Beware of electricity scams, warns CoCT

The City of Cape Town has warned residents of new electricity scams which are doing the rounds.

In the first scam, residents are offered cheaper units. Mayco member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, said the electricity supposedly sold doesn't work on the City's meters and anyone making use of this service.

SUPPLIED: City of Cape Town

In the second scam, explained van Reenen, a senior citizen reported to the City that someone had visited her home claiming they needed to enter the property to scan her prepaid meter so she can get a rebate on her electricity.

SUPPLIED: City of Cape Town

‘’Everyone loves a deal, especially in these tough economic times, but remember if the price of the electricity units seems too good to be true, it very likely is a scam,’’ said Beverley van Reenen, Mayco member for Energy.

‘’We urge residents to be aware of scammers trying to sell cheap, fraudulent units and others posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes.  Similarly, if someone attempts to enter your home under the premise that you'll be given a rebate, it is also likely to be a scam. The City urges residents to be aware of scammers who are posing as City officials or contractors to gain access to their homes. Once given access to residents' homes, the scammers steal small personal items like jewellery and cash,’’ she added.

The mayco member said in most cases, the elderly are targeted.

Van Reenen said the City's Electricity Generation and Distribution Department will make an appointment with residents before visiting their home.

‘’Municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a legitimate City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the work order number and the identification card before allowing anyone onto their property and to verify whether the card is legitimate,’’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

 

‘’The identification card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor. If unsure, residents are urged to call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089.’’

Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the City's law enforcement agencies or the City's Fraud Hotline on 0800 1100 77 or to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention. 

 

Done By: Mitchum George

 

 

 

Johnathan Mills elected as Ward 107 councillor, as DA retains ward

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has retained ward 107 in Cape Town.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held a by-election on Wednesday.  The ward consists of Table View, Sunningdale and Parklands and became vacant following the resignation of DA councillor, Nicolette Rheeder. Rheeder relocated to the Netherlands earlier this year.

Following Wednesday’s by-election, Jonathan Scott Mills, has been elected as the new DA councillor in Ward 107.

PICTURE: Facebook - Cllr. Jonathan Mills

The DA has not only retained the ward, but also increased its support from 82.36%, as attained at the 2021 Local Government Elections, to 94.07%.

The IEC says four other parties whose candidates stood in the by-election received between one and two percent of the votes. The parties are the ANC, the EFF, the Cape Independence Party and the Organic Humanity Movement.

21.39% of the approximately 20 000 registered voters in the ward went to make their mark.

The ward 107 by-election results are as follows:

DA – 94.07% - 4 078 VOTES (2021 – 82.36% - 9355 votes)

CIP – 2.45% - 106 VOTES (2021 – 1.66% - 188 votes)

ANC – 1.75% - 76 VOTES (2021 – 4.23% - 481 votes)

EFF – 1.57% - 68 VOTES (2021 – 3.88% - 441 votes)

OHM – 0.16% - 7 VOTES (2021 – 0.00% - 0 votes)

% Poll – 21.42%

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Help find missing 7-year-old Enhle Maneli from Mfuleni

The Kuilsrivier Family Violence, Child Protection, Sexual Offences Unit is seeking the assistance of the public to help find a missing seven-year-old boy, who was last seen two weeks ago.

The police’s Wesley Twigg said Enhle Maneli went missing on Saturday, 17 June 2023 from his home in the Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni.

SUPPLIED - SAPS: 7-year-old Enhle Maneli

‘’The child is mute and cannot speak. At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a blue hoody top, red pants and brown shoes,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Anyone with any information about the missing boy is kindly requested to contact the investigation officer Constable Pretty Notshokovu on 082 522 1038, 082 522 1047 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Lentegeur police constable arrested for defeating the ends of justice

A 26-year-old police constable attached to Lentegeur Detectives was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for defeating the ends of justice on Wednesday.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the police’s FC van Wyk, the alleged incident took place in April this year, when the member was transporting a person who came from a known drug house in the area.

Van Wyk added that officers in the vicinity wanted to search this person but the member told these members not to, as the person is with him.

“Upon searching this person anyway, cocaine was found in his possession and he was arrested. After an investigation the docket was submitted to the Department of Public Prosecution and a warrant of arrest was issued and executed yesterday [Wednesday] (2023-06-28),’’ said Captain FC van Wyk.

‘’The member appeared in court the same day and was released on R1500 bail. The case was remanded to 2023-07-12 at Mitchells Plain Magistrates court for a Regional Court date,” he added.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Schools out, but keep an eye out for illegal activities, requests WCED

The Western Cape Education Department appealed to communities to protect their local school. The call comes as schools closed on Friday for the second term of 2023.

Vandalism and burglaries are common during school holidays. During the Autumn school holiday this year, 18 schools reported incidents of theft and vandalism, which matched the number of schools affected during the same period last year.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The WCED said it has subsidised holiday security at 436 schools for the June-July holidays. This is 21 less schools than the March holidays.

MEC David Maynier encouraged community members to keep a close eye on schools in their areas and report any suspicious activities.

“Schools close [Friday, 23 June] for the winter break, and we wish all of our teachers, learners and parents a safe and restful break. Some of our teachers and learners will be attending #BackOnTrack camps and classes during the holidays, and we thank them for their commitment to improving learning outcomes and giving our children a better future in the Western Cape.’’

‘’Unfortunately, our schools often fall prey to burglars and vandals during the school holidays. Please report any suspicious activity to SAPS or the Safe Schools hotline immediately, as this can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property!,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town attends to electricity service requests in various areas

The City of Cape Town teams are attending to electricity service requests in various areas.

This follows electricity cuts caused by bad weather, loadshedding and secondary tripping.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The areas with power faults are Valhalla Park, Kosovo, Hanover Park, Samora Machel and Heideveld.

The city says teams are attending to all faults and are unable to give the estimated time of power restoration.

‘There are a number of areas across the metro which are currently experiencing unplanned outages. Our teams are attending to these and we thank our customers for their understanding.

‘Customers should please bear in mind that storms can cause area outages, which take longer to resolve. These are especially caused by trees and shrubs growing into electricity infrastructure. Added to this, Covid-19 continues to have an impact on operations. City teams will continue to do everything in their power to attend to outages in the shortest possible time. It is often not possible to give an exact time for restoration where damage to infrastructure is involved and where an outage affects a large area,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.

The city encourages residents to report electricity outage faults in their areas.

                                              

Done by: Alungile Njemla

SA's 2023 tax season opens on 7 July

South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, urged tax payers to submit accurate personal income tax returns on time.

Tax season opens on Friday, 7 July 2023 after 8pm.

“The submission of accurate personal income tax returns on time is important for a seamless filing season. This year, taxpayers must take control of their own tax affairs to ensure they are aware of their obligations and remain compliant,’’ said Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner.

“SARS continues to provide enabling technology, the expanded use of data, enhanced by machine learning, algorithms and artificial intelligence.  We also continue to make progress in various aspects of online and in-person taxpayer services through an investment in our people. These enabling and service improvements are intended to ensure that there is no need for walk-in tax consultations and long queues at SARS offices,’’ he added.

PICTURE: SARS

Kieswetter said from 30 June 2023, SARS will communicate directly with selected taxpayers by SMS notifying taxpayers of their auto-assessments.

This year SARS will allow taxpayers, who did not agree with the auto-assessment outcome, to file an amended return until the normal filing season deadline, 23 October 2023. This is a change from the 40 days allowed last year.

SARS said non-provisional taxpayers who did not get an auto-assessment and who are required to file a return can do so from 7 July 2023 after 8 pm until 23 October 2023. Provisional taxpayers as well as Trust submissions can start with filing a return from 7 July 2023 after 8 pm until 23 January 2024.

Kieswetter said the introduction of auto-assessments, was one of many filing improvements that bears testimony to SARS’ commitment to build a smart, modern organization with unquestionable integrity, trusted and admired by all.

‘’In delivering such an important service, SARS is helping to build a capable state for the social and economic development of our country and its people – the Higher Purpose of SARS,’’ he said.

The SARS commissioner said harsh penalties will be given to taxpayers who intentionally attempt to claim impermissible expenses or understate their income

‘’In addition, there will be administrative non-compliance penalties for those taxpayers who do not adhere to the deadlines of this year’s Filing Season.’’

 

APPOINTMENT AT BRANCHES

Taxpayers who wish to visit a SARS branch must first make an appointment. They can do this by:

·        Sending an SMS to 47277 (iSARS) with the word Booking (Space) ID number/Passport number.

·        Dialling *134*7277# free of charge on their cellphone and choosing the eBooking option.

·        Going to the SARS website and clicking on the “Book an Appointment” icon. Complete the online form

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Three CoCT employees robbed in Macassar

Western Cape police are yet to arrest suspects after they robbed three City of Cape Town employees on Saturday.

The trio were robbed of their cell phones and money. They also got away with vehicles. The police’s Wesley Twigg said Macassar police are probing a case of armed robbery.

"According to reports, armed suspects approached the workers [at around 13:05 on Macassar Road, Macassar], robbed them of their cellular telephones and a VW Citi Golf and fled the scene. The suspects are yet to be arrested," said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

According to ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, the three employees, employed by a City of Cape Town contractor was is in the process of constructing a 400mm diameter pipeline to link the treatment effluent network between Zandvliet Waste Water Treatment Works plant with the Macassar Waste Water Treatment Works plant, were attacked by 10 armed men.

‘’According to one of the victims, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, 10 armed men stopped at the site where they were working with a white 1400 Nissan bakkie and forced them to the ground. The victim confirmed that all of the men were armed and aggressively explained to them, if they do not cooperate, they will be shot,’’ said Helfrich.

‘’The victim says what scared him most was the fact that one of the criminals held the firearm against his head throughout the ordeal. All he was thinking of at the time was his family,’’ he added.

PICTURE: Facebook: Peter Helfrich, Ward 109 councillor

The three workers were robbed of their cell phones and money. They also took the keys to one of the employees car. Five of the gunmen, explains Helfrich, then took off in his blue Citi Golf that was parked on the opposite side of the road, and the rest with the bakkie they arrived with.

Helfrich says he arrived on the scene minutes after the incident happened.

“I was making my way to residents that were affected by the flooding in the area, to hand over some much-needed supplies, when I came across the scene. One of the victims informed me that my arrival was just minutes after the incident occurred. After speaking to the victim, and listening to the ordeal that they went through, I felt very sorry for them.’’

The ward councillor blamed SAPS for failing to increase visibility in the area, after bodies were recently found dumped on Macassar Road.

“SAPS management in the province promised more visibility in the area, and particularly this road, after three bodies were recently found on this road. I am ticked off and outraged because this has not happened,’’ said Peter Helfrich, ward 109 councillor.

“We have a lot of respect for our local police officers. It is unacceptable for SAPS management to expect our local police officers to manage a large ward like Ward 109 with almost no resources. It’s not fair to these officers and it is definitely not fair to the residents they are obligated to protect,’’ he added.

Helfrich alleges that the gunmen are not from Macassar.

“Once again criminals who do not reside in our ward come into our ward to do their criminal activities. These criminals know that our local Macassar police station is under-resourced and undermanned and they take advantage of this.”

Felicity Solomons, Community Leader, says residents deemed Macassar Road, as ‘the road of doom.’

“Residents are calling this road the road of doom because of all of the crime taking place on this road. Our councillor, Peter Helfrich, has been calling for SAPS to increase its visibility on this road. It clearly has not happened, even after they promised to do so.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Domestic violence cases increase in Cape Town

Metro Police in Cape Town has noted an increased number of domestic violence cases.

The 33 cases are in various parts of the metropole, including Bishop Lavis, Eastridge, Macassar, Gugulethu and Delft over this period. In the past week, there were 11 cases and 22 the previous week.

In one of the latest incidents, a 46-year-old suspect was arrested in Mfuleni on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in terms of the Domestic Violence Act.

'In many of the incidents reported, the aggressors were children, some adults, but quite a few only in their teens, either threatening or assaulting parents or other family members. In many instances, domestic violence is linked to substance abuse, and we also notice an increase towards month-end. The onset of the school holidays is also something to consider, particularly if we take into account that home isn't necessarily a safe space for everyone. And, although we appreciate the complexity involved, it is very difficult for our officers to act decisively when complainants do not want to pursue charges. Our Metro Police Department will continue to respond to domestic violence incidences as mandated by the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, but officers can only do as much as the law, and the complainants will allow them to,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

                       

                                   Picture: pixabay

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Home Affairs extends operating hours to deal with high demand for Smart ID Cards and passport services

Home Affairs will operate for an extra two hours, from Tuesday.

PICTURE: Department of Home Affairs

In a statement, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, said the temporary extension is to deal with the high demand for Smart ID Cards and passport services at its offices.

‘’This extension applies to the 198 modernised Live Capture offices which can process Smart ID Cards and passports. The Department usually receives a higher volume of applications during school holidays. To meet demand during this period, we have extended operating hours,” said Motsoaledi.

Operating hours are between 08:00 to 17:30.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Three suspects arrested in separate incidents near Delft and Mfuleni for various crimes

The Flying Squad was patrolling the N1 freeway when they noticed a Renault vehicle that was hijacked in Parow and called for backup, after that a high speed chase began. They chased the car from Bellville and ended up in Freedom Farm informal settlement near Delft.

The suspects left the vehicle and ran in between the shacks when one of them disposed of his firearm. A firearm with eight rounds and one cartridge stuck in the firearm were retrieved. There were no injuries during this incident and the hijacked vehicle was confiscated for further investigation. 

In another incident Operation Restore conducted an operation in Mfuleni, and arrested three suspects for possession of presumed hijacked vehicle.

The members were doing crime prevention patrols in Kleinvlei when they saw occupants in a gold Toyota Corolla acting suspiciously. The members stopped and searched the vehicle in Blue Downs Way, Kleinvlei, and on further inspection it was found that the vehicle was reported hijacked at Kleinvlei SAPS in June.

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

ANC Western Cape elects new leadership

African National Congress (ANC) President, Cyril Ramaphosa, believes the party can regain power in the Western Cape. Ramaphosa delivered the closing remarks at the party’s provincial elective conference on Sunday.

PICTURE: Twitter - @MYANC

The ANC elected Vuyiso Tyhalisisu as its new Western Cape chairperson and Sharon Davids as his deputy.

Nelville Delport was elected as the new provincial secretary, with Ayanda Bans elected as the new deputy secretary.

Derek Appel is the party’s new provincial treasurer.

Ramaphosa told the delegates that they had disappointed many people by holding a successful conference.

‘’Much as there were some expectations in some places that not chairs will be flying, but bottles were flying. People would be arguing - There was nothing like that - to a point where people were disappointed, even some saying this provincial conference is boring, there is no action here. So I wish to commend you all and congratulating you on holding a successful conference.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Joint Task Team & A Special Unit has been established to deal with taxi-related violence in Western Cape

A Joint Task Team has been established to deal with taxi-related violence in the Western Cape. Additionally, a special unit will be formed to spearhead prosecutor-guided investigations in cases involving taxi-related crimes. 

This was announced by Western Cape Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, who held meetings with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), following the recent shootings in the minibus taxi industry.

Mackenzie explained that SAPS has a constitutional duty to prevent, combat and investigate crime, whilst the NPA has the power to institute criminal proceedings on behalf of the state and to carry out any necessary functions incidental to instituting criminal proceedings.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

Mackenzie said about 555 taxi-related cases including murders and attempted murders were committed between 2019 to 2022. 

‘’The minibus-taxi industry has over the years been marred by incessant incidents of violence stemming mainly from overtrading, the monopolisation of taxi routes, a proliferation of illegal operators, turf battles and route invasions.  This has resulted in damage to property and the loss of human lives.

The on-going taxi violence has resulted in the suspension and de-registration of taxi associations and members and the cancellation of several operating licences.  As the Minister responsible for Mobility in the province, I can invoke my powers in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to introduce extra-ordinary measures in areas marred by taxi violence.  This has resulted in the closure of routes and ranks and the disruption of travel patterns.

Mackenzie says albeit these steps were taken, the violence in the taxi-industry has not stopped.

‘’Violence breeds further violence and if there are no consequences, it will continue to escalate.  It is clear that we cannot use our limited regulatory powers to deal with criminal actions. ‘’

 

 

He said he asked SAPS to provide a comprehensive report on how many of the cases are currently under investigation and the progress made in respect of each matter. Mackenzie further asked the NPA to provide a progress report on cases where criminal proceedings have been instituted.

‘’In our meetings, I urged both the SAPS and the NPA to prioritise taxi-related cases in terms of time and resources in order to stabilise the taxi industry and to demonstrate to our citizens that there are consequences for violent and criminal conduct.  Only successful convictions will stop or significantly reduce violent incidents in the taxi industry.’’

‘’To this end, I am pleased with the outcome of the meetings with the SAPS and the NPA, which led to an agreement to strengthen our relationship through the formation of a Joint Task Team to deal with taxi-related violence and the formation of a special unit to spearhead prosecutor-guided investigations in cases involving taxi-related crimes,’’ added Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Combat stigma and discrimination on those using drugs - World Drug Day 2023

Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.

Monday marked The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day. This day commemorated annually on 26 June, aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The theme for 2023 is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion. The campaign also aims to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental.

In May 2023, it was revealed that there are 1 819 knowndrug houses in the Western Cape. This is 242 more than June 2021.

Western Cape’s Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, says it takes a whole-of-society approach to curb the abuse of drug use.

“It is important to treat those who suffer from Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and their families with respect and empathy. These disorders are an illness that require proper treatment and support, just like any other health crisis. SUDs are often a main contributor to other social ills like abuse, violence, crime, and unemployment, so it takes a whole-of-society (WOSA) and whole-of-government approach to stem the tide.”

Fernandez says her department has set aside R108.8 million to its Substance Abuse, Prevention and Rehabilitation programme for the 2023/2024 financial year.

The provincial department has an Alcohol and Drug Action Committee that oversees the organisation’s response to substance abuse. The MEC says Functioning LDACs are crucial to the expansion of SUD services in vulnerable communities, like rural areas.

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town says 55 269 library books borrowed  within a 12-month period were related to substance abuse

In recent years, the Alcohol and Drug Action Committee has also started monitoring substance-related materials borrowed from City libraries, to help gauge what members of the public are seeking information on.

‘’Substance abuse and its impacts affect our society at so many levels, and it is overwhelming to consider the extent of the problem. It is also important to understand that substance abuse is not limited to drugs only, but alcohol too. The City continues to do all it can with available resources and mandates, to strengthen our social fabric and build resilience in our children, families and persons struggling with addiction, but we need help. We speak often about shared responsibility, and nowhere is that more apt than the fight against substance abuse. Together, we need to do more to prevent substance abuse in the first place, and much of that needs to start in the home, with frank discussions, access to information, and leading by example,’ said Patricia Van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

The City said between July 2022 and April 2023, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments made 8 613 drug-related arrests and confiscated 53 520 units of drugs, including dagga, tik, mandrax, heroin and cocaine. Additionally 3 132 arrests were made for drunk driving in a 10-month period. The Law Enforcement Liquor Unit closed down 2 449 illegal liquor premises, issued 1 537 fines in terms of the liquor by-law and arrested 147 suspects for illegally dealing in liquor.

‘’That’s nearly 12 000 arrests for drug and alcohol-related offences, in less than a year, just by City enforcement agencies. The expansion of our services, and the introduction of LEAP in areas ravaged by drugs, firearms and gang activity are some of the contributing factors,’’ said JP Smith.  Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

‘’With the release of the most recent crime statistics, indicators reliant on enforcement actions showed the greatest gains in policing precincts where LEAP has been deployed. However, enforcement is not the solution. Instead, we need to chip away at the very deeply embedded social and economic challenges. The City is doing a lot in this space, in part due to the failings of national government, but these efforts are not sustainable without a massive collective effort,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Four Social Development workers nearly hijacked in Khayelitsha

Western Cape Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, has condemned the violent attack against the Department of Social Development (DSD) staff.

Four WCSD staff members were nearly hijacked Friday in Khayelitsha after facilitating a substance use disorder and crime prevention programme. The four traumatized staff members will receive counselling and support.

PICTURE: Dabarestic

Fernandez says this could have awful consequences for vulnerable residents.

“I am deeply disturbed by the violent attack staff endured this afternoon and I condemn it in the strongest terms. To any community members who may have information that could lead to arrests, please contact the SAPS. I also implore residents to protect WCDSD staff, where it is safe and possible, when they are trying to deliver crucial services to communities. We cannot have a situation where staff members are unable to enter areas due to the callous acts of criminals. This could have dire consequences for vulnerable residents, like children.’’

According to the MEC, this is not the first time WCDSD staff members have come under attack while attempting to perform their duties.

‘’Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Nyanga, have been identified as hotspots for these kind of attacks on Western Cape Government (WCG) workers. When staff have to conduct home visits in these areas, they can usually only do so if accompanied by SAPS or law enforcement officers, which is not sustainable due to limited resources,’’ said Sharna Fernandez, Western Cape Social Development MEC.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

EFF condemns the Supreme Court of Appeals

The Economic Freedom Fighters has criticised the Supreme Court of Appeals for its latest ruling on land grabs.

EFF leader, Julius Malema asked the court for leave to appeal an earlier high court ruling that interdicted him from instigating land grabs.

The AfriForum launched the court action in 2017 after Malema encouraged his supporters to occupy land.

AfriForum stated that it was pleased as this ruling meant Malema and the red berets had exhausted all legal avenues to fight the battle.

“In January 2023, Malema and the EFF applied for leave to appeal in this case with the high court in Pretoria the application was dismissed. They then took the matter to the Constitutional Court, which dismissed their application in March 2023. Even after the highest court in South Africa, the Constitutional Court  dismissed their application for leave to appeal, they approached the Supreme Court of Appeal. Today’s definitive verdict by that court leaves Malema and the EFF with no further options for appeal,” AfriForum said.

EFF’s spokesperson, Leigh-Anne Mathys, says the ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeals will lead to violence.

 

                                  Picture: Pixabay

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Duo arrested in Cape Town for R1.7million's worth of abalone

Two suspects were arrested on the R300 highway on Tuesday, after officers found the duo with fourteen large bags of abalone worth about R1.7 million.

According to the mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, law Enforcement officers on the R300 highway observed a vehicle driving without consideration for fellow road users.

‘’Once the vehicle was stopped and the driver interviewed, officers detected a strong scent from the vehicle. At first not able to offer any reasonable explanation, the officers sought permission from the driver to conduct a search.’’

The abalone and vehicle was subsequently confiscated.

PICTURE: Facebook - JP Smith

Smith alleges that gangsterism is behind poaching, firearms and drugs in the Western Cape

‘’An aspect needing serious and urgent intervention. Already the City of Cape Town has made a dedicated investigative resource available to our local SAPS to assist with prosecuting the kingpins of these criminal organisation's that link to the overseas blackmarkets,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security.

Smith blamed the opposition, ANC, for not combating poaching in the province.

The DA's Dave Bryant, Shadow Minister for Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Enviroment shared Smith’s sentiments.

"The much anticipated rock lobster enforcement strategy, which was supposed to have been signed off in March already, has instead now been sent back for further consultations. Instead of targeting the poaching syndicates the ANC prefers to further curtail recreational fishing, which comprises a tiny percentage of catch and helps to grow tourism and the local economy."

 

Done By: Mitchum George

CoCT concerned over motorists being three sheets to the wind

Drunk driving in Cape Town remains a concern. The City of Cape Town said more than 70 motorists were arrested in the past week for driving under the influence of alcohol.

PICTURE: Getty Images

A 38-year-old driver was arrested on Youth Day after Metro Police stopped him in Kirstenhof as he was driving without headlights. According to the City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, when officers stopped the vehicle, they found an alcohol bottle inside the door panel, and detected a strong smell of alcohol on the driver. They conducted a breathalyser test and subsequently arrested him.

In a similar incident, added Smith, a 33-year-old man was arrested in Symphony Way, Belhar, after the breathalayser test confirmed that he too was inebriated.

‘’We’re dealing with a lot due to the weather, and then you have those among us who insist on creating additional problems by behaving badly. It’s utterly shocking to see how many drunk drivers continue to be arrested week after week. It’s hard enough operating a vehicle in good weather conditions when you’re sober, but doing so, while impaired, in the type of downpours we’ve seen recently, is both stupid and dangerous. Our enforcement agencies spend an inordinate amount of time policing the impacts of substance abuse, both alcohol and drugs – which means time away from other priorities,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

PICTURED: Mayco member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, at Bush Radio

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape dam levels reach nine-year high

Inclement weather experienced in the Western Cape in the past week saw

dam levels in the province reach a nine-year high.

PICTURE: UCT 

In a statement, the National Department of Water and Sanitation said the

Western Cape’s Water Supply System, which supplies the province’s six

largest dams, has reached the 90% capacity. The last time dam levels in

the Western Cape reached this percentage was back in June 2014.

Theewaterskloof dam, which supplies water to those residing in the Cape

metro, sits at 96%. At the same time last year, the dam stood at 76.7%.

The Olifants/Doorn River Catchment, which provides water to those in the

West Coast, saw a whopping increase of more than 40% in just one week.

The DWS said that 17 dams, including Karee, Misverstand, Ceres and

Brandvlei, increased more than 5% in the past week.

Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, DWS Western Cape Head, welcomed the

recent rains in the province, but shared her dismay after many communities

had to evacuate their homes follwoing heavy downpours. Two people lost

their livesin the Western Cape, because of flooding.

“Besides localised flooding near the construction site of the Clanwilliam

Dam wall, there are no immediate reports of infrastructure damage

(gauging stations, dams etc). The Clanwilliam Dam Construction Site Office

is established well above the floodline and Full Supply Level and thus

 

remains undamaged. However, the foreman’s office and eight containers

(that were emptied) were washed away due to the unexpected high flows.

The work on the dam apron surface will now be delayed until the dam stop

spilling. In the meantime, other critical path activities such as quarry

development and embankment work will continue,” said Bila-Mupariwa.

So far, the heavy rains have not interrupted or intermittently disrupted water

supplies. The department is currently auditing infrastructure to ascertain if

any damages, and a comprehensive report will be issued on various

platforms in due course,’’ added Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, DWS

Western Cape Head.

She said as much as dam levels are on a ‘healthy’ level, she encouraged

residents to still use water sparingly.

“While we are happy with the dam level storages across the Western Cape,

we remind all water users that most of the rainfall took place during the

winter, which is stored and used during the dry and hot summer months of

the Western Cape. For this reason, all water users are urged to use water

sparingly,’’ said Bila-Mupariwa.

According to the South Africa Weather Services, no rain has been forecast

for the rest of the week for the Cape.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Three killed, two seriously wounded following Youth Day shooting in M/Plain

Western Cape police are on the manhunt for two suspects after three

people were shot dead and two others seriously injured, following a

shooting incident in Mitchell’s Plain on Youth Day.

The police’s Novela Potelwa said suspects entered a house in Poppy

Street, Lentegeur and fired multiple shots. Three people - aged 14, 16 and

46 - were killed in the incident. Potelwa added that two teenagers aged 15

and 18 suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were transported to a

medical facility.

Ad after three people were shot dead and two seriously wounded in

shooting incident in Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain on Friday evening

The police spokesperson said the suspects subsequently fled the scene,

however a 26-year-old suspect has been arrested.

‘’Anti-Gang Unit investigators are probing three counts of murder and two

attempted murders. As part of the investigation, the 26-year-old was

apprehended. Two other suspects are still being sought. The shooting

incident is believed to be gang related,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town residents urged to comment on the Draft Filming By-law

 The City of Cape Town’s Events and Film Department has urged all residents to comment on the Draft Filming By-law.

This comes after the By-law seeks to replace the City’s Filming By-law of 2005.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The By-law aims to empower the City’s Film Permit Office to better manage and regulate filming activities within the Mother City.

Cape Town continues to be a desired setting for movies, and the city makes an effort to be a film-friendly location. However, the City must strike a balance between the demands of locals who use public places and economic operations like filmmaking. Therefore, the goal is to control transient public nuisances caused by filming.

The department has drafted a document to ensure that the Mother City’s management and regulation of filming are in line with international standards.

“All comments and suggestions received will be considered for inclusion” said The city’s JP Smith

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Water levels at some Cape Town cemeteries affected by heavy rainfall

The City of Cape Town warned water table levels at some cemeteries in the metro, has been affected due to heavy rains experienced in the City recently, which could potentially impact operations in the short term.

‘’While this is not a new phenomenon, the situation has been exacerbated by the prevailing weather conditions. I think we can all agree that this has been a very wet start to winter, and the impacts have been felt all around. Unfortunately, our cemeteries are not exempt, and we are working to manage the situation as best as possible,’’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

‘’The Recreation and Parks Department has implemented mitigation measures, and the City appreciates the understanding and cooperation of families, mourners and undertakers during this time,’’ she added.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Van der Ross said undertakers and bereaved families should be aware that shallower graves might need to be prepared.

‘’Depending on water table levels at a particular cemetery. This will limit the opportunity to bury a second coffin in the same private grave,’’ said Van der Ross.

The mayco member said the City reserves the right to advise against requests for reopening of a family grave if it is in an area of the cemetery where it is very waterlogged and/or recommend an alternate grave or an alternate cemetery.

Van der Ross gave tips on what to do at grave sites:

·        Parking, roads and pathways might be unusually flooded, or slippery, and the public is advised to exercise extreme caution.

·        Wear suitable weatherproof clothing and non-slip shoes to avoid slipping.

·        Arrive timeously at the burial and do not exceed the 30-minute timeslot so as to alleviate parking congestion.

·        Consider a smaller number of people attending burials, particularly during episodes of inclement weather.

·        Exercise caution when carrying coffins and avoid standing too close to open graves.

·        Consider weekday burials to reduce overcrowding of cemeteries on weekends.

Done By: Sibulele Stuurman