Cape Winelands Firefighters battle flames in Mosterdshoek and Wolwekloof

The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services remain actively engaged in combating fires in the Mosterdshoek and Wolwekloof areas on the Witteberg mountains.

In the late afternoon of Saturday, the fire broke out in the Wolwekloof area.
The fire is being fueled by a significant amount of invasive alien vegetation, primarily Hakia, and is being made worse by variable wind direction.

According to the municipality’s spokesperson, Jo-Anne Otto, fresh ground crews will relieve teams who have been working the lines for the past 24 hours.

“Yesterday we saw several flare ups forcing the fire line down towards the structures, battling fires overnight teams were compiled to temporarily retract from the frontline to prioritize protection of properties. Overnight the fire went into Mosterdshoek and positioned above the big sky, fresh ground crews from NCC will relieve the teams that have been working on the fire for twenty four hours continuing with active firefighting and property protection alongside monitoring and mocking up tasks,'' said Jo-Anne Otto, the municipality’s spokesperson, 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Cape taxi driver arrested for drunk driving whilst carrying passengers

A taxi driver was arrested on Monday, for driving under the influence of alcohol, whilst carrying passengers. Traffic Officers were conducting patrols, when they stopped the driver between Hout Bay and Camps Bay.

GETTY IMAGES

According to law enforcement officers, the driver's blood alcohol content was 0.13 grams per 1000ml of breath – the legal limit for professional drivers is 0.10mg per 1000ml of breath.

‘’This arrest is a timely reminder to everyone who transports passengers and who is meant to be in possession of a professional driving permit that you are held to a higher standard in law. Even if your last drink is the night before, the effects linger far longer, so do yourself and your passengers a favour and make better choices,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety & security.

Law Enforcement agencies also arrested a man for having 63 outstanding warrants to the value of R65 500. He was taken into custody at a vehicle checkpoint in the CBD on Friday, and appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Monday.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Eskom cautions political parties against putting up election posters on electrical structures

Eskom has cautioned political parties against putting up election posters on electrical structures as part of their campaigns due to the risk of electrocution.

COURTESY: X - @smilesa358785

Political parties are putting up election posters as part of their campaigns for the upcoming May 29 polls.

“In the past, there have unfortunately been incidents where persons have been electrocuted or shocked when putting up these posters.  As such, Eskom would like to caution all political parties against the dangerous practice of placing campaign posters on electrical structures,’’ said Daphne Mokwena, Eskom spokesperson.

“This includes electricity poles, electricity towers, meter boxes and mini substations.  Electricity is invisible to the naked eye and the risk is that when someone gets close to or touches them it may result in an inadvertent flash-over or electrical contact. This can cause serious injuries to the person or even be fatal,” she added.

Mokwena reminded the public that only authorised personnel are allowed to climb or work on these electrical structures.

‘’According to Section 19 (5) of the Electrical Machinery Regulations, "No person shall encroach in person or with objects on the minimum safety clearances required in terms of sub-regulation (1) or require or permit any other person to do so except by permission of the supplier or user operating the power line.”

“Attaching posters to an electrical structure is not only a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No.85 of 1993), but also puts the lives of your valuable employees, members of the public and volunteers at risk. Eskom cares about your safety and we request you to refrain from attaching posters to electrical structures to prevent injury or loss of lives,” added Mokwena.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Public urged to get flu vaccine in anticipation of the upcoming influenza season

With winter season around the corner, the National Department of Health has urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase over the cold and rainy season.

PICTURE - Bush Radio: Bush Radio's logistics and programming intern, Renato van Schalkwyk getting inoculated

According to the department, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at peak circulation in the country, while influenza is starting to increase. Meanwhile, COVID-19 infections continues to circulate at low levels.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country, has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of RSV, which some can confuse for COVID-19 due to common symptoms.

According to the department, RSV causes illness mainly in young children but may also contribute to respiratory disease in older people.

“Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are starting to see an increase in cases. While most diseases caused by influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are mild, they may cause severe illness and even death amongst the citizens around the country, particularly in individuals with conditions placing them at high risk of severe disease,” the statement read.

The health department says the flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk of contracting the virus to get the flu vaccine to prevent severe health complications. Groups at high risk include the elderly who are over 65 years old, those with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people.

The flu vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge on a first come, first serve basis to people falling into the high-risk category, while private pharmacies also sell the vaccine.

The flu virus spreads mainly from one person to another by respiratory droplets and co-infections with other respiratory viruses can occur.

‘’Hence it is important for people to always cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, stay at home when sick, not to touch one’s face with unwashed hands; and avoid close contact with others when sick( especially those at risk of severe disease), such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.’’

PICTURE - Bush Radio: Bush Radio presenters, Jasnine Roberts and renato van Schalkwyk, protecting themselves by wearing a mask

Some of the common symptoms of this respiratory virus, influenza, include, but are not limited to runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Parents and caregivers are urged to take their children who experience difficulties with breathing, not drinking enough fluids and experience deteriorating symptoms to the nearest health facility or healthcare providers for medical attention without delay.

‘’People infected with influenza are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. Preventative measures such as wearing of masks and social distancing are recommended for especially for those who are ill,’’ said Foster Mohale, Department of Health spokesperson.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man granted R50k bail for R2m worth of mandrax

A 33-year-old man was granted R50 000 bail with stringent conditions after he was caught worth about R2 million’s worth of mandrax tablets on 19 April 2024.

COURTESY: Hawks 

Steven Mkhabela appeared for the second time at the Strand Magistrate court on Monday. At the time of the incident, Mkhabela was traveling on the N2 near Sir Lowry's Pass, heading to Cape Town from Eastern Cape.

Hawks spokesperson in the Western Cape, Zinzi Hani, said they received a tipoff by members of the Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and Crime Intelligence's Counter Narcotics and Gangs in the Western Cape regarding a vehicle transporting drugs from Eastern Cape to Cape Town.

‘’The vehicle was spotted, thereafter stopped and searched.  On closer inspection, 50 packets (50 000) of mandrax were found in a false compartment in the back of the vehicle. The driver was immediately arrested,’’ said Hani at the time.

Mkhabela will reappear in court on 15 July 2024 for further investigation. He face a charge of dealing in drugs.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

WCED receives more than 8 000 late applications for Grade 1 & Grade 8 for 2025 academic year

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said, it received 8 092 late applications for Grade 1 & 8 learners for the 2025 school year. The online admissions closed on 12 April 2024.

As of Monday, says the department, it received applications for 110 772 learners, since applications opened on 11 March 2024.

‘’The overwhelming majority of these applications (90.4%) have been captured on the online system by parents themselves. We thank the parents who have already applied so far, as they are helping us to plan better for a place for their child in a school next year,’’ said David Maynier, Education MEC.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Maynier says parents will still be able to capture late applications on the online system until 12 May 2024, ‘’but they will be flagged as late applications, which will be considered after those received during the on-time window.’’

The MEC urged parents of Grade 1 and 8 learners who decide to relocate to the Western Cape after late online applications close on 12 May 2024, or who did not apply before this date for any other reason to contact their district office for assistance as soon as possible thereafter.

Maynier says parents will start seeing the outcomes of their on-time applications online from 30 May 2024, whereby parents must then accept or decline successful offers before 14 June 2024.

Meanwhile, the window for Grade R applications and transfer requests for Grades 2 – 7 and 9 – 12 will run from 1 to 16 August 2024.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Mass murder in Nyanga claims four lives; one recovering in hospital

Another mass murder has been reported in Cape Town - this time in Nyanga, where four people were shot and killed in Lloyd informal settlement on Sunday night.

The police’s Andre Traut said a fifth victim was admitted to hospital, also with a gunshot wound.

‘’Police members were summoned to the crime scene in Lloyd informal settlement in Govan Mbeki Road at around 21:40 where the bodies of three men and one female in their twenties were discovered with gunshot wounds inside a shack. A fifth victim was admitted to hospital, also with a gunshot wound,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

Traut says the motive for the attack on the victims is unknown at this stage, and no arrests has been made as yet.

Anyone with information regarding the incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111

The Nyanga Community Police Forum (CPF) condemned the incident.

‘’It cannot be just a mass murder for no reason, so we await SAPS’ investigation. We request people with information to come forward with any information. We also appeal with the community not to take the law into their own hands. We denounce the action,’’ said Dumisani Qwebe, Nyanga CPF Secretary.

It has been a while that Lloyd informal settlement was in the news for the wrong reason. It was quiet and happy, until this recent incident,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eskom anticipates Stage 2 load shedding during winter

Eskom anticipates that load shedding will likely be “maintained within Stage 2” this winter period. Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane, addressed media on Friday, of the State of the System and Winter Outlook.

PICTURE: Pixabay

He said the forecast was made on the anticipation of the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) reaching 14 000MW during winter – down from the anticipated 15 000MW during the same period last year. The UCLF is the rate at which generating units breakdown and do not perform optimally.

“For winter 2024… the likely scenario from our assumptions is that load shedding will be maintained within Stage 2 at most. In the extreme case where the unreliability increases, that component may go occasionally [to] Stage 5 but we really think that on the basis of what we see, the performance of the fleet, load shedding will stay within Stage 2.

“This is on the back of the decrease of the backline unreliability capacity reduction of 1 000MW which is what we use for our baseline assumptions,” he said.

Marokane said although the reduction may look minimal, it is critical for managing the intensity of load shedding.

“What is really important as we go into this season’s forecast is that the base level for UCLF number is lower by a 1000MW. When you understand the capacity that we have, it does not look as a big number but when you actually understand the implications in terms of the levels of load shedding, to be able to bank that capacity is an important aspect,” he said.

He urged South Africans to do their part by using electricity efficiently and sparingly this winter.

“Our ability to beat load shedding this winter still depends on our collective collaboration and to this extent, we’ll be launching the energy saving campaign this May asking all of us to play our part in this regard,” Marokane said.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

''Let freedom reign,'' says Ramaphosa at Freedom Day 2024 celebrations

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa still have a long way to go, when it comes to freedom. Ramphosa delivered the keynote address at the Freedom Day National Celebrations at the Union Buildings.

South Africans are also celebrating 30 years of democracy. The President said Government’s task over the past three decades has been to bridge the gap between wealth and opportunity in the country.

‘’We know that despite our achievements, South Africa remains a highly unequal society. Our people confront every day the apartheid legacy of unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment. Crime, especially crimes of violence against women and children, are a scourge in our communities.

‘’Despite great progress, many households do not have electricity or clean water. There are still many families that go hungry. There is a huge divide between the rich and the poor. We see this divide in access to health care, in access to safe transport and proximity to services and work opportunities.’’

‘’At times, it seems that these challenges threaten to undermine the achievements we have made over the past thirty years. And yet we know that if we work together, if we harness the same spirit of unity that we did in 1994, we will surely overcome them.’’

History shows us that by working together in pursuit of a common goal, we will succeed. Our journey since 1994 has proved that we are a nation of optimism, resilience and hope.  We believe in a better tomorrow and it is within our hands to shape our collective destiny.  It is within our hands to rebuild South Africa and make it a place of equal opportunity and shared prosperity where no-one is left behind,’’ said Ramaphosa

Meanwhile, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) highlighted the importance of individuals being able to express themselves in languages they understand.

“Today as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, it is essential to recognize that for democracy to flourish, linguistic diversity must be valued as a reliable guide towards the future. Engaging people in a language they understand is critical for genuine participation in democracy,” said Lance Schultz, PanSALB CEO.

He added that South Africa’s expansion from two official languages during the apartheid era to 12 in the new dispensation is a restatement to the great strides that have been made in safeguarding language rights.

“There is no doubt that one of the key aspects of democracy is engaging and communicating with people in languages that they understand and for the past 30 years, the right to use one’s own language  has been protected,” said Schultz.

Done by: Mitchum George

Murdered Mamre SAPS officer laid to rest

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, and Western Cape Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, on Saturday, attended the funeral service of a police officer who was recently killed in Mamre.

SCREENSHOT

44-year-old Sergeant Adian Mahoney, along with his partner attended to a domestic violence complaint, last week, when the suspect allegedly, during a scuffle, took the service pistol of the deceased police official and fatally shot him.  The suspect also opened fire on the partner of the sergeant where after he fled the scene on foot. The partner of the sergeant was not hurt.

COURTESY - SAPS: Sergeant Adian Mahoney

The suspect was tracked down the next day, but he was shot and killed after he apparently refused to surrender.

Cele delivered the eulogy at God’s Faith Mission Church in Protea Park, Atlantis. He expressed concerns about officers being killed whilst executing their duties across the country. Cele addressed colleagues of Mahoney on why they chose the policing profession.

‘’When people are distressed and when they suffer, the first point of leaving home is going to a police station, especially woman. When a woman comes to SAPS, as they have been abused or raped by their partner, do not go back and negotiate. Your job is to arrest the perpetrator.’’

[WATCH] Addressing the colleagues left behind, Minister Cele who attended the funeral service of the fallen officer reminded his colleagues and all @SAPoliceService member; why they chose the policing profession and to protect and serve the country. https://t.co/inUh3bxhQW pic.twitter.com/QmSXmWA0EA

— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) April 27, 2024

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Disgruntled e-hailing drivers withdraw services at the Cape Town International Airport

Disgruntled e-hailing drivers has decided to withdraw their services at the Cape Town International Airport, this weekend, until their grievances have been met.

PICTURE: X - @Capetownint

Some of the grievances includes:

·        Poor and unhealthy waiting area

·        Poor toilet facilities

·        No toilet facilities for women

·        No provision of on-site first aid kit and no health and safety officer

·        No physical security

·        No access control system to regulate the waiting area

·        In effective and / no surveillance cameras

·        Oversupply of unregulated vendors (food and car wash). As a result other parking bays are occupied by vendors and their drivers

The drivers wants Uber & Bolt to address their concerns. This means that if you know someone flying in over the weekend, they will not be able to make use of these e-hailing services.

Western Cape’s E-Hailing Association (WCEA) claims they have not received any formal communication to address their issues.

‘’It is with grave concern that we, as WCEA deemed it necessary to seek a formal written response from you regarding the on-going volatile situation at the Cape Town International Airport e-hailing waiting area which is a direct result of inadequate provision of sufficient space with parking bays that match the total amount of cars in the waiting queue,’’ read a letter from WCEA’s General Secretary, Omar Parker, to Uber and Cape Town International Airport.

‘’We urge you to take reasonable measurers to remedy the situation (without any further delay) by addressing our concerns which up to now have only been ignored,’’ he added.

According to Parker, there is conflict between drivers as the airport has limited its waiting area.

‘’WCEA Executive members had to intervene in defusing a number of violent incidents at the parking areas and assumed the role of regulating and helping to contain the unpleasant situation amongst the drivers. One driver already lost his eye in a physical fight,’’ said Omar Parker, WCEA’s General Secretary.

‘’The situation is further impacted negatively by Uber having extended its pin radius over the Bolt parking area and this, amongst the so many other unresolved issues are creating serious challenges,’’ added Parker.

The stay away began on Saturday and operations will resume on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said the strike will not affect airport operations or the management at the airport.

‘’We would like to assure all travelers that contingency plans have been put in place to mitigate any disruptions to airport operations. To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are urged to allow for extra travel time when traveling to the airport and we would recommend online check-in before your departure.’’

ACSA also encouraged travellers to use authorised airport taxi operators located in the terminal building.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Two men, believed to be linked with Khayelitsha mass murder, sought by SAPS

Western Cape police are asking the assistance of the public to help find Thembelani Gqum and Ayazola Fulu.

PICTURED: Thembelani Gqum

PICTURED: Ayazola Fulu

According to SAPS, these two suspects are believed to be linked with the five murders and four attempted murders which were committed at Cosa Street, Site B, Khayelitsha, about a month ago.

The police’s Anelisiwe Manyana said detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation team are working around the clock to trace and apprehend the wanted suspects.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is requested to contact the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Team on 071 673 1743 / 082 850 9725, or by using the mobile application MySAPS. Alternatively contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Done by: Mitchum George

World Immunisation Week 2024

Wednesday marks the start of World Immunisation Week, and this week is celebrated in the last week of April, and it aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The goal of World Immunisation Week is for more children, adults – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing them to live happier, healthier lives.

COURTESY: W.H.O Africa

2024's theme - Humanly Possible: Immunisation for All, and this year, World Immunisation Week will celebrate 50 years of the Essential Programme on Immunisation (EPI), and this ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child

According to the City of Cape Town, it has seen a 16% decline year-on-year in follow-up immunisations of children younger than 12 months.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services & Health, Patricia van der Ross, says children are considered fully vaccinated by the age of one year, provided all the vaccines scheduled from birth to 12 months have been administered.

‘’The scheduled vaccinations will provide the child with adequate protection against a number of infectious diseases. Should they come into contact with the specific virus that they were immunised against, they might have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and their risk of complications is very low.’’

‘’Immunisation has enabled us to minimise the risk of serious illness and fatalities. I want to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure immunisation schedules are up to date. Don't hesitate as it could have serious and even fatal consequences. Discuss any concerns you may have with our trained nursing staff,' added Van der Ross.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

Two arrested for attempted murder of SAPS officer; firearm will undergo ballistic testing

Western Cape police have arrested two suspects in connection with the attempted murder of a police constable in Ysterplaat.

PICTURE: Pixabay

In the early hours of Monday, two police constables attached to Kensington SAPS, approached three individuals, who apparently acted suspicious, when one of the persons fired shots at the officer in Ysterplaat. A suspect then fled and fired shots in the direction of the police officers and wounded a 34 year old constable. He was admitted to a local hospital in a serious condition.

At the time, two suspects, aged 21 and 26, were arrested for further questioning while the third one was yet to be arrested.

In a statement on Wednesday, the police’s FC van Wyk said a 30-year-old man handed himself over to police, whilst a 41-year-old suspect was arrested in Belville South, on Tuesday, for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, after the firearm was suspected to be used in the shooting incident.

‘’The firearm that was suspected to be used in the shooting incident was discovered at a premises in William Taylor Street, Bellville South by members attached to Anti-Gang Unit on 2024-04-23. After following up information that the firearm was indeed at the premises, a 41 year old suspect was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk

‘’The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to ascertain if it was used in this shooting incident or any other criminal activities. The suspect who is currently in custody will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court once charged,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

CoCT offers R100k reward after two security escorts killed in Phillipi

The City of Cape Town is offering a R100 000 reward for information leading to the successful arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murders of two security contractor personnel escorting City staff attending to a sewer pipe repair in Philippi, on Tuesday.

SUPPLIED

According to reports, the armed security guards, from Vhugi Security Services, had driven to the site in Phola Park in their own company vehicle, while a City vehicle transported five operational staff.

SUPPLIED

On arrival, the teams disembarked to gather tools and inspect the pipe. While busy, two armed men approached the City vehicle and another two headed to the toilet block where multiple shots were fired. both private security guards passed away, whilst a female City staff member was also injured from a hard fall.

‘’We as a City are shocked at the senseless act which has claimed the lives of two men hard at work serving the community. Arrangements have been made for staff to receive medical attention and trauma counselling. These horrendous experiences deeply impact everyone, especially those working at the forefront of service delivery,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

‘’In hotspot areas particularly, the City works closely with community leaders to ensure that service delivery can continue despite many challenges. No unrest was reported prior to the team being deployed in this instance,’’ he added.

Badroodien said the City spent over R8,5 million for private security escorts in the 2023/24 financial year.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, urged residents to report crime.

‘’Our message to Philippi residents is this: we will not stop delivering services in your community, but our frontline staff are under attack and need your help. Use our 24-hour tip-offs hotline (0800 00 6992) to report the criminals disrupting water and sanitation services and upgrades in the community. You can remain anonymous... Together we can root out the criminals blocking progress in communities.’’

Last Wednesday, City staff were also robbed of their cellphones in Clarke Estate, Elsies River, whilst unclogging a blocked sewer pipe, and five City workers were robbed of their personal belongings in Blue Downs, after attending to a burst water pipe.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Taxi driver arrested for driving into oncoming traffic in Mfuleni

A 34-year-old taxi driver was amongst three suspects arrested in isolated incidents in Cape Town, on Wednesday morning.

COURTESY: Getty Images

City of Cape Town Traffic Services spokesperson, Maxine Bezuidenhout, explained that officers attached to the Transport Enforcement Unit in Mfuleni, were conducting an operation, when they noticed a taxi driving on the incorrect side of the road, into oncoming traffic, and cutting off vehicles.

‘’They got the driver to stop, but he refused to open the door or window. Officers eventually managed to get the door open, and the driver continued to be uncooperative. At one point, he pulled a firearm that had been tucked into the back of his belt, but officers managed to get hold of the firearm and cuff the suspect,’’ said Bezuidenhout.

‘’Although licenced, the 34-year-old was charged with not carrying the firearm as prescribed by law; reckless and negligent driving; failing to comply with a lawful instruction, and resisting arrest,’’ she added.

Earlier the day, Officers near the Durban Road off-ramp arrested a driver for driving under the influence and a passenger for riotous behaviour and property damage.

‘’Just before 03:00, traffic officers were alerted to a stationary vehicle on the N1 incoming at the Durban Road off-ramp. They found a male passenger assaulting a female passenger. The driver was behind the wheel and tried to drive off, but officers managed to stop him,’’ said Bezuidenhout.

‘’Further investigation found the driver to be under the influence and he was duly arrested. The passenger was arrested for riotous behaviour and damage to council property, after damaging the bonnet of the patrol vehicle,’’ she added.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Police instructor at Phillipi Police Training Academy charged for allegations of rape of a female police trainee

A police instructor appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court, on Monday, on allegations of rape of a female police trainee.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested the instructor on Sunday.

‘’It is alleged that on 31 March 2024, a police instructor at a Phillipi Police Training Academy in the Western Cape called a female police trainee to his office and she went to the office after she had several excuses in the past for not going to his office,’’ said Phaladi Shuping, IPID spokesperson.

‘’It is alleged that the instructor locked the door once the complainant was inside, and raped her. She was allowed to leave after the alleged rape, but she did not report the incident immediately,’’ he added.

Shuping says the alleged victim only reported the incident few days later and the case was reported to IPID for investigations.

The case was postponed to 2 May 2024 for a formal bail application.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla

World Book & Copyright Day 2024

Books are invitations to travel and to encountering others: with each new page turned, another world appears before our eyes.

Tuesday marks World Book and  Copyright Day, and this day aims to raise awareness about the joy, and importance of reading.

PICTURED: Bush Radio's Esobusi Mkangelwa enjoy reading a novel

According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 81% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language.

The City of Cape town says the number of items circulated or booked out by library patrons is more than 4,6 million, and over a six-month period between July and December, more than 18 00 new members signed up.

‘’If anyone has any doubt about a library's place in society, hopefully these statistics will set the record straight. For many, the local library is where they are able to spark a relationship with stories and words, and books, and the many doors that these unlock. This World Book Day we want to encourage everyone to read their way – at their own pace, in their own time, and whatever title or topic tickles their fancy,’’ said Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

‘’It's also important to remember that children live what they learn, so while much of our focus is on literacy in this age group, we as adults need to lead from the front. It is important to read with your children, but also let them see you reading for your own enjoyment. Books and the stories they hold should be lifelong companions for both young and old,’’ she added.

23 April is #WorldBookDay - we asked people #aroundtheoffice at #BushRadio to tell us what is their favourite book.#WorldBookDay2024 pic.twitter.com/y5m0BFxojd

— Bush Radio 89.5 FM (@Bushradio) April 23, 2024

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Three people arrested during two separate incidents for possession of illegal firearms and drugs

The South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed in a statement that they arrested three people during two separate incidents for possession of illegal firearms and drugs. On Monday policing patrols responded to a house in Blydoorn Court in Avonwood, after they received information about a possible unlicensed firearm being kept on the premises. Once they arrived on the scene they not only found and confiscated a firearm, but the 20-year-old female was also in possession of drugs.  Courtesy: SAPS The day before, two men, aged 35 and 40, were arrested and detained at Lentegeur SAPS on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and business robbery. They were arrested after members of the Flying Squad responded to a suspicious wanted vehicle spotted in Stikland, Bellville area. Done by: Veerle Kroon

Extensive damage caused to bulk water main, says CoCT

The City of Cape Town hopes to restore water to the Southern Suburbs by Tuesday morning.

This after a leak was detected in the 915mm diameter bulk water main in Blackbird Avenue in Parkwood on Sunday, which is due to a leak of an air valve that was vandalised.

SUPPLIED: CoCT

Mayco Member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says its teams are in the process to remove the bulk water pipe. The new pipe, he says, is already on site.

‘’We have consulted with the ward councillors for tanker locations and this will be communicated in due course. A list will be posted here. At this moment there is no clear timeframe. The damage is quite extensive. However, efforts are being undertaken to resolve this issue speedily to safely restore the water by tomorrow morning. This is a changing estimate and is not a final indication of repair completion timeline.’’

‘’We apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding as we work diligently to repair the damage and protect our water infrastructure,’’ added Badroodien.

SUPPLIED: CoCT

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WC SAPS hunts third suspect after wounding SAPS officer in Ysterplaat

Western Cape police are on the hunt for a third suspect in connection with a shooting incident in Ysterplaat that left a 34-year-old constable injured.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The police’s Andre Traut said two police constables approached three individuals in the early hours of Monday, who apparently acted suspicious, when one of the persons fired shots at the officer

‘’This morning at around 00:30 two police constables attached to Kensington police station approached three individuals under suspicious circumstances on the corners of Lugmag Avenue and Drommedaris Road in Ysterplaat for the purpose of questioning when one fled on foot,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

‘’This suspect then fired shots in the direction of the police officers and wounded a 34 year old constable. He was admitted to a local hospital in a serious condition. Two suspects aged 21 and 26 are detained for further questioning while the third one is yet to be arrested,’’ he added.

Traut said police are probing the matter, adding that court proceedings are yet to be scheduled.

‘’The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, TE Patekile activated all available resources to track down the suspect responsible for pulling the trigger so that he can answer in a court of law. He also wished the injured constable a speedy recovery,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

WC CPF wants SAPS to activate 72-hr activation plan every time a child is killed

The Western Cape’s Community Police Board wants the South African Police Service (SAPS) to implement its 72-hour activation plan, every time an innocent child's life is taken.

COURTESY: Pixabay

The board was reacting to the killing of a 16-year-old girl, who was caught in a crossfire between rival gangs in Athlone, on Friday afternoon. A 20-year-old man was also killed in Canal Road.

"We are sickened that yet another innocent child's life has been taken due to the actions of criminals operating within the Province. This is unacceptable, and we demand immediate action to address this crisis,’’ said Justin Kumlehn, a member of the Western Cape Provincial Community Policing Forum.

‘’Furthermore, the Board urges all other law enforcement agencies to provide full support and assistance to SAPS in executing this plan, ensuring a coordinated and impactful response to these senseless killings. We need to break the back of the criminal enterprise operating within our province and causing the tragic deaths of innocent people, including our future generation,’’ he added.

Kumlehn says communities must stand united to fight the scourge.

‘’We will no longer be held captive and ransom by the criminals in our midst. The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. While nothing can undo this tragedy, the Board hopes that the community's solidarity and support will provide some support structure for the family as we acknowledge the only real solace will be when the suspect is apprehended.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Water leak in Parkwood sees CoCT shutting off water supply in Southern Suburbs

Residents in the Southern Suburbs will experience low to no water pressure, following a leak in the 915mm diameter bulk water main in Blackbird Avenue in Parkwood.

According to the City of Cape Town, the leak is due to an air valve that was vandalised.

SCREENSHOT

Areas affected include Pelican Park, Eagle Park, New Horizon, Peacock Close, Pelican Heights, Strandfontein, San Remo, Bay View, Phumlani, Zeekoevlei, Grassy Park, Lotus River, Schaapkraal, Ottery, Wetton, Knole Park, Retreat, Heathfield, Steenberg, Elfindale, Marina Da Gama, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Vrygrond,  Parkwood Estate, Fairways, Southfield, Plumstead, Wynberg, Muizenberg, Lakeside, Westlake, Kirstenhof and Diep River areas.

The water supply was shut off at 3p.m on Sunday, to allow work to commence overnight.

Mayco Member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien advised residents to store enough water in clean sealed containers for domestic use during this period. He further advised residents in the affected areas to keep taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.

‘’We apologise for the inconvenience caused to all affected residents. We understand that this will impact a large area of the city. However, responding and repairing this vandalism quickly is necessary for the city to do in order to protect our water infrastructure,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation.

🟥 UPDATE | MAJOR REPAIR TO 915mm DIAMETER BULK WATER SYSTEM | 20:00, 21 APRIL

👨‍🔧 3 bulk valves; 1220mm, 915mm and 535mm have been closed. Reports are coming in from the various communities listed below noting low to no water pressure. This is expected please do not be alarmed. pic.twitter.com/46kRmOcPFd

— Dr Zahid Badroodien (@ZahidBadroodien) April 21, 2024

 Ward 63 Councillor Carmen Siebritz visited the site and confirmed that major repairs are needed.

‘’ Unfortunately, there's no timeline at this stage. Residents are urged to collect water until such time that an assessment is conducted tomorrow morning and feedback provided. Cllrs will meet the Water & Sanitation Dept officials online tomorrow morning in order to provide accurate updates. Should the need arise for tankers, they will be provided. Info on how the tankers will be distributed, will also be provided in the morning.’’

Done By: Mitchum George