The usually peaceful community of Ravensmead has recently experienced unexpected events that have led to mounting tensions. During a crimecombating operation last Friday, a South African Police Service (SAPS) member and a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer got caught in the crossfire, resulting in multiple arrests and highlighting the ongoing struggle against crime and violence in the area.
The Western Cape High Court has resolved a dispute between the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) surrounding the impounding of minibus taxis. The court’s decision has clarified the grounds for impounding taxis, which had been a contentious issue.
The City of Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit recently uncovered a stash of stolen property that included highend bicycles and essential infrastructure materials. The discovery was made in response to a report of cable theft in Ravensmead. ## Public Tipoff Leads to the Discovery
Western Cape High Court Dismisses Santaco’s Application against City of Cape Town and WCG
The Western Cape High Court recently delivered a ruling that dismissed the South African National Taxi Council’s (Santaco) court application against the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government (WCG). As a result, the court granted the City’s request to make the terms of the agreement that ended the taxi strike an order of the court.
The Western Cape region of South Africa is a captivating destination, especially during the spring season from August to October. The vibrant tapestry of wildflowers that blooms at this time creates a mesmerizing sight that attracts tourists from around the world. However, it is important to note that the flowers only open during specific times of the day, making it crucial to plan accordingly.
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, reiterated the country’s commitment to providing electricity to Namibia during a media briefing in Windhoek. Namibia currently generates only 40% of its required energy domestically, with the remaining 60% imported from neighboring countries through the Southern African Power Pool. South Africa contributes 100 megawatts to this energy supply.
The 15th BRICS Summit will be held in Johannesburg on August 22, 2023, and preparations are well underway to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. In anticipation of this prestigious event, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, have been conducting security engagements and briefings with their teams.
South Africa is preparing to host the 15th BRICS Summit, a significant event for the country and the African continent. President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation on South Africa’s foreign policy, emphasizing the values and principles of the 1955 Freedom Charter that influence the country’s approach.
On August 29, 2023, the Urban Waste Management (UWM) Directorate will be hosting a Basket of Waste Services Roadshow at the Bishop Lavis Civic Centre. This event provides residents from nearby communities with a chance to meet with representatives from the City’s UWM Directorate. Notably, the roadshow will unveil the upcoming release of home composting containers.
Durban law enforcement officers made a swift apprehension of four individuals, including an illicit scrapyard owner, following the launch of the High Density Operation Shanela. This operation aimed to address the rising number of copper theft incidents in South Africa that have been negatively affecting the nation’s economic infrastructure.
As Women’s Month is celebrated in South Africa in August, universities in the Western Cape have joined forces to prioritize women’s safety on campus. This initiative was prompted by a research report released by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), revealing that female students face a heightened risk of sexual victimization. The study found that one in five women at public universities and technical colleges have experienced sexual assault.
From August 1718, 2023, the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, is representing the nation. The conference provides African countries with a platform to reinforce their collective commitment to global environmental initiatives.
Solar MD, a lithiumion battery storage manufacturer, has broken ground on the continent’s first gigawatt battery storage manufacturing plant in Cape Town, South Africa. This development marks a significant milestone for the African continent and Cape Town, setting them on a path towards a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) took a bold step towards combating illegal mining on August 18th, 2025. A group of four individuals, aged between 25 and 43 years old, were arrested in Atok an area under Apel Policing jurisdiction in Limpopo province during an operation led by the Sekhukhune District Task Team. This apprehension serves as a reminder of the dedication and vigilance required to address unlawful extraction in the region.
The latest Quarterly Crime Stats report has shed light on the pressing need for better collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local authorities in their fight against crime. In particular, the City of Cape Town has expressed its willingness to strengthen SAPS’ crimefighting efforts if more policing powers are given to municipal officers.
The current state of informal settlements in Cape Town is causing widespread fear and turmoil among residents. Families are evacuating two informal settlements, Siyakhana and Siyahlala, due to threats from backyarders and residents of Mandela Park. ## Backyarders Demand Housing and Threaten Eviction