.’’

‘’It is suspected that parts of the craft may have been stripped before being set alight. Investigations include an alarm notification indicating the rescue station main gates for the NSRI rescue craft was set on at 02h06 and went off at 02h10.’’

Lambinon said it is suspected that the Yamaha VX 1050 motor may have been stripped from the craft before it was set alight. He said an NSRI JetRIB rescue craft fully kitted for rescue operations costs R650 000.

‘’While NSRI has suffered theft of rescue assets and break in's at NSRI rescue stations in the past we have never experienced a case where a rescue craft was stolen and later found gutted by fire.’’

‘’On 14 September, 2021 an IMRF (International Maritime Rescue Federation) Award for Innovation and Technology was awarded to the South African JetRIB, designed in 2019 by Admiral Powercats, Droomers Yamaha and the NSRI,’’ added Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

NSRI are appealing to anyone with information regarding this case to contact the SA Police Services. A case has been opened at Strandfontein Police Station.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Placements in WC for 2024 school year now available

Parents and caregivers who applied on time for the 2024 school admissions in the Western Cape, will from Monday, be able to view the outcome of their applications.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) opened applications on 13 March and closed on 14 April 2023.

Education MEC, David Maynier, said schools have been applying their admission policies over the past few weeks to determine successful applicants based on their capacity for 2024.

Parents will be able to check their outcomes at:

https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-202324

Any parents who encounter technical problems accessing the site can be assisted by calling 0860 142 142, emailing service@westerncape.gov.za or using the “Contact us” link on the login page.

Parents can expect to see the list of schools applied to, with the outcome of the application to each school visible.

PICTURE: WCED

Maynier added that if you have received an offer of a place for your child, a button will be visible that will allow you to confirm and accept the place. He said parents who have been offered a place must confirm their choice of school by 19 June 2023, adding that after this date, their highest-ranked choice of school will be automatically confirmed.

‘’We appeal to parents to confirm their places as soon as possible, as this will free up places for other learners. This is especially important where a learner has received offers from multiple schools. Once these ‘double parked’ learners are confirmed to a specific school, the places at the other schools can be offered to other learners,’’ said David Maynier, Education MEC.

‘’Once the choice of school is confirmed, parents are required to drop off the hard copy documents from their application to their school of choice within 7 days of accepting,’’ he added.

The MEC urged parents/caregivers not to panic should their child be unsuccessful in getting placed during this first initial phase.

‘’We know that this is extremely stressful and disappointing, but we appeal to parents to bear in mind that we are still very early in the admissions process, and thousands of places will still open up.’’

‘’For example, over 41 000 learners have been ‘double parked’, allowing over 41 000 spaces to still become available once their chosen schools are confirmed. It is advisable to stay in touch with the schools applied to and to request that the learner be placed on a waiting list. If you do not get a place at any school within the next few months, the WCED will assist you with placement,’’ added Maynier.

He said this will only happen towards the end of September, once all the places at schools have been filled and can confirm which schools still have places available.

Despite the online school applications closed for the 2024 school year, Maynier said parents can still apply for 2024 by completing a learner placement form and submitting this at their education district office.

The form is available here:

https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/documents/WCED%20Admissions/PLACEMENT%20IN%20PROGRESS%20FORM.pdf

Done By: Mitchum George

City of Cape Town contractors withdraws services as opportunists demands 'protection fee'

The City of Cape Town says its service delivery teams are under siege. This comes after the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, survived a shooting incident on Wednesday.

Quintas was conducting an oversight visit for the City's Winter Preparedness programme in Joe Slovo, Milnerton. On the way out of Joe Slovo, heading towards Phoenix, two armed men started firing shots at his vehicle.

Mayoral committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said this shooting incident follows a series of violent attacks and threatening of Urban Mobility officials and contractors.

‘’In fact, the contractor working on the resurfacing of Koeberg Road, not far from where yesterday’s [Wednesday’s] shooting incident happened, withdrew his team on 17 May 2023, due to gangsters demanding protection money and threatening workers on site.’’

Smith said a number of contractors withdrew their services as they were threatened as they could not pay ‘protection fee’

    PICTURE SUPPLIED

Last Wednesday, the contractor responsible for roadworks on Koeberg Road in Brooklyn, withdrew his workers and machinery from the site. This is not the first time the Urban Mobility  team came under attack -  On 10 May 2023, a contractor's worker was shot and killed in Delft while working on a road rehabilitation project. On the same day, a group of five men confronted and threatened a contractor working on the resurfacing of streets in Mfuleni. The contractor had to stop work immediately.

On Wednesday, said Smith, a group of gangsters stopped a project on Epping Avenue in Elsies River Industrial.

‘’This terrible experience made me realise how dangerous it has become to deliver services to our communities. In fact, I dare say we are now at a point where it has become nearly impossible to do our work without armed patrols. Criminals demand protection money from the City and contractors, and because we refuse to pay, we are under constant threat of being attacked, or our machinery and assets get stolen with many staff being exposed to violence in the course of carrying out their duties,’’ said rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.

 

‘’These syndicates and other criminals pose a serious threat to service delivery, not only in Cape Town, but across the country. I am calling on the National Police Commissioner and the Minister of Police to do their duty, and keep residents safe from thugs. This cannot continue, and we will not be able to provide services if it puts the lives of staff and contractors in danger,’’ he added.

‘’This project was forced to a standstill earlier this year as well. Given that the contractor refused to pay protection money, the criminals have made it impossible for work to continue on site. Two cases have been reported to the police in Milnerton. At this point, the City may be forced to abandon this project because we cannot risk human lives,' said Quintas.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

 

 

Six informal settlements affected by heavy rain in Cape Town

Six informal settlements were affected by Thursday afternoon, by heavy rain in Cape Town.

The South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 3 Warning for Disruptive Rain for Cape Town on Thursday. The weather service forecast 100% rain.

COURTESY: Twitter - @SaaymanRentals

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management’s, Sonica Lategan, said localised flooding has been reported on numerous roads across the city but no road closures. Most roadways have been cleared, but she added that officials are busy clearing roadways, unblocking drains and removing debris. 

‘’Affected informal settlement areas are in Dunoon, Winnie Madikizela Mandela Informal Settlement in Delft, Kosovo C-Section in Philippi and TR Bongani, WB and D-Section in Site C, Khayelitsha,’’ she said.

‘’Relief provided include engineering works, and provision of sand and milling based on assessments done,’’ added Lategan.

Lategan said Disaster Management officials and other City Departments are continuing with assessments and responses to the persistent rainfall experienced on Thursday.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

CoCT's Transport head came under attack; Suspect arrested

A City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee (Mayco) Member came under attack on Wednesday afternoon.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

The vehicle, who had the City’s Safety & Security VIP Unit in it, transported the Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas,  came under attack in Joe Slovo in Phoenix.

PICTURE - Twitter: Rob Quintas

MayCo Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the VIP Unit had no choice but to use their firearms to protect Quintas.

‘’The VIP Unit were required to use their firearms. A wounded suspect was arrested and is receiving medical care. A case will be opened at Milnerton SAPS.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two killed, 5 injured in suspected vigilante attack in Nyanga

Two men, aged 23 and 26, were killed on Wednesday, in Nyanga, in what is believed to be a suspected vigilante attack.

The police’s Novela Potelwa said the incident follows after seven men were assault at the Nyanga taxi rank.

‘’Provincial detectives have opened murder and attempted murder case dockets for investigation… Meanwhile five of the victims between the ages of 15 and 27 who were seriously injured are fighting for their lives in a local hospital,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

Potelwa said the incident is being investigated.

‘’The SAPS have reinforced deployments in the Nyanga taxi rank area in a bid to apprehend the suspects and prevent further criminal acts from occurring.’’

‘’Detectives are following up all leads including the possibility that the motive is a vigilante attack,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Four killed in Constania; Victim killed wanted for murder in Bulgaria

Four people aged between 40 and 50, believed to be of Bulgarian descent, were murdered, in Constantia, on Thursday morning.

The police’s Andrè Traut said the bodies of two females and two males were discovered with gunshot wounds.

‘’Police were summoned [at around 08:20] to the crime scene after the discovery was made. The motive for the multiple murders is yet to be determined, with detectives hard at work in search of clues. Serious and Violent Crime detectives have initiated an investigation into the murders,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, condemned the incident.

‘’It is disheartening to hear of the incident… I urge the public to assist all Law Enforcement agencies that make any information they might have, available. The crime stats of the third quarter of 2022, shows there was one incident where four people were killed.’’

‘’I will engage the SAPS provincial commission, Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, to keep me updated on how the investigation is progressing. Those who committed this horrific crime must immediately be found and convicted. We have to stop all forms of killing,’’ he added.

According to Bulgarian media, one of the Constantia mass shooting victims was wanted in Bulgaria for various offences, including murder.

Local media in the European country, said an Interpol Red Notice was issued for the man, identified as Krasimir Kamenov, at the end of April.

 PICTURE - Interpol: Krasimir Kamenov

It is believed that those killed in Constantia was Kamenov, his wife, child and their babysitter.

Kamenov was accused in absentia by the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office in Bulgaria, as the murder of Lyubomir Ivanov, a former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who was shot in Sofia at the beginning of 2022.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Woman shot and killed by unknown men near Wynberg Magistrate's Court

Wynberg police are investigating a case of murder after a woman was shot and killed by unknown gunmen, near the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.

The police’s Malcolm Pojie said the motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.

‘’Wynberg detectives are probing a murder that was perpetrated on the C/O Church and Broady Roads in Wynberg, earlier today, Thursday, 25 May 2023 at about 10:45,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie. 

‘’Crime scene experts are still combing the scene. Preliminary reports reveal that the unknown deceased, was walking in the street near the court when she was approached by unknown gunmen who started shooting at her, wounding her fatally. She succumbed to injury on the scene and was declared as dead by medical personnel,’’ he added.

Anyone with information is requested to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or to contact the Wynberg detectives.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Sinikithemba demonstrates love and unity in communities

Locals came in numbers at the Nomzamo Community Hall on Saturday 20 May for a memorial service of a Mozambican family that died in a shack fire on Wednesday 10 May.

Over 60 shacks were destroyed during the incident and leaving more than 100 people homeless.

The deceased were identified as Nelson Makamo (29), Zinya Sithole (27) and Junior Makamo (2).

The memorial service was organized by the Sinikithemba NGO that assists communities in varies ways especially with homies who are in need. The service was attend by community and church leaders.

Sinikithemba organiser Thembeka Soldat said it was important for them to organise a memorial service for the deceased to demonstrate Ubuntu. She stated that the intention was to unite the community.

“Whether they are coming from Mozambique, they are part of our community. We are all Africans.

“We need to love each other. What happened in 2008 (the outbreak of xenophobic violence) must not happen again.  Let us unite and love one another,” said Soldat.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

 

Nyanga elderly pampered and educated at Muizenberg Civil Hall

At least 100 senior citizens from Ward 37 in Nyanga had the opportunity to breathe fresh air with the smell of the ocean when they went on an outing to Muizenberg Civil Hall.

The “capacity building” outing took place on Thursday 18 May and was organised as part of the ward allocation budget for the ward. It was designed to capacitate and educate senior citizens about their rights and health.

Different departments that attended the occasion such as the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the City’s Department of Social Development, Sub-council 13 delegates and a representative from one of the leading banks in the country.

Councillor Sandile Martin said they felt the need to take them out so that they may be empowered and also ease them of their stress.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

 

ActionSA commission of inquiry found irregularities in the Rooiwal water treatment plant

 An independent commission of inquiry into the Hammanskraal water crisis, that was appointed by ActionSA in 2021, found that funds which were set aside for the upgrade of the Rooiwal water treatment plant, were missing.

The failure of the project has led to the long standing water issues in the Hammanskraal township which has now escalated to a cholera crisis claiming 15 lives and leading to over 50 people being hospitalized.

“The contractor who was responsible for refurbishing the Rooiwal water treatment plant was grossly lacking in the competence to conduct a contract of such magnitude”, said ActionSA’s councillor Thabang Sebotsane, in an interview.

The contractor is said to be Businessman Edwin Sodi’s company.

In July last year, ActionSA requested the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to include the Hammanskraal Water Report in its investigation regarding irregularities found. 

It is unclear if this was done.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

The trials of the murder of two lawyers resumes today in Cape Town

 Lawyers are not usually the subject of a trial, but today different, the Western Cape High Court will deal with separate trials relating to the murders of two well-known Cape Town lawyers. 

The trial of the three men accused of murdering Pete Mihalik and attempting to murder his two children is about to be concluded, with the final argument set to start today. 

Mihalik was murdered on his way to drop off his children at a private school in Green Point in October 2018. 

The State has presented number of evidence in its bid to prove that Sizwe Biyela, Nkosinathi Khumalo and Vuyile Maliti shot and killed Mihalik in broad daylight on a busy road. 

All three suspects pleaded not guilty.

But as that trial draws to an end, five men will start their trial for the murder of advocate David Mbazwana.  

Mbazwana was murdered outside a shop in Khayelitsha almost a year later, in September 2019. 

As Mbazwana murder trial starts today, the State will start building its case against Sinethemba Makeleni, Anga Anganda Mabenjane, Lonwabo Cosa, Siyanda Ndzendze and Brian Balangile. 

More information regarding the accused will be revealed as the court teases out evidence gathered around the events of the murder.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

Man arrested for killing one and injuring another in Hanover Park; Second suspect sought

A 20-year-old man, believed to have been involved in killing a 37-year-old man, and injuring a 30-year-old at Algoa Court in Hanover Park on Tuesday morning, has been arrested.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

The police’s Malcolm Pojie said that the injured man was transported to hospital with private transport, and is in a serious condition.

‘’Preliminary investigation reveals that members responded rapidly to a shooting incident [at about 07:15] this morning, after being alerted by members of the public. Upon arrival at the scene, the members learnt that two men were shot by two unknown assailants,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.

‘’Witness accounts and information gathered on scene led integrated forces to the 20-year-old suspect who was found in close vicinity of the scene. He was arrested and detained, facing a charges of murder and attempted murder that were opened for further investigation,’’ he added.

He added that a second suspect is being sought. The police spokesperson alleges that the incident could be gang related.

‘’ The second suspect is still at large, and an appeal is made to anyone with information to please contact the local police or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. The possibility that the incident is gang related cannot be ruled out and forms part of further investigation into the incident,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

DA urges the USA to allow South Africa to benefit from its economy

The DA has urged US lawmakers in a bid to preserve the country’s duty-free access to the world’s biggest economy amid a spat between the two nations over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

COURTESY: Good Things Guy

DA's leader, John Steenhuisen, said he met with congressional and senate staff in Washington about a month ago, to convince them that South Africa should continue benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The agricultural sector offers a huge opportunity for South Africa both from an employment and food security perspective. Voting DA in 2024 will save AGOA and South African agriculture from the ANC. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/HUT3PBlmS0

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) May 17, 2023

According Steenhuisen, Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape, will be headed there soon for the same agenda.

Steenhuisen is in  the view that the ANC has angered the US by abstaining from United Nations resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression and hosting its warships for naval practices.

This month, the US ambassador to Pretoria accused it of loading arms onto a Russian ship and said this could affect the country’s access to the US market. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration denied theses allegation.

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

Three derelict properties in Wynberg are in a deteriorating state; Residents asked to sign a petition

 Three derelict properties based in Waterloo Green Road in Wynberg are in a deteriorating state, and residents have been asked to get behind a petition aimed at getting the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to take responsibility for its properties.

On Friday, the DA’s shadow minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sello Seithlolo, visited the crumbling heritage buildings.

It was his first stop on a tour of four sites located in Ward 62 that are owned by DPWI. He was escorted by Emile Langenhoven, councillor of Ward 62, who had organised the site visits.

Addressing the group of desperate residents who had gathered in Waterloo Green Road, Seithlolo urged them to draw up and sign a petition so that becomes part of the agenda so that he could assist in making it a priority within the portfolio committee.

In February 2022, the department had shared that the funding for the demolition of two of the three homes had been approved.

 

Done by: Sibulele Stuurman

Macassar residents and surrounds fed up of prolonged power outages

Residents in Ward 109 in the City of Cape Town, - which covers, Macassar, Sandvlei, Brandwacht, and Smartie Town, said they are fed up with prolonged power outages.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, blamed the power outages on ‘’Eskom’s failure’’ to protect Eskom infrastructure, as well as from vandalism and theft in hotspots areas. He said on 1 May 2023, a substation was vandalised by criminals.

‘’This is the only source of power for the residents in our ward and it is extremely worrying that no security officers are placed at this substation.’’

‘’We are also faced with a situation where the only cable supplying the ward with power has failed many times over the last 12 months, leaving our ward in darkness, sometimes for days on end,’’ he added.

The ward’s electricity is supplied by Eskom. Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis said it would take time for the municipality to move Eskom-supplied customers to the City’s grid.

‘’There is about 20% of the City that live in  Eskom-supplied areas. At the moment, there is no way that we can help those customers, but we are trying to take over those areas from Eskom. Eskom seems keen; we are very keen. We are in discussions with them - those discussions are proceeding slowly – there is a lot of work to do.’’

Helfrich says he has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, after he claims, Eskom has yet to find a solution to these problems. He wants Ramaphosa to intervene.

SUPPLIED: Peter Helfrich, ward 109 councillor, letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa

Community Leader, Felicity Solomon, shared Helfrich’s sentiments.

‘’Residents sometimes go to bed hungry. Others cannot go to work. Businesses are closing their doors. It feels like we are steadily moving back to the dark ages. Our councillor, Peter Helfrich, has tried his best to take this matter up with Eskom but does not seem to get their cooperation. It is time for the Presidents to intervene,’’ she said.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Check 2024 school admissions system login details, appeals WCED

The Western Cape’s Education Department (WCED) has appealed to parents who have applied for the 2024 school year in the province, to ensure that their login details are correct before 29 May.

PICTURE: Pixabay

From next Monday, parents and caregivers will be able to log in to the online system to view the outcome of their applications as schools upload them.

The WCED said on Monday, they received 21 659 late applications, thus far, which includes 2 006 Grade 1 and 11 388 Grade 8 admissions applications. This is in addition to the on-time applications for 155 330 learners received before 14 April 2023.

Education MEC, David Maynier said School Governing Bodies have been applying their admission policies over the past month to determine placements for next year. He added that thousands of parents that had applied previously on the system had forgotten their passwords and needed password resets.

‘’That is why we encourage parents to make sure that they have their correct password details now, so that we can assist them before the outcomes of their applications become available from 29 May 2023.’’

‘’If parents wait until 29 of May 2023 to request assistance, it could result in having to wait for a response if password reset request volumes are high,’’ added Maynier.

The MEC urged parents/caregivers to test their passwords in advance so that you can resolve any reset issues before 29 May 2023.

‘’By doing so, you will have immediate access to the website on the day to view your application status,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

We appeal to parents to test their passwords NOW by visiting:  https://westerncapegov.custhelp.com/

For assistance on password resets – please contact:

Call Centre: 0860 142 142

Email: service@westerncape.gov.za

Or use the “Contact us” link on the login page!

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town arrest rate increases week by week

The City of Cape Town recorded more arrest the past week as compared to the previous week.

The Mother City’s law enforcement departments have arrested 363 suspects this past week, compared to 283 arrests the previous week.

The Law Enforcement officers issued over four-thousand notices for various offences in the past week.

Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the departments resources within, has grown, resulting in arrest rate increasing significantly.

‘’Our arrest rate has increased significantly in recent years, as the number of resources within Safety and Security has grown. And, even where the weekly arrest rate fluctuates, it is seldom due to the fact that fewer people are behaving badly, but more because our staff have had to deal with other priorities, which impact on their normal operations and patrols. These include assisting with any incidents of civil unrest,  providing escort services to other City departments, being on duty at major events and also dealing with the safety-related impacts of load-shedding.’’

“The list of priorities really is something to behold, and it is my hope that our public can appreciate the weight that falls on the shoulders of our uniformed services,'’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

    

                    

                                   PICTURE: pexels.com

Done by: Alungile Njemla