On Monday, a foreigner driving a red VW Golf 6 visited Gaba Village informal settlement to collect a puppy he had purchased. Unbeknownst to him, his presence caught the attention of local gang members known as “The Terribles,” who forcefully hijacked his car. Fearing for his life, the driver sought refuge in a nearby flat.
Construction companies and infrastructure developers in South Africa have been facing a persistent and costly problem of extortion by the construction mafia. These criminal groups have embedded themselves within the industry, exploiting security breaches and illegal land occupations to extort millions and bring projects to a halt.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is preparing for its 18th annual SA National Parks Week, taking place from September 16th to 24th, 2023. The event will provide the perfect opportunity to witness the country’s wildflower fields in full bloom and enjoy warmer weather. With the theme ‘Know Your National Parks,’ SANParks aims to cultivate a sense of pride among South Africans towards their natural, cultural, and historical heritage.
The Western Cape province has witnessed a decline in crime rates, as reported by their crime statistics for the first quarter of 2023. The murder rate has dropped by 5.5%, following a 14.1% decline in the fourth quarter of 2022. These numbers show a consistent decrease in crime in the region, with a total of 939 murders reported in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 994 in the same period last year.
Edgemead, a suburb in Cape Town, faces the challenge of addressing the issue of vagrancy and its connection to criminal activities. The Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch (ENW) has urged residents not to give handouts to vagrants, highlighting the link between their presence and criminal activities in the area. However, it is essential to consider the unintended consequences of this act.
African penguins are on the brink of extinction, and if current trends continue, more than 500 breeding pairs could disappear annually over the next decade. This decline has already caused the number of breeding pairs to plummet to under 11,000 since records began in 1979. By 2035, this could spell disaster for the species, wiping them out from their natural habitat.
Cape Town’s Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) is taking steps towards a sustainable future by introducing 60 electric buses each year, starting in 2024, with the goal of replacing its entire fleet of 1,100 dieselpowered vehicles. This shift towards electric propulsion not only helps the environment but also saves costs for the company in the long run.
Cape Town, the bustling metropolis of South Africa, is still reeling from an eightdaylong taxi strike that resulted in violence, property damage, and loss of life. The South African National Taxi Alliance (Santaco) led the strike, which Mayor Geordin HillLewis claims could have been avoided if they had accepted the city’s initial agreement.
In midFebruary 2023, a video surfaced on social media, showing a man brutally abusing a cat named Kittie. The video captured the abuser throwing Kittie over a house’s roof, while his accomplice recorded the incident. The video went viral, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched an investigation to trace the suspect and ensure justice for Kittie.
The City of Cape Town is expanding its Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Support Programme to bolster local crime prevention groups. The program, which has been in place for 15 years, now has a dedicated Community Liaison Officer assigned to each geographic area in the metropolis. The officer serves as a point of contact for NWs, facilitates training, and provides administrative support during the accreditation process.
Cape Town is facing major traffic disruptions as Santaco’s taxi stayaway continues. The blockades of vital routes have led to the closure of all lanes on crucial national roads, resulting in massive delays and chaos. Law enforcement officers have been dispatched to the scene, but the situation remains tense.
In response to the ongoing taxi strike in Cape Town, the City has announced measures to tackle the violence that has resulted in significant disruptions to daily life and public transportation. ### Impounding Vehicles for Vandalism
The Spar Proteas played a thrilling match against Uganda at the CTICC, but despite their hardfought victory with a final score of 5250, they were unable to achieve the 64point margin required for a spot in the Netball World Cup semifinals.
On Sunday afternoon, a tragic incident occurred in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, where a 37yearold officer with the Cape Town Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), Toufeeq Williams, was a victim of a stray bullet. Williams was offduty and walking with his twoyearold daughter near the intersection of Trampoline and Cadillac Streets when he was fatally shot. He was laid to rest on Tuesday in adherence to Muslim customs.
Herschel Jantjies, a former standout scrumhalf for South Africa, has been given a golden opportunity to prove his worth for the Springboks in their upcoming match against Argentina. With the 2023 Rugby World Cup rapidly approaching, Jantjies must capitalize on this chance to secure a spot in the prestigious 33man squad, which will be announced on August 8th. As the Springboks finalize their roster, several fringe players are competing for a chance to showcase their talents and contribute to the team’s pursuit of victory in France.
In a thrilling World Cup match, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana achieved a historic feat by defeating Italy 32, securing their firstever qualification for the round of 16. The stakes were high as they entered the game aware that only a victory would grant them passage to the next round.
