Eskom suspends operations in Khayelitsha, after two employees were gunpointed

Eskom have suspended operations in Zwezwe, Khayelitsha.

PICTURE: Pixabay

This comes after two employees were robbed at gunpoint, on Sunday afternoon.

Eskom’s Western Cape spokesperson, Kyle Cookson, said the pair was robbed of their belongings and service vehicle.

Cookson added that due to the suspension, residents will experience longer periods without electricity due to more delays in restoring electricity.

‘’Eskom senior management and its internal security services will engage the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local community leadership, regarding the incident and find solutions to ensure the safety of staff before services may resume, said Kyle Cookson, Eskom’s Western Cape spokesperson.

Eskom urged communities to report suspicious activities.

‘said: “We urge the community to take a stand against crime and come forward and report any criminal activity against our staff or our infrastructure. The safety of our staff is non-negotiable and if any violence or harassment continues, we will prioritise other electricity supply areas where their safety is guaranteed,’’ said Mbulelo Yedwa, Eskom Cape Coastal Cluster general manager.

Communities are requested to report crime to authorities or to the Eskom crime line at 0800 112 722. Eskom continues to work with law enforcement agencies to curb the criminal activities including electricity theft. They may remain anonymous.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Sixteen injured after taxi they were travelling in, rolled in Atlantis

Sixteen people were injured on Morning morning when the taxi they were travelling in, rolled in Atlantis.

ER24’s spokesperson, Russel Meiring, said paramedics arrived on the scene in the Rondeberg Road after 9a.m to find the wrecked taxi upright in the middle of the road.

Meiring added that several passengers were seen seated along the roadside.

‘’Medics assessed the patients and found two were in serious condition while fourteen others had sustained minor to moderate injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were found,’’ said Russel Meiring, ER24’s spokesperson.

‘’The patients were treated, and the two seriously injured patients were given pain-relief medication. Once treated, one patient was airlifted by the AMS helicopter to a nearby hospital, while the remaining patients were transported by ambulance,’’ he added.

SAPS is investigating the matter.

Done By: Mitchum George

Six lives lost as fire rips through Khayelitsha shack

Six people - three minors and three adults - have died in a shack fire at Town Two in Khayelitsha on Saturday.

PICTURE: Pixabay

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said firefighters were alerted of structures alight at approximately 01:20 on the scene several structures were alight and they were informed that one person was missing in the SST Section.

Carelse added that another man was rushed to hospital in a critical condition with third degree burn wounds.

“Crews from Lansdowne, Macassar and Mitchells Plain were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, several structures were burning and crews were informed of more than one person unaccounted for. Three minors and three adults, genders unknown, sustained fatal burn wounds. One adult male was rushed to hospital via ambulance as he received third degree burn wounds and was in a critical condition. A total of five structures were destroyed and the fire was extinguished at approximately 02:30”.

The cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Duo arrested for counterfeit money in M/Plain

Two suspects, aged 26 and 34, will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Court on Monday, after they were arrested over the weekend for being in possession of counterfeit money.

The police’s Wesley Twigg said officers received a tipoff about counterfeit money that is in circulation in the Mitchell’s Plain area and a premises was identified.

COURTESY: SAPS

‘’Upon searching the premises the members found a substantial amount of two hundred rand notes s well as 69 mandrax tablets at the address in Rocklands. Two suspects aged 26 and 34 were arrested and detained for the possession of mandrax and the possession of counterfeit money,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

COURTESY: SAPS

Done by: Mitchum George

Kuilsriver businessman rescued after being kidnapped; 11 suspects arrested

A 34-year-old businessman who was kidnapped from a supermarket in Kuilsriver, last week has been rescued.

This comes after suspects robbed a supermarket in the area on Wednesday, and took cigarettes, smoking equipment, a substantial amount of cash and kidnapped a 34 year old businessman.

‘’Upon reporting of the crime, the multi-disciplinary team sprang into action and an investigation commenced. All available leads were followed up which led to the arrest of a total of ten suspects. Further investigation into the matter led the multi-disciplinary team to an address in Tamrisk Street, Delft, where they found the 34 year old hostage, rescued him and a suspect subsequently arrested,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

A further 10 suspects were arrested. The suspects aged between 22 and 43 years, will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on Monday.

‘’The efforts of the team comprising the Hawks investigators, Special Task Force members, Provincial Organised Crime detectives, Hostage negotiators, Crime Intelligence and the City of Cape Town are commended by the management of the SAPS in the Western Cape as the team’s efforts are gaining momentum in dealing with kidnappings,’’ said said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Counterfeit goods with more than R100 million seized in Belville

Counterfeit goods with more than R100 million were confiscated in Belville on Friday.

COURTESY: SAPS

The police’s Andrè Traut said members of SAPS, Customs and Excise and brand protectors from various famous high end products descended on a shopping complex in Durban Road in Bellville on Friday morning to tackle the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.

COURTESY: SAPS

‘’At around 10:00 the multidisciplinary team executed a search warrant after a thorough investigation where intelligence was gathered over a period of time. The end product of the operation saw truckloads of counterfeit goods comprising an assortment of popular brands as well as illicit tobacco products being transported to a depot as exhibits in a contravention of the Counterfeits Goods Act case,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

COURTESY: SAPS

‘’The value of the seizure is hard to determine at this premature stage but a fair estimate will go beyond a R100 million. Four suspects have been detained while many traders abandoned their stalls upon police arrival and managed to escape being apprehended. As our investigation unfolds, more arrests could be affected,’’ he added.

Western Cape’s Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, praised the team for the bust made.

‘’Lt Gen (Adv) TE Patekile expressed his sincere appreciations towards the members of the team who ensured the successful removal of fake products from the streets of the Province. Lt Gen (Adv) Patekile said that those who are under the impression that they can make a lucrative living from selling inferior goods to the public and impacting on the economy of the county should reconsider, because more similar operations will be executed not long from now.’’

COURTESY: SAPS

 

Done By: Mitchum George

MEC Allen sends stern warning to gangsters, after an off-duty LEAP officer was killed in M/Plain

An off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer was shot and killed in Beacon Valley in Mitchell’s Plain, on Sunday afternoon.

Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said that 37-year-old Toufeeq Williams, who was attached to the Hanover Park LEAP deployment, was walking along with his daughter, when they were caught in alleged gang crossfire.

‘’He was struck by a stray bullet and succumbed to his injuries on scene. Metro Police and Law Enforcement responded to the scene, while the Safety and Security Investigation Unit immediately deployed to assist SAPS.’’

‘’While evidence was recovered from the scene, SAPS has already activated the 72 Hour Action Plan and all role players are working together to bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer's loved ones during this difficult time,’’ added JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security.

PICTURE SUPPLIED: LEAP officer, Toufeeq Williams

Western Cape police said no arrests have been made and that a murder case has been opened.

‘’Mitchell’s Plain police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on the corner of Trampoline and Cadillac Streets, Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain on Sunday afternoon (2023-07-30) at about 12:30 where a unknown man was shot and fatally wounded. Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspects are yet to be arrested. It was later confirmed that the victim was a City of Cape Town LEAP Officer,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, said he is outraged by the incident. Allen sent a stern warning to those involved.

‘’Both gangs should know that they have not only declared war on LEAP, but on the state in its entirety. Every ounce of Law Enforcement with SAPS, and all intelligence will be unleashed on them. We are coming for the individuals who committed this heinous crimes.’’

‘’For both gangs, anything and anyone associated with them, their assets and everything they think will assist in continuing with the illegal activities. I want the ones who made the firearms available to them, to also directly be charged with murder. In fact, all of them, should lead with the entire prevention of Organised Crime Act.’’

‘’They should know that their time of roaming around and resting easy, is completely over. Any person whether in uniform or civilian that is assisting in protecting these gangs, can expect the same treatment.

PICTURED: MEC Reagen Allen at Bush Radio

‘’I want to ensure Officer Williams’ family that this death will not be in vain. We will not leave any stone unturned. Arrest and lengthy jail sentences must follow,’’ concluded Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

Meanwhile, a R100 000 reward is being offered by the City of Cape Town for any information that may lead to the arrest of the gangsters involved in this murder.

‘’We call on anyone in the community who might have information about the attack to please step forward and assist the investigators so that the people responsible can be caught and brought to justice,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety & Security.

Any person who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to please report it to the City’s 24-hour tip-off line on 0800 110077.

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

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Today is World Day Against Human Trafficking

Today is World Day Against Human Trafficking. This year’s theme is "Reach every victim of trafficking and leave no one behind".

According to the United Nations, there has been a decrease in human trafficking with 41% of victims who managed to escape their ordeal reach out to the authorities on their own initiative.

According to the Western Cape's Social Development MEC,  Sharna Fernandez, 11 survivors of human trafficking accessed accredited shelter services in the Western Cape. Most of the survivors, she says are from Gauteng, who responded to a promise for work in Cape Town and ended up being sexually exploited.

“Traffickers, often targeting vulnerable individuals like those living in poverty, are smart and manipulative. Women also participate in luring victims, often enticed by lucrative employment opportunities. Be cautious when seeing job advertisements, and walk away if unsure” says Western Cape Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez.

                       

Picture: FBI

Anyone seeking help should contact:

South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777

South African Human Rights Commission: 011 877 3600

South African Police Service: 08600 10111

 Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Heavy rainfall, rough seas, expected for Cape Town this weekend

The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for Level 4 disruptive rainfall and Level 5 for damaging waves from Friday evening , into Saturday. These conditions could lead to localized flooding, and possible damage to property and infrastructure. According to the weather service, an 80% chance of rain is forecast for Friday, with thunderstorms expected on Saturday.

Rainfall and alert chart for today, 28 July 2023. Please keep a lookout for updates of the weekend weather on our social media pages, don't forget to like and share. pic.twitter.com/2VXBZ8eDfJ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 28, 2023

The City of Cape Town says its teams will be on standby to respond to any weather-related impacts.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management’s Charlotte Powell shared tips on mitigating flooding.

‘’Clearing out drainage systems; Raising the floor level of a structure so that it is higher than the natural ground level; Making sandbags; Digging trenches around the house to divert water away; Reporting blocked drains, intakes and illegal dumping – illegal dumping in the stormwater canals and sewers makes flooding worse; Fix leaking roofs.’’

PICTURE: Pixabay

The Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said it is putting measures in place to deal with what is predicted to be a very cold weekend in the province.

‘’The Department of Water and Sanitation assured us that their offices are on high alert to monitor the already full dams in the province, and they, together with SA Weather Services will coordinate closely with our various district disaster management centres.’’

Head of Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Colin Deiner,  advised residents to postpone outdoor activities planned for this weekend.

‘’Measures from the Centre includes the reviewing of all hiking trails in the province, with the objective to close those which are deemed too risky considering the expected weather conditions.

‘’We are also advising people to rather postpone plans to do coastal angling or going out on small boats this weekend. Waves of between 5m and 8m are predicted along the southern coastline, and waves of between 4m and 6m are expected along the west coast. This, together with strong to gale-force southerly to south-westerly winds, means our small harbours can expect to face the full brunt of the stormy weather.’’

Bredell warned that snowfall over high lying areas could lead to the closure of mountain passes, and this could be disruptive in terms of traffic.

“We are asking the public to rather spend this weekend indoors. In this manner we can reserve our rescue services for serious emergencies when they do occur,’’ said Anton Bredell, Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) appealed to water lovers to be aware of rough sea conditions and the impact of forecast weather affecting the coastline and inland.

‘’Boaters and commercial seafarers should not launch in adverse weather conditions unless absolutely necessary and wear life jackets when your vessel is underway or during commercial operations at sea. Shoreline anglers and coastal hikers should be aware of the daily 2 high tides and 2 low tides and be cautious along the shoreline,’’ said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

‘’Bathers, surfers, paddlers, sail boarders, and beachgoers should be cautious of rough seas, strong winds, and strong rip currents during adverse weather-affected sea conditions and prepare accordingly without taking risks.’’

‘’Do not attempt to cross through rivers and roadways affected by flooding or cross over bridges swamped by flood waters. We are appealing to the public to monitor SAWS weather updates and their predicted impact.’’

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla; Mitchum George

Security guard killed, another left seriously injured, following a shooting incident in Site B, Khayelitsha.

A security guard was killed and another left seriously injured, following a shooting incident in Site B, Khayelitsha, on Wednesday.

It is understood the security guards were escorting City of Cape Town Water and Sanitation inspectors who were assigned to ensure ablution facilities were met, when shots were fired at their vehicle.

‘’The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Wednesday, at about 11:10 in Bathembu Street, Site B, Khayelitsha where a 50-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded and a 32-year-old male shot and wounded are under investigation. Khayelitsha police received a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival on the scene the victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment in a private vehicle. The 50 year old victim was declared deceased at the hospital while the 32 year old victim received medical treatment,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Twigg said the motive for the attack is unknown and that no arrests has been made.

‘’Murder and attempted murder cases were registered for investigation. Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,’’ added Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien has condemned the incident.

‘’The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate is deeply saddened by the senseless, violent attack on teams assigned to work in informal settlements, while they were at work performing their duties in Site B, Khayelitsha.

Badroodien said that despite mitigation measures being put in place, City staff are still targeted.

‘’Due to the sharp increase in staff being targeted while responding to service delivery needs, measures have been put in place to assign security escorts for teams conducting inspections, attending to burst pipes, clearing sewer overflows, providing oversight of cleaning of toilets and teams repairing taps for clean access to water in all hotspot areas such as informal settlements.’’

‘’We have committed resources and adjusted operations to mitigate risks to staff however; we remain relentless about seeking solutions with input from communities where violence is perpetuated. The City's only objective is to deliver essential services for clean water and dignified sanitation to all of our communities, particularly the most vulnerable living in informal settlements. It's unacceptable that it has become a norm for officials at the front line of service delivery to have life-threatening experiences while at work,’’ added said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Hanover Park school flooded after burglars stole copper fittings and water pipes

Cleanup operations are underway at a Hanover Park High School, after burglars stole copper fittings and water pipes on Wednesday night, leaving the school flooded.

COURTESY: Chrystal High School 

In a statement, Crystal High School principal Dino Abrahams, said the school suffered major damages to the entire school building, classrooms and teaching materials, that it had to send learners home on Thursday.

‘’It is with a heavy heart that we have to report on vandalism that has taken place last night [Wednesday]. The extent of the damage was so severe we could not commence normal schooling today [Thursday] and had to send our learners home.’’

“It is heartbreaking that it is our own community breaking down our school, our second home, our place of learning,” added Abrahams.

PICTURE: Letter issued to parents informing them of the vandalism at the school

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said cleanup operations are underway, adding that alternative arrangements has been made for classes to resume.

‘’Sadly, a second school day has been disrupted at Crystal High School due to burglary and vandalism incident. On Wednesday, perpetrators stole copper fitting and water pipes which resulted in flooding damaging the first floor of classrooms,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

‘’A clean-up operations is underway and should be concluded today [Friday]. The school was closed yesterday [Thursday], with special arrangement being made today [Friday] for the Grade 12 learners, so they can continue learning. Other grades are being accommodated in a school next door,’’ she added.

Done By: Mitchum George

R2.8 million illegal abalone seized in Table View

Three suspects, aged between 40 and 60, will appear in a Cape Town court soon, after they were caught being in possession of R2.8 million’s worth of illegal abalone.

PICTURE: SAPS

Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers gathered information about a premises in Eidenburgh, West Beach, Table View where abalone are stored.

‘’The members operationalised the information received and pounced on the premises where they ensued with a search of the facility. During the search the members discovered a drying facility with equipment and 7855 units of dried abalone. A Landrover used as a mode to transport the abalone, was also confiscated,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg

PICTURE: SAPS

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Eskom blames network faults on vandalism in Wesbank

Eskom in the Western Cape has blamed cable theft to vandalism of its infrastructure for multiple network faults in Wesbank.

Eskom met with community leaders in Wesbank last month to address electricity related issues that are affecting the community.

It is said that community leaders have since approached the South African Human Rights Commission over the crisis. Now, the Human Rights Commission says it will pressure Eskom to restore power.

Eskom has appealed to the community to assist it to safeguard its infrastructure and cables. The company stated that the vandalism is also costing it a lot of money.

                                      

                                   Picture: Pixabay

Done by: Alungile Njemla

Suspects arrested in Lwandle and Bishop Lavis for illegal firearm and ammunition

A 46-year-old man was arrested by police, on Tuesday, after he was found in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in Lwandle.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers received information about an illegal firearm being kept in Vukayi street.

‘’Members of the Provincial Operational Coordination Centre received and passed on information to operational members about a firearm at the mentioned address. The house was searched and a 9mm pistol with ammunition was found in the safe. When the members asked for a firearm license, the suspect could not produce one. He was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,’’ he said.

Twigg said the suspect will appear in the Strand Magistrates court once charged.

PICTURE: SAPS

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was arrested in Bishop Lavis after he travelled with a gun in a taxi.

‘’The members spotted a taxi which fitted the description and pulled it over in Bishop Lavis. They ensued with a search and found a 30 year old man was in possession of a 9mm pistol with ammunition. He was arrested and detained,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

PICTURE: SAPS

The suspect will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates court once he has been charged.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

City of Cape Town says CCTV reaps rewards when fighting crime

The City of Cape Town says installing CCTV across the metro are reaping rewards when it comes to detecting crime.

Between April and June 2023, the Metro Police StrategicSurveillance Unit (SSU) detected 7 339 incidents, including crime, vandalism, motor vehicle accidents, fires and other miscellaneous incidents.

According to the City, this was a 108% increase compared to the same period the previous year, when 3 524 incidents were detected.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Mayoral committee member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said among the reasons for the increase are the installation of additional cameras in areas like Bishop Lavis, Delft, Nyanga, Mitchell’s Plain and Kraaifontein; and the introduction of satellite CCTV control rooms in Retreat, Ocean View and Grassy Park, with local Neighbourhood Watch (NW) members monitoring the cameras for quick responses to detections by NW groups, SAPS and City enforcement agencies.

‘’Apart from the growing camera network, our SSU has put in a lot of work to extract more value from its camera network. Thanks to improved information sharing with local police stations, our CCTV operators can do more effective monitoring in the right areas, and at the right times. We’ve also introduced refresher training for operators, and deployed experienced enforcement staff to the control rooms to help guide operators, and we have implemented improved work flows around the dispatching of units to an incident, using our integrated Emergency Policing Incident Command (EPIC) platform. As we fine-tune these processes in the coming months, it is expected that the arrest rate too will increase,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

‘The expansion of our CCTV network and investment in other technologies is but one aspect. The other, more critical aspect is ensuring that these tools are utilised effectively. So we are also working on expanding digital evidence gathering, storage and analytics into the future, and integrating systems and information not just across departments within the City, but external agencies too. The ideal would be to seamlessly share resources and information as we work towards a common goal of increased safety in our city,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe

Three suspects arrested in seperate incidents for cable theft in Cape Town

One suspect has been arrested, while two others are still on the run after the trio were caught digging up cables in Parow.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said officers were dispatched on Sunday, to Fransie Van Zyl Street by the Metro Police CCTV operators who noticed three suspects digging up cables.

‘’On arrival, the suspects fled the scene with the officers in pursuit. One of the suspects injured himself during his getaway and he was arrested for cable theft and malicious damage to property. He was taken to Karl Bremer Hospital for medical assistance and later detained at Parow police station. ‘’

Smith added that officers confiscated two spades, a hammer, a box cutter, a hack saw blade and a spanner.

Meanwhile, two suspects were arrested on Monday, for being in possession of stolen goods and damage to critical infrastructure, after several meters of cut cable was seized.

Smith said that Law Enforcement officers received information from neighbourhood watch members of cable theft occurring on Nelson Mandela Blvd.

PICTURE; Facebook - JP Smith

‘’Due to the area being easily accessible and having come under much attack over recent months, several vehicles responded and managed to block off the escape route of the perpetrators,’’ JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security.

Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Beverley Van Reenen applauded the City’s Law Enforcement for their swift apprehension of those who were caught in the act, stealing and damaging City electricity infrastructure.

‘’Theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure continue to pose a significant risk to the integrity of our network and reliability of power supply. The City has invested millions of rands in establishing a dedicated Energy Law Enforcement Safety Team to patrol and protect our infrastructure and staff from criminals. Every apprehension means one less cable thief on the streets. We ask communities to help us in our fight by reporting suspected infrastructure crimes immediately,’’ she said.

Done By: Alungile Njemla

City of Cape Town sees weekly increase in public transport vehicles impoundment

The City of Cape Town says it has noted an increase in the number of public transport vehicles that were impounded on a weekly basis.

In the past week, 326 public transport vehicles were impounded, compared to 264 the week before and 248 two weeks ago.

The City says the vehicles are impounded in terms of legislation, where drivers are unable to produce a valid operating licence, or are found to be operating contrary to the conditions of their operating licence.

‘’Statistics show that enforcement is happening and we attend to as many of the hundreds of complaints received each week. Our enforcement agencies have many priorities all of equal importance, but they cannot be everywhere at once,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

‘’We are serious about making the roads safer for everyone, but the public also needs to step up. Our officers can do more if they do not have to police the behaviour of drivers who simply flaunt the law by driving drunk or speeding,’’ he added.

Smith reminded motorists that the City has new Traffic By-law’s in terms of impoundments, which authorises any enforcement officer to impound vehicles for a range of offences.

‘’The City may charge a daily or monthly tariff for storage of impounded vehicles and have three months from the date of the impoundment in which to retrieve their vehicles,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe

Cat castrated by fake veterinarian in Cape Town

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS/IMAGES. NOT FOR SENSITIVE READERS

A man who posed as a veterinarian was arrested by Maitland South African Police Services (SAPS) after he tried to castrate a cat bare-handed on the owner's dining room table.

The incident took place about two weeks ago, after the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) brought it to the attention of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA opened a case with SAPS and lodged a formal complaint with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

In a statement, the Cape of Goodhope SPCA said the cat named Howard, was according to his owner, sedated but flinching throughout the entire procedure. She also noted excessive cutting to her cat’s scrotum and significant force to expose the testes. Two to three hours later, when Howard began bleeding profusely, added the SPCA, he was rushed to a private veterinary practise in Rondebosch where he was stabilised overnight before being transferred to the PDSA on 13 July.

PICTURE: SPCA - Howard The Cat

‘’Howard was dehydrated and presented with pale pink mucous membranes and a packed cell volume well below the normal range – all indications of significant blood loss. In addition to this Howard was in terrible pain, the scrotal area had been poorly shaven, and bruising was apparent in his perineal area and on his caudal thighs, suggesting haemorrhaging or mishandling during the castration. Poorly defined incision borders and the excessive tying of the right pampiniform (venous) plexus and ductus (vas) deferens indicated a lack of surgical skill while, the left side was not ligated at all, indicating a severe oversight in the procedure,’’ said Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector.

SUPPLIED - SPCA: Howard suffered terribly during a botched castration procedure performed by an unqualified individual posing as a veterinarian

Pieterse said that the 37-year-old man who performed the castration is an Animal Health Technician registered with the SAVC and employed at a well known private veterinary practise.

‘’A complaint has been lodged with the SAVC for unethical conduct and both the suspect’s employer and the Council are conducting investigations independently.’’

Pieterse says he hopes justice will be served for the bogus vet, further sending a stern warning to those who intends to orchestrate a similar case.

“The investigation, into this case, is critical in ensuring that the responsible party is held liable under the law and that justice is served for Howard who was subjected to cruel and unlawful treatment. It’s equally important that individuals masquerading as qualified veterinarians are prevented from plying their exploitative trade,’’ says Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector.

“We hope that the arrest of this individual and the coming criminal case serves as a warning to any other individuals defrauding the public and looking to make a quick buck by offering services they are unqualified for that result in animal suffering,’’ he added.

The man has since appeared in court on Monday, where his bail application was denied. The case has been postponed to next Monday.

The cat survived the incident and is back with its owners.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 2 500 arrests made by WC SAPS for various crimes committed

Western Cape police arrested 2 576 suspects in the past week as part of its ‘Operation Shanela’. This is 142 arrests less than the previous week.

PICTURE: Shuttershock

Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand good dealers.

Amongst the 2 576 suspects arrested – 1 432 were wanted suspects; 318 for common assaults; 227 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Captain Nowonga Sukwana said that a variety of drugs were also confiscated during the operation.

SCREENSHOT OF WEEKLY SAPS SUCCESSES

She added that all the arrested suspects, will make their court appearance in different courts once they have been charged.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Manenberg wants load shedding suspended to curb gang violence in the area

The Manenberg Community Police Forum signed and handed over a petition to the City of Cape Town to suspend load-shedding until crime in the area has subsided.

Manenberg residents gathered at Jordaan Street on Sunday to share their frustration.

Amongst those in attendance were ex-convicts, neighbourhood watches, SAPS, and the Department of Correctional Services. Western Cape police Oversight & community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, who was one of the speakers, applauded residents for making their voices heard.

COURTESY - Twitter @ReagenAllen

Allen says it takes an all of society approach to combat crime in gang-ridden communities.

‘’ The manner in which our safety partners; Community Policing Forum (CPF), NHW members, religious fraternity, the broader community are as one standing up against the scourge of gang & all other types of violence is truly inspiring.’’

‘’I fully support legal initiatives such as these, where law-abiding citizens, within the confines of the law, are making a clarion call against gangs, violence and crime in general. It is encouraging to note that the community is not shying away from making their voices heard,’’ said Reagen Allen, Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Flats plagued by a string of shootings this past weekend

The Cape Flats has been plagued by a string of shootings this past weekend.

PICTURE: Pixabay

One person succumbed to their injuries and six others are seriously injured following a shooting incident in Forest Drive in Eerste River on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, police found a body of a man who sustained gunshot wounds in Lotus River on Sunday, with another 47-year-old man succumbing to his injuries. Police said the incident occurred in Hawthorn Court.

‘’Grassy Park police responded to a complaint on Sunday 23 July 2023. Upon their arrival at the crime scene near to Hawthorn Court, Buck Road in Lotus River at around 19:15, they found the body of a male who sustained multiple gunshot wounds . The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. A male aged 47, who also sustained gunshot wounds, was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and declared deceased upon arrival at the medical facility,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

Furthermore, also on a Sunday, a 28-year-old man was shot and killed near to Daffodil Street in Heinz Park.

‘’Samora Machel police attended a compliant on Sunday 23 July 2023. Upon arrival at the crime scene near to Daffodil Street in Heinz Park , they found the body of a 28 year old man who sustained gunshot wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.’’

In Mitchell’s Plain -  two men, aged 23 and 39, were shot and fatally wounded in Bayern Munich Road, in Tafelsig on Sunday.

‘’Mitchells Plain police are investigating a double murder case following a shooting incident on 2023-07-23 at about 01:20 in front of a premises in Bayern Munich Road, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain where a 23 and 39 year old males were shot and fatally wounded. According to reports the victims was in the mentioned street when unidentified suspects fired several  shots  at them. Both victims sustained  multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies. The suspects fled and are yet to be arrested.’’

Meanwhile, on Monday, two bodies were found with gunshot wounds on an open field near to Klipspringer Street in Eastridge.

‘’…at around 01:40, they [SAPS members] found the bodies of two victims who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.  The motive for the attack is unknown,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

Police confirmed that in all of these incidents, the unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Gang-related killing in Eersteriver sees one dead and six others seriously injured

One person succumbed to their injuries and six others are seriously injured following a shooting incident in Forest Drive in Eerste River on Friday afternoon.

The police’s FC van Wyk said that the seven, aged between 18 and 35, were shot and injured, and SAPS are probing the matter.

‘’Kleinvlei police registered a murder and six attempted murder cases following a shooting incident on 2023-07-21 at about 12:20 in Forest Drive, Russel Rest,  Eersterivier , where seven persons aged between 18 and 35 were shot and injured.  They were all taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment where one of the victims died due to injuries sustained,’’ said Captain FC van Wyk.

Van Wyk said no arrests has been made, adding that the motive could be gang related.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, described the incident as deeply concerning.

‘’These shooting incidents in the Eersteriver area are deeply concerning. Yet another murder registered with six attempted murders is wholly unjustified & unacceptable. Criminals are intent to devalue life, but we will not stand for their actions. SAPS should hast in removing these heartless individuals. I urge anyone with information to make it available to any and all law enforcement agencies so that that the perpetrators can be arrested, convicted and be placed behind bars where they belong.’’

‘’I also intend visiting this SAPS station, as amongst others (which we have repeatedly raised with Nat. Gov, has a police-to-population ratio of 1 officer for every 736 residents. We have to curb the killings immediately and bring those responsible to book,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe