Recent revelations about firearm management in South Africa have raised concerns about public safety. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not destroyed a single confiscated firearm in the first quarter of 2023 according to Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. This alarming information highlights the critical issue of firearm management and its potential dangers to public safety.
As we approach International Family Day on May 15th, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the success of the City of Cape Town’s Strengthening Families programme. This initiative has completed a decade since its pilot in 2013 and has become a critical part of the City’s numerous social crime and substance abuse interventions. The programme has supported more than 1,700 families in the region, focusing on substance abuse prevention and interventions.
The Metro Police Department’s K9 Unit is a specialized team making a significant impact on crime prevention, especially in drug and firearmrelated cases. In the past ten months, the K9 Unit has accomplished several notable achievements, including the discovery of an R84 million cocaine shipment.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) and the Western Cape Mobility Department recently launched an initiative that provides support to local neighborhood watch groups. The initiative involves distributing bicycles and essential resources to 14 neighborhood watch groups (NHWs) across the Cape Agulhas and Overstrand municipalities. The NHWs are composed of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that their communities are safe and secure.
The Msikaba Bridge project experienced a somber atmosphere as the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed her deep sorrow regarding the recent fatal accident at the construction site. The accident occurred on May 5th at 11:00 am, at the South Main Batch Plant in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, resulting in the loss of a worker who was committed to ensuring the project’s successful completion.
The City of Cape Town has placed Neighbourhood Watches (NWs) at the forefront of its strategy to safeguard communities. As crime rates and social issues continue to rise, NWs have become increasingly important in ensuring the safety of communities. The City has implemented a comprehensive program to support NWs, providing them with training and equipment to ensure that they can better serve their communities.
Over the recent long weekend, Gauteng police conducted operations and routine stop and search checks that led to the apprehension of more than 1,700 suspects and the seizure of 65 unlicensed firearms. These arrests were made in different parts of the province, with the perpetrators charged with serious and violent crimes.
The Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) initiative by the Gauteng Provincial Government is a significant step towards creating secure communities and eradicating crime. Due to the high number of applicants, the selection process was rigorous and aimed to identify the best candidates for the job. The CPWs will be responsible for ensuring police visibility at the ward level, which is essential in preventing and combating crime.
Recently, two commercial layer farms in the Paardeberg area of the Western Cape were found to have avian influenza. The Western Cape Government is urging both the agricultural sector and the public to be mindful and limit the spread of the disease to prevent further outbreaks. The disease has already caused the death or destruction of 120,000 birds, as confirmed on April 21 and 25.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has implemented targeted operations to combat criminal activities in the country. One key strategy the SAPS employs is deploying officers to hotspot areas to detect and prevent illegal activities. This approach has successfully recovered firearms and apprehended criminals in various parts of the country.
The brutal murder of two young boys in Soweto has left the community with shock and grief. Tshiamo Rabanye and Nqobizitha Zulu, aged six and five, were reported missing from their homes. Later, their mutilated bodies were found in Rockville and White City. As the police investigate the incident, the families of the victims and the community seek justice and closure.
World Immunisation Week is a yearly event between April 24 and April 30. The campaign aims to encourage vaccinations to prevent diseases and promote healthy communities. City Health is crucial in administering vaccines, particularly among young children. Recent outbreaks of measles in different provinces have highlighted the importance of vaccines. The national government launched a measles vaccination campaign, but adhering to the national vaccination schedule for children is essential in preventing outbreaks of diseases.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has recently announced its plans to allocate over R76 million towards improving security measures in all schools across the province in the 2023/24 financial year budget. This budget, which includes significant infrastructure investment, teacher training programmes, and support plans amounting to R29.55 billion, is a major step towards creating a safer learning environment for students.
