Help find missing teen from Parow valley

Bellville police are seeking the public’s assistance to help find a missing teenager from Parow valley. The polices’ Anelisiwe Manyana said that 14 year old Bianca Ofon left her home in December last year and never returned.

Courtesy: SAPS

The police spokesperson added that she left her house without informing anyone. "At the time of disappearance she was wearing a white top and a black headband. She is about 1.6m tall, weighs 50kg and speaks English and Afrikaans" said  Anelisiwe Manyana.

Anyone who can assist with information that can lead to the safe return of Bianca is kindly requested to call crime stop on 08600 10111.

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

More law enforcement officers deployed in Cape Flats hotspot areas

The City of Cape Town says it has increased law enforcement officers in areas where there is an increase in gang violence.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

According to the city, there is an increase in gang violence in Manenberg, Lotus River, Ottery, Hanover Park, and Lavender Hill.

The city says it is working with the police to investigate and disrupt gang activities.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says more police resources are needed in the affected areas.

‘’In Ottery now, members supporting SAPS arrested a suspect with Mandrax and 168 rounds of ammunition. Members then came under attack from the surrounding community and needed to discharge several shotgun rubber rounds, in order to get the suspect out and themselves to safety. In Lavender hill now, members had to call for assistance after being fired upon. With a wave of backup arriving, the dedicated Shotspotter officers were able to withdraw to safety.’’

‘’Our eye in the sky is also up, but battling between the different areas. Shooters are blending with groups, then making quick hits, before dispersing again with the crowds as enforcement arrives. Teams are working hard and will continue the fight on the firing line,’’ added Smith

Meanwhile, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) and Metro Police officials confiscated 15 illegal firearms, 139 rounds of ammunition, 9 imitation firearms, and 1 zip gun for the month of June 2024.

Smith says along with additional boots on the ground, the City has also deployed drone teams and the ISR to assist with stabilising affected communities.

‘’The City’s joint reaction teams, consisting of Traffic, Law Enforcement, and Metro Police officers, have also been responding to increased shootings in the four ShotSpotter areas, with an increase of 116 shooting incidents compared to May. This increase again highlights the illegal firearm epidemic that South Africa is facing,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

The MMC called on SAPS to urgently increase policing resources ‘’in the Metro to international standards, increase investigative resources, and construct a dedicated destruction facility within the Province to allow for tighter control measures and proper oversight to ensure firearms are destroyed and do not end up on the streets.’’

‘’It has been a great concern when, in the past, LEAP and Metro Police officers confiscated illegal weapons on the streets, only to find the firearm was previously registered as handed in to SAPS,’’ said Smith.

The public are encouraged to report suspicious activities anonymously. A reward of up to R20,000 will be paid for any tip-off that leads to an arrest.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

R200k's counterfeit and illicit goods confiscated in Mitchell's Plain

A 43-year-old man is expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court soon, after he was found with counterfeit and illicit goods.

COURTESY: SAPS

Western Cape police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said officers pounced at a local business hub in Mitchells Plain on Monday, where they ensued with a search.

‘’They confiscated counterfeit and illicit goods ranging from expired food products, vape products and cigarettes as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. These products pose a health risk to communities and have a negative impact on registered businesses in the area,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.

COURTESY: SAPS

Swartbooi said the counterfeit goods were estimated at an amount of R200 000.

 

COURTESY: SAPS

 Done By: Sihle Jezile

No significant weather-related incidents reported in Cape Town

The City of Cape Town says no significant impacts have been reported to its Disaster Operations Centre.

The South African Weather Service issued a yellow level two warning for disruptive rains for the metro on Wednesday.

COURTESUY: X - @itchybyte

According to the centre, there has been steady rainfall in most parts of the city since the early morning hours.

‘There are some thunderstorms in the forecast too, and the public is urged to please exercise caution. DRM also notes the prospect of more moderate rainfall in the forecast over the weekend,’’ said Sonica Lategan, City of Cape Town Disaster Risk management Centre spokesperson.

Lategan urges the public to exercise caution, as the weather service also warned of thunderstorms in the city.

‘’We therefore remind residents to please ensure their mitigation measures are in place, to mitigate any potential impacts: Clear out drainage systems; Raise the floor level of a structure so that it is higher than the natural ground level; Raise furniture on bricks to clear from the floor to limit water damage; Make sandbags; Dig trenches around the house to divert water away from the house; Report blocked drains, intakes and illegal dumping – illegal dumping in the storm water canals and sewers make flooding worse; Waterproof roofs, clear gutters and remove dead tree branches.’’

On Tuesday, the City’s Energy Directorate urged residents to have a look at trees and vegetation on their own property that could be a risk to the power supply, but to leave tree trimming near all electricity infrastructure to professionals.

‘’Strong winds and heavy rain showers often lead to damaged infrastructure resulting in a high number of electricity service requests. In instances of heavy rain and strong winds, our teams can only attend to the damaged infrastructure once it is safe to do so. We urge residents to only use one reporting channel when reporting any faults to us so that duplicate service requests are avoided,’’ said the City in a statement.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Woman dies in an Avanza in front of Nyanga Police Station

Nyanga police are investigating the murder of a woman who was shot in an Avanza in Zwelitsha Drive, on Tuesday morning.

Picture: pixabay 

The woman was in the back seat when she was shot in a Toyota Avanza she used to travel to Mitchells Plain.

They had been driving from Gugulethu and while on their way to fetch another passenger, they were attacked by unknown gunmen.

Fortunately the driver of the Avanza survived the incident.

“ A Toyota Avanza that was transporting staff was shot this morning. The driver ran to the station when this happened but one passenger who was a lady died” Member of CPF Dumisani Qwebe explained.

The passenger succumbed to her wounds in the vehicle in front of the Nyanga Police Station. 

Western Cape police confirmed the incident, saying they are investigating the matter.

''Reports suggested that the complainant, a 50 year old woman was a passenger in a Toyota Avanza on Tuesday 02 July 2024 at around 07:06. Unknown armed men fired gunshots at the vehicle fatally wounding the victim. She was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown armed men fled the scene. The investigating officer will pursue all the relevant information in a bid to ensure a break through,'' said Warrant Officer Joseph Swaartbooi.

Done By : Elona Sibunzi 

Cabinet of Seventh administration to be sworn in on Wednesday

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, along with the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers of south Africa’s seventh administration, will be sworn into office on Wednesday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new Cabinet on Sunday.

Much like Ramaphosa, during his inauguration on 19 June, the new cabinet Ministers and Deputies are expected to take an oath of office or solemn affirmation during the swearing in ceremony.

The newly formed cabinet consists of 76 members, all from various political parties – Government of National Unity.

The ceremony is expected to be presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo or another judge designated by the Chief Justice.

“These men and women we have appointed to the executive are drawn from all corners of our country. They reflect the diversity of our nation. They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people as a whole,” the President said.

 

[Watch Live] Swearing-in ceremony of new Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers as members of National Executive https://t.co/JZNS4qTIJY

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 3, 2024

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

 

Court says police arrested wrong men in Khayelitsha barbershop shooting.

The lawyers for the two men accused of the Khayelitsha mass shooting in June have told the court that the police arrested the wrong suspects.

Athule Mtsha and Sithi-sa Masiko, who are facing charges for killing four people including three children, have presented alibi defences in their bail application.

Mtsha's lawyer says his client was driving a minibus taxi at the time, while Masiko's lawyer says he was in Brackenfell. The case has been postponed to next week Wednesday for further proceedings.

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

IEC official suspected of illegally transporting ballot boxes during elections is back in court

The Electoral Commission official charged with contravening the Electoral Act is back in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

IEC Area Manager in Msunduzi, Musawenkosi Mnikathi was arrested during general elections on 29 May.

Mnikathi stands accused of moving voting materials without a police escort.

He was arrested after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party opened a case on Election Day. In Mnikathi’s first appearance last week,the party embarked on a march calling for new elections.

The court dismissed his application to have the matter referred to the Electoral Court.

The Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to hear the case of an Electoral Commission official charged with the contravention of the Electoral Act.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

SA has a new cabinet

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new members of the National Executive for the seventh administration, which includes all the parties to the Government of National Unity.

PHOTO - @GovernmentZA - President Cyril Ramaphosa

The eleven parties to the GNU include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation.

The highly anticipated announcement took place on Sunday after Ramaphosa was elected as the President by the National Assembly and was inaugurated on 19 June 2024. 

Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, the President said given the challenges that the country faces and considering the electoral mandate this government must implement, he has decided to make certain changes to the national government portfolios.

He said the Ministries of Electricity and Energy will be merged.

“There will be a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The Ministry of Agriculture will be separated from the Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development. The Ministry of Higher Education will be separated from the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development will be separated from the ministry of Correctional Services. There will no longer be a Ministry of Public Enterprises. The coordination of the relevant public enterprises will be located in the Presidency during the process of implementing a new shareholder model,” the President said.

Ramaphosa has decided to make the following appointments to the National Executive:

The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.

The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.

The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.

The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.

The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi.

The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa.

The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga.

The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.

The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.

The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.

The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.

The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.

The Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.

The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.

The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.

The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.

The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.

The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.

The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.

The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola.

The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng.

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel.

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.

The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.

The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.

The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai.

The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu.

The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.

The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.

The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.

The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.

The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.

The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole.

The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Peace Mabe.

The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau.

The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.

The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.

The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.

The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.

The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald.

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

City of Cape Town to evict families living at Pentech housing development

The City of Cape Town is planning to evict the nine families who have been living at the Pentech housing development since May 2021.

A Belhar family, who illegally occupied one of nine houses at a housing complex in the area, says the structures were vandalised and left vacant for almost three years before they moved in.

The city's eviction application is now reserved, and even though these families have been offered alternative accommodation, the families are refusing to move.

Bradley Jacobs, who occupies one of the houses with his family, said when they moved in three years ago, the houses were skeleton structures.

"There was nothing. No taps, electrical cables, no doors, no windows. When we moved in, we had to barricade the windows." Said Bradley Jacobs, one of the peoples who occupy the houses.

The city has offered the families accommodation in Elsies River, but Isaacs said the desired outcome would be to continue living at the complex.

Done By: Elona Sibunzi 

 

Memorial service to be held for slain Phillipi constable

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday morning for a police constable who was shot and killed in Phillipi East, two weeks ago.

SUPPLIED

29-year-old Constable Bonginkosi Zuko Bhobho’s body was found with gunshot wounds in Luzuko on 20 June 2024, after he was found reported missing. Constable Bhobho was stationed at Philippi Visible Policing.

Authorities say the deceased was positively identified by his family at the Salt River mortuary.

SAPS says no arrests has been made as yet and investigations continues. It does appear that the incident seems like a robbery gone wrong

"We can confirm that a murder case was opened at Philippi East SAPS on Thursday, 20 June 2024. According to reports SAPS members on patrol were stopped by community members at the corner of Sheffield and Govan Mbeki Roads, Luzuko, Philippi-East," said Captain FC van Wyk, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson.

“They then pointed out a body of an unidentified male lying in the field with a gunshot wound to his head. The deceased did not have any valuables or identification in his possession. It was unknown what transpired and robbery is suspected.

“Enquiries on the scene were made but with no positive information.  On Saturday, 22 June 2024, the deceased was positively identified by his family at Salt River Mortuary as the constable from SAPS Philippi who was reported as missing," added van Wyk.

The Philippi & Hanover Park Community Police Forum (CPF) says Constable Bhobho served the precinct with ‘’bravery and dedication.’’

‘’Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who loved him. We cannot imagine the pain and grief they must be feeling, and we want them to know that we share their sorrow. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that Constable Bhobho was a true hero, a shining example of courage and dedication,’’ said Kashiefa Mohammed, Philippi & Hanover Park CPF chairperson.

‘’We remember Constable Bhobho as a kind and compassionate person who always put others before himself. His selfless service to the Philippi/Hanover Park Precinct will never be forgotten. His smile, his laughter, and his unwavering commitment to justice will be deeply missed,’’ she added.

Constable Bhobo will be honoured at the Saint Dominics Church in Hanover Park.

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Residents dig deeper as municipal tariff increase kicks in

Residents in Cape Town will have to dig deeper into their pockets as the municipal tariff increase comes into effect on Monday.

PICTURE: Pixabay

If your electricity is supplied by the City of Cape Town, you will from 1 July, pay 11,78% more. Eskom customers will unfortunately fork out 12,74% more to keep the lights on, amongst others.

The City’s Property rates as well as those weekly refuse removal services increased by 5,7% (for shared services like clinics, fire services)

Water and sanitation also goes up by 6,8%

Despite the increase, the municipality is adamant that these costs are low compared to various municipalities across the country

‘’Cape Town has some of South Africa's most inclusive assistance for rates and tariff relief. We further offer among the lowest property rates for Commercial, Industrial, and Residential properties. Rates and tariffs are used to enable basic services and for future-proofing for water and energy security and what Cape Town needs,’’ said Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance.

‘’The City has been able to reduce Eskom's 12,74% increase to 11,78%, and offer protection for lower income customers on the subsidised Lifeline tariff, while still funding R4bn in electricity grid upgrades and plans to end sole reliance on expensive Eskom power as soon as possible. The City spends more than 70% of its electricity tariff income to buy electricity from Eskom, with the City's 2024/25 tariff based on a cost of supply submission to Nersa,’’ he added.

Residents tends to spend more on electricity as the cold sets in for winter days

‘’To shield households using more, especially in winter, Lifeline customers will pay 44% less (R1,89 less per unit) when using over 600 units. Last year, Cape Town raised the number of units that can be bought at a cheaper, subsidised rate, from 350 to 600 units per month. Thanks to these changes, Lifeline customers using 600 units in a month, will still pay R113,94 less compared to two years ago in 2022/23. Now you can also buy cheaper units after 600-unit usage, provided you stay within the 450 unit monthly average over 12 months to remain on the Lifeline tariff,’’ said Mbandezi.

He advised residents not to bulk buy as this will cost more.

‘’The best way to reduce costs is to reduce usage. For instance, turn the geyser temperature down to 60°C or put your geyser on a timer. Furthermore, buying electricity in bulk is not cheaper. Buy only what you need in a given month. When buying in bulk, you move onto a higher tariff block, which is more expensive,’’ said Siseko Mbandezi, MMC for Finance.

Civic organisation, Stop CoCT (Stop City of Cape Town), says residents remain the hardest hit.

‘’Stop COCT’s stance on the recent increases in water, electricity and rates, remains the same over the last couple of years. It just keeps on going up, regardless of what the citizens say. Every year it nears the breaking point where this can no longer go on. As usual the working class are the worst affected by the tariff increases. However, the City refuses to listen or cooperate from anybody of the civil society to alleviate these problems.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

City of Cape Town Warns Residents about Water Disconnection Scam

The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate has warned residents about a scam in which fraudsters are targeting City customers. The scammers falsely claim the customer's water will be disconnected due to non-payment, and demand over R2000 to avoid this.

 The City has clarified this is a scam, and urges residents to report any suspicious activity to the City and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The scam involves the fraudsters contacting customers via phone or WhatsApp, providing accurate property details to appear legitimate. According to the City, two separate incidents have been reported, affecting customers in Parklands and Durbanville who had accounts in good standing.

Courtesy: Pixabay

Mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation , Zahid Badroodien urge residents to report suspicious activities to police .“We appeal to residents to be extra vigilant and rather verify any suspicious correspondence that they receive directly with the City. We are particularly concerned about customers who do find themselves in arrears with their municipal accounts that would easily be lured to make payments, to avoid their water from being disconnected or restricted”.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

The Limpopo SAPS launched a manhunt for two suspected rhino poachers

Two suspects managed to enter a game reserve, killed and dehorned two rhinos at a game reserve in Makhado, Limpopo last week.

The incident took place between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

According to the reports, the game reserve’s employees were patrolling the area and found two rhinos shot dead, and their horns removed.  The suspects had jumped over the fence and taken off on foot.

“The suspects shot the rhinos before removing their horns and fleeing the scene” said Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

A case of rhino poaching was opened for further investigations.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Xanthea Limberg to return as Mayco Member

Xanthea Limberg, will as of 6 July 2024, return to being part of the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee (Mayco) team.

PICTURED: Xanthea Limberg (City of Cape Town)

Limberg first joined the City Council in 2011, and has also previously served on the City's Mayoral Committee in portfolios responsible for informal settlements, water, waste, and sanitation.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that Limberg will take over from Beverely van Reenen who is the Mayco Member for Energy.

‘’Alderman Limberg previously occupied the Energy Mayco portfolio during the exploratory years of independent power procurement and the City's battles against red tape in the regulatory environment. She is also linked to developments in the changing energy governance landscape as a City representative to the South African Local Government Association (Salga).’’

‘’As we enter the critical next phase of our Priority Programme to End Load-shedding, I am confident that Alderman Limberg brings a special vantage point to help oversee our plans for Cape Town's transition to a dynamic, decentralised, energy economy,’’ added Hill-Lewis.

Van Reenen will serve residents as the Ward 25 Councillor, which serves communities such as Uitsig, Ravensmead, Cravenby and Eureka.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Strand fire claims two lives

Two men have died after a fire broke out in Nomzamo, Strand, in the early hours of Saturday.

PHOTO: City of Cape Town

The City’s Fire & Rescue Service says firefighters were notified at 01:40 of informal structures burning in Benox Street.

‘’Fire crews from Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand, Somerset West, Macassar and Mitchells Plain fire stations attended  to the scene. Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the blaze by 03:00 which destroyed five informal structures and left seven persons displaced,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services spokesperson.

He says the bodies of the two men were found amongst the debris and were certified deceased by medical personnel.

The cause of the fire is unknown and the South African Police Service is investigating the matter.

 

Done By: Sihle Jezile

Cape Town doctor sentenced for illegal medicine distribution and money laundering

A Cape Town doctor has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for money laundering, selling and distributing medicine to the value of R5 million, as well as money laundering.

This follows his arrest in 2018 along with his wife.  Bert Wolfgang Kirsten was found with medicine that were allegedly ready for distribution to the US.

SUPPLIED - Hawks: Bert Kirsten

‘’This emanates from an incident that occurred in October 2018, where scheduled medicine were seized after search warrants were executed as part of Hawks probe into an alleged illegal medicine distribution network involving multiple countries. Kirsten as well as his wife were then arrested by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, together with the Wynberg Visible Policing Unit at Kenilworth post office after he had handed in envelopes containing schedule medicines destined for the United States,’’ said Zinzi Hani, Hawks spokesperson in the Western Cape.

Hani said the couple appeared in court on charges of contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act‚ read with the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act. The duo has since been out on bail, Wolfgang Kirsten was granted R80 000 bail while the wife on R20 000. 

Kirsten was sentenced on Friday. However, his sentence was suspended for five years under the conditions he does not commit the same offence again. Furthermore, he will be under supervision for the first 3 years of his sentence.

All counts against the wife were withdrawn.

 

Done By : Elona Sibunzi