Municipalities Are Taking More Water From Dams Than Permitted
One municipality regularly exceeds its water allocation limit yet it received top marks for water management from the water department
Western Cape
Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Through its high-density operation, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 14 165 suspects between Monday, 03 March 2025, and Sunday, 09 March 2025.
“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
During the period, the following arrests were made:
- A total of 1 870 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, business and house robberies.
- A total of 185 suspects were arrested for murder, the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (37).
- A total of 154 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 72 more arrests than the previous week.
- A total of 235 suspects were arrested for rape, 96 of these arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
- A total of 1 513 suspects were arrested for assault GBH during this period.
- A total of 166 drug dealers were arrested, the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape (43).
- A total of 2 176 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, 650 more arrests than the previous week. The majority of these suspects were arrested in Western Cape (1 237).
- A total of 105 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
- Four suspects were arrested for human trafficking during this period.
- A total of 525 drivers were arrested for drunk and driving in the past week.
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
- A total of 155 firearms were confiscated in the past week, 48 more firearms confiscated than the previous week.
- A total of 3 627 rounds of ammunition were confiscated; and
- 50 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.
On Friday, 07 March 2025, the National Commissioner for SAPS, General Fannie Masemola presided over a drug destruction process in which R340 million worth of drugs were destroyed, this included cocaine worth R220 million seized during police operations.
General Masemola commended the vigilance and commitment of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Crime Intelligence officers in the Western Cape following the arrest of two suspects at a storage facility in Bellville, Cape Town.
The arrest of the duo, a man and a woman, followed the discovery of 50 000 mandrax tablets and an arms cache including three AK47 rifles and twelve 9mm pistols amongst other firearms
Also, a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 04 March 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa.
Police arrested a 37-year-old suspect for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure; the suspect illegally connected electricity. The team also seized 41 Eskom transformers worth millions in lost revenue during multiple operations carried out in Winterveldt, Erasmia and Diepsloot, last week.
“The police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 14:37
49 views
Allegations of Fraudulent Payments Amounting to Billions at PRASA
A whistleblower report containing damning allegations is to be investigated
Experts work to strengthen security and information management in secure care centres
Experts work to strengthen security and information management in secure care centres
Experts are continuing to refine the norms and standards for secure care centres, taking into account both the importance of physical safety within the facilities and the protection of sensitive information.
The Department of Social Development is currently hosting a two-day workshop in Pretoria focusing on strengthening standards in secure care centres. These care centres are specialised child and youth care facilities designed to provide structured interventions for children in conflict with the law.
Unlike conventional correctional facilities, these centres prioritise rehabilitation, education and therapeutic support, ensuring that children are reintegrated into society with improved life skills and a renewed sense of responsibility.
Speaking at the workshop aimed at strengthening policies that uphold the children's rights and dignity, Social Development’s Security Manager, Len Esterhuizen, stressed the urgent need for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to play an active role in shaping security protocols for secure care centres.
“Secure care centres must align with national security standards to protect children, staff and sensitive data from breaches or potential threats,” Esterhuizen said on Tuesday.
Secure care across the board
A major component of helping secure care centres to align with national security standards is the Integrated Justice System (IJS), which has provided the Department of Social Development with a critical tool for managing children in conflict with the law.
The Probation Case Management System enables probation officers to track, assess and manage cases efficiently, ensuring appropriate intervention and placement.
Given the interconnected nature of child justice processes, the integration of the South African Police Service (SAPS) into these policy discussions has become essential.
The IJS’s mandate is part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s broader mission to enhance the safety and security of all South Africans. The cluster also works to protect against cybercrime and identity theft, improve access to civil justice, combat corruption and strengthen the process for issuing enabling documents.
Esterhuizen explained that SAPS operates under minimum physical security standards, which outline baseline requirements for facility security.
Within the IJS, the State Security Agency provides oversight on national information security policies, which regulate the classification, handling and storage of sensitive records, including ID documentation, criminal records and case files.
The minimum information security standards, enforced by the State Security Agency and SAPS’s minimum physical security standards provide an important framework for safeguarding both information and operations within secure care facilities.
Esterhuizen further explained that secure information storage is non-negotiable, as mandatory policies dictate how children’s records must be handled and protected.
Experts also highlighted the importance of confidentiality and strict security protocols in preventing criminal activities, security breaches and potential risks to children in secure care centres.
The department’s Social Work Policy Manager, Linda Makhathini, commended the progressive discussions, emphasising their critical role in ensuring full compliance for secure care centres.
She noted that security experts will contribute to developing a unified security framework, which will define minimum requirements for facility security, staff protocols, and information protection.
A national security framework for secure care
As discussions progress, the goal is to develop a national security framework that ensures compliance with both physical and information security regulations.
By combining the IJS, SAPS, and the State Security Agency and the Department of Social Development aim to establish a safer, more efficient system that upholds the rights and dignity of children in secure care.
“This work will form a legal document that will be officially published once authorised by the Minister [of Social Development]. It will then be gazetted for public comment before final implementation,” Senior Legal Officer, Advocate Luyanda Mtshotshisa, said.
Bridging gaps in secure care services
Chief Director of Social Welfare and Restorative Services in the Western Cape, Leana Goosen, who is part of the task team, highlighted the significance of these evolving norms and standards.
“Secure care is one of the most critical services rendered by the Department of Social Development, yet it has lacked extensive legislative guidance. These new norms and standards will fill that gap and empower staff in secure care to deliver better services. We are pleased to be part of this essential development,” she said.
As South Africa moves forward in modernising its child justice system, these reforms will ensure that secure care centres operate effectively, securely and in full alignment with national policies, creating a safer and more rehabilitative environment for children. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 12:12
364 views
Western Cape urges safe driving after several road fatalities
Western Cape urges safe driving after several road fatalities
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has urged all road users to prioritise safety and look out for one another.
This comes after several road fatalities were reported in the province this week.
The incidents include a fatal collision that took place on the R61 at Rooidam, on Monday morning.
In Beaufort West, two road incidents also resulted in one death and multiple injuries, while a crash on the N2, near Heidelberg claimed the lives of seven people.
Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has expressed profound concern, saying that receiving such “tragic news” is always heartbreaking.
“These incidents highlight the critical need for intensified road safety education, as many of these tragedies were preventable. My heartfelt condolences go out to the affected families,” Sileku said in a statement.
The MEC has urged all road users to prioritise safety.
“We must all do better. We all have a shared responsibility to ensure that we all buckle up, that our vehicles are roadworthy, and that you strictly adhere to traffic laws and regulations,” he said.
To combat these preventable tragedies, the WCG has called on all drivers to exercise vigilance and responsibility.
This includes adhering to speed limits, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and being especially mindful of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Meanwhile, the provincial government said simple actions such as wearing a seatbelt, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding distractions can significantly reduce the risk of crashes.
Sileku reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing road safety, “Every life lost on our roads is one too many. Together, we can make our roads safer.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 12:39
192 views
Two to appear in court on firearm charges
Two to appear in court on firearm charges
Two suspects are to appear in court soon for the alleged illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs as well as the possession of illegal explosives, Western Cape police said.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 41-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man were arrested on Monday at a storage facility in Stikland where a package containing two kilograms of heroin was confiscated.
The arrests come as a multi-disciplinary team comprising Anti-Gang Unit investigators, Crime Intelligence (Counter Gangs and Narcotics) and Visible Policing Anti-Gang Unit members swooped on storage facilities and seized illegal firearms, ammunition, explosives and drugs.
“The discovery took place in Bellville South as well as in Stikland. The operation, which was the culmination of weeks of observing the movements of suspects resulted in the discovery,” said the police in a statement on Tuesday.
In Bellville South, police found three AK47 rifles, an R5 rifle and one assault rifle, 12 9mm pistols and two revolvers, among others.
“As the investigation continues, the possibility of further arrests effected cannot be ruled out. The efforts of the team have been commended by SAPS management as the Western Cape battles shooting incidents that result murder and attempted murder cases,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 09:18
22 views
Cape Town looking forward to hosting Cycle Tour
Cape Town looking forward to hosting Cycle Tour
The Western Cape Government (WCG) will welcome over 30 000 cyclists for the Cape Town Cycle Tour set to take place on Sunday, 9 March 2025.
This iconic event is a highlight of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s sporting calendar, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.
According to the WCG, major sporting events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour bring many benefits to the province as international and domestic cyclists are expected to boost the already thriving tourism sector, which is critical to creating jobs.
MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who will also be taking part, said: “We welcome all cyclists to our province, and I am excited to see more and more people taking up cycling and living active and healthy lifestyles. Please be safe during the tour. All the best to the riders and the organisers. I look forward to seeing you out on the road.”
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport supports major sporting events in the province as it encourages regular participation in sports, as well as playing an important role in the economy, from tourism, hospitality, and retail, to creating direct and indirect jobs.
Taking riders on a 109km route around the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has been described as South Africa’s must-do cycling event.
Several Cape Town roads will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 14:18
298 views
Cape Town to host Cape Town Cycle Tour
Cape Town to host Cape Town Cycle Tour
The Western Cape Government (WCG) will welcome over 30 000 cyclists for the Cape Town Cycle Tour set to take place on Sunday, 9 March 2025.
This iconic event is a highlight of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s sporting calendar, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.
According to the WCG, major sporting events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour bring many benefits to the province as international and domestic cyclists are expected to boost the already thriving tourism sector, which is critical to creating jobs.
MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who will also be taking part, said: “We welcome all cyclists to our province, and I am excited to see more and more people taking up cycling and living active and healthy lifestyles. Please be safe during the tour. All the best to the riders and the organisers. I look forward to seeing you out on the road.”
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport supports major sporting events in the province as it encourages regular participation in sports, as well as playing an important role in the economy, from tourism, hospitality, and retail, to creating direct and indirect jobs.
Taking riders on a 109km route around the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has been described as South Africa’s must-do cycling event.
Several Cape Town roads will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 14:18
90 views
W Cape welcomes lifting of ban on vegetable exports to Botswana
W Cape welcomes lifting of ban on vegetable exports to Botswana
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed the lifting of the ban on vegetable exports to Botswana.
This is after the previous administration of Botswana, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, imposed a ban on South African produce to support domestic farmers and reduce reliance on imports, which has since been lifted by President Duma Boko.
Meyer believes this move will encourage increased trade among Southern African Customs Union (SACU) members, who view the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical tool for developing regional value chains and enhancing exports.
According to the MEC, Botswana’s gradual lifting of vegetable imports will occur in two phases.
Phase 1, which began in December 2024, includes vegetables such as turmeric, patty pan, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, green peas, sweet corn, broccoli, cauliflower, gem squash, baby marrow, green bean, sweet melon, mushroom, calabash, cantaloup and eggplant.
Meanwile, Phase 2 is expected to start on 1 April 2025 and will see an easing of restrictions on beetroot, butternut, cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, green melon, herbs, lettuce, onion, potato, sweet pepper, tomato and watermelon.
The MEC said the Western Cape accounted for 37% (or R3.3 million) of South Africa’s vegetable exports to Botswana in quarter four of 2024.
Regarding the contribution to Phase 1 nationally, Meyer said the provincial share has steadily increased during the period under review, reaching 63% in quarter 3 of 2024 and dropping to 55% in quarter 4 of 2024.
“It is expected that with the lifting of import restriction for vegetables listed in Phase 2, there will be an improvement in South African exports to Botswana, including those from the Western Cape,” Meyer said.
The MEC has since encouraged fair trade between SADC partners, saying the lifting of these restrictions is a move in the right direction.
“Our trade relations with our regional partners are mutually beneficial,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he said an improvement in exports to Botswana takes the province closer to the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs plan, which aims to triple the value of Western Cape exports of goods and services, including tourism, to R450 billion by 2035. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 11:46
2 views
US Funding Cut Ends Vital HIV Programme for Orphans
In some parts of the country HIV testing was dependent on US money, so testing has just stopped
Mixed Reactions to Affordable Housing Development on Mowbray Golf Course
Some Cape Town residents want the golf course to remain as it is
People Trying to Seek Asylum Should Not Be Deported, Court Hears
Human rights organisation wants Refugees Act amendments declared unconstitutional
SA positioned to navigate challenging geopolitical situation – WEF President
SA positioned to navigate challenging geopolitical situation – WEF President
Amidst a fragmented geopolitical landscape, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, has expressed support for South Africa’s Group 20 (G20) Presidency.
“In such a polarised, fragmented world as [the] backdrop of this G20 leadership, I think South Africa is especially well positioned to handle this very complicated geopolitical situation,” Brende said on Tuesday.
Brende was addressing the Business 20 (B20) -- the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities.
In his address, he stated that South Africa has extensive experience in managing competition and its history.
“It’s not an easy G20 to take on but that’s a reality with the geopolitical backdrop that [it] is happening against,” Brende said.
He said the current geopolitical situation is a priority for everyone, making the global business voice more crucial than ever.
“The last weeks have shown us we have to fasten our seat belts and even getting people that don’t agree [with us] in the same room is not almost an achievement. I saw that in Davos this year when people don’t agree [with you] they don’t want to even discuss [matters]. But to break impasses at least, you must start with the dialogue and sit in the same room and say, ‘this is important to me’.
“Sherpas can then try to find some solutions, because the solutions are so incredibly important…,” he said.
With South Africa set to host the G20 Leaders' Summit later this year, Cape Town hosted the two-day B20, which began on Monday.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde previously said that the province and Cape Town look forward to welcoming the world once again.
READ | Cape Town to host B20 meeting
The gathering focused on the theme “Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation.”
Brende said the private sector has a key role to play in mobilising investment, driving innovation, and finding solutions to shared challenges.
“That means that if you want to get anything done, you also must work with the business sector. That’s the only way to also get investments and fresh money,” he explained.
He described Africa, with its fast-growing economies and young workforce, as poised to shape the future.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) alone has the potential to unlock $450 billion in economic gains over the next decade.
The World Economic Forum, he said, has a long-fostered collaboration between business and government, and is committed to supporting this effort through initiatives such as the First Movers Coalition that pushes for green technologies.
“Now is the time for the B20 and G20 to work together to accelerate sustainable growth, strengthen global trade, and ensure that economic progress benefits all.
“South Africa’s long-standing commitment to cooperation serves as a powerful example of what is possible when we find common ground.”
Brende also touched on the key challenges including climate change, cybercrime, and the need for global consensus on issues like carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and cybersecurity.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, Brende stated that the global economy is expected to grow by over 3% this year.
“Trade is expected to grow by 3%, however, the growth we are seeing in trade is not coming from traditional manufacturing goods. Digital trade and services are projecting significant growth. The biggest game changers over the next few years will be new technologies.”
He said the technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, could boost productivity by 10% in a decade.
– SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 13:58
16 views
Government activities for the week 24 – 28 February 2025
Government activities for the week 24 – 28 February 2025
On Monday, 24 February, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, in collaboration with the World Bank and GSMA, will host a high-level workshop focused on accelerating access to affordable smart devices for all South Africans.
On Tuesday, 25 February, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, will visit the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municiaplity in the Free State as part of the 2025 Back-to-School Programme.
On Wednesday, 26 February, Premier Alan Winde, will deliver the 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA), outlining the Western Cape Government’s plans for the year ahead and reflecting on its achievements over the past year.
On Thursday, 27 February, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, undertakes an official working visit to the Middle East to attract infrastructure investment (20-27 February 2025).
Friday, 28 February, Parliament hosts the sitting of the permanent committees and pre-sitting meetings of the Pan-African Parliament (18-28 February 2025).
Neo
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 09:42
1 view
Parties Hold Their Breath in Battle Over R300-Million Stellenbosch Mountain Estate
Judgment has been reserved in an urgent application to halt a luxury development on Botmaskop slopes
SA welcomes first visitors from China through new visa initiative
SA welcomes first visitors from China through new visa initiative
The digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) visa initiative is bearing fruit with the first group of visitors from China having arrived in South Africa at the weekend.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber along with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and other government and tourism stakeholders welcomed the first group of visitors from China through the TTOS visa initiative.
The 15 tourists arrived on Saturday through the Cape Town International Airport in the Western Cape.
The Ministers were delighted to welcome the tourists and a tour guide who arrived in South Africa only a few days after their visas were processed through the Department of Home Affairs visa initiative.
“This was an exciting moment in this ground-breaking initiative where the TTOS is providing a faster and more seamless process for visas for travellers from India and China. Together with the Department of Home Affairs we have worked tirelessly to make this happen and I commend Minister Schreiber and the team in the Department of Home Affairs for the swift implementation of this new and improved visa initiative,” Minister de Lille said.
Last year, an Inter-Ministerial Committee with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Home Affairs, the State Security Agency and Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency was established to tackle the visa regime issues.
Home Affairs announced that the ground-breaking Trusted Tour Operator Scheme will significantly ease the process and allow for a seamless visa application process for travellers and tour operators from India and China.
READ | Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from China, India
From 12 February, the first group of approved 65 tour operators from South Africa, India and China started processing visa applications through the TTOS.
India and China have been identified as two key source markets for South Africa to grow arrivals due to the high number of tourists who travel internationally from these countries.
Currently, South Africa only receives 41 600 arrivals from India and 79 700 from China, a minor share of the country’s total arrivals for 2024 which stood at 8.9million total international arrivals.
“The TTOS is a massive win for the tourism and business events sector and the Department of Tourism will use the new visa initiatives as enablers to grow tourism arrivals to South Africa which will in turn drive inclusive economic growth and job creation,” Minister de Lille added.
Through targeted outreach engagements in India and China, the country has also been sharing the developments of the TTOS, the Electronic Travel Authorisation and Digital Nomad Visas with these two key source markets to ensure that more tour operators register and use these new and enhanced visa processes.
“We are extremely excited about these visa developments and what it means for the growth of the tourism sector. We have no doubt that the TTOS will exponentially increase arrivals from India and China which will stimulate demand across the tourism and services sector,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 16:01
102 views
Dané Van Niekerk – The Return to Domestic Cricket
NEWLANDS: Dané van Niekerk, former Proteas captain and world-class all-rounder, has been a key figure in South African women’s cricket....
Icebreaker Returns From Antarctica With Alarming News
Scientists aboard the SA Agulhas II have been tracking ocean health
KZN Activist Shot Dead
Vusi Banda – Mondlo Township Civic Organisation chairperson – was murdered on Thursday
US Funding Remains Frozen for Many Life-Saving Services
Despite waivers, court judgments and assurances from the embassy, USAID funding for projects that provide HIV medication has not resumed
Crime Stats reveal reduction in some categories of crime
Crime Stats reveal reduction in some categories of crime
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says although there has been some reduction in several categories, more still needs to be done to reduce the country’s crime levels.
“We are positioning ourselves accordingly in terms of policing whilst we continue our work throughout the whole country,” Mchunu said.
The Minister was presenting the Quarterly Crime Statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred during the third quarter of the current financial year (1 October 2024 – 31 December 2024).
At Friday’s briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said the police had observed an overall decrease in several categories of crime when compared to the same period in the previous year.
“We have also registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, which is a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector as a whole,” Mchunu said, adding that the positive shift highlights the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, local leaders and communities to safeguard this vital industry.
“Although the percentage appears to be relatively small, we note the outcry of communities that farm livestock, particularly in the eastern Free State, north western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and in the northern Eastern Cape, hence our plan to combine these three provinces in a meeting to discuss this challenge.
“We must, however, also acknowledge the areas that require urgent attention. We have seen an increase in cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property. These crimes continue to disrupt communities and demand a reinforced response from law enforcement.
“For the third quarter, all provinces recorded a decrease in murder cases, marking a significant milestone in our national crime reduction efforts,” the Minister explained.
Murder
However, he expressed concern over the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
This as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the highest contributors to overall national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, while the Eastern and Western Cape account for 18.9% and 17.4%.
“The Western Cape continues to record the highest number of gang-related murders, with 263 counts reported in this quarter alone.
“This is completely unacceptable, and it must change. A large number of these murders (collectively amounting to a figure of 135) occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River.
A 9.8% decrease in murder cases was recorded in the quarter.
“The issue of gang violence requires a rethink in approach, because this is not only a historic matter but is also repetitive in nature, there is no point in us discussing one and the same thing with no change.”
He further announced that the police are dedicating 27 February to amongst other things, to review policing in high murder zones. The focus, said the Minister, will be on murders and firearms, after which they will decide on the concrete steps to be taken.
“Partnerships with communities and other partners will be a critical element in the rethinking approach. A combination of interventions indicates that there are much more effective methods of fighting crime and criminals.
“Several individuals have been dealt with in a number of areas in the Eastern Cape recently and KwaZulu- Natal, following a series of taxi violence and extortion related murders. I do want to state that no one is classified as “untouchable” – you do wrong, we arrest you,” Mchunu said.
Crimes against women and children
Mchunu said while police have registered an overall reduction in contact crimes against women, the men and women in blue are deeply concerned by the increase in attempted murder cases against children aged 0 to 17 years.
“This is an alarming development that calls for a concerted effort to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.
Another bugbear was that of extortions, kidnappings and drugs with these matters being added to the meeting on 27 February.
Police have noted that some of the kidnappings are orchestrated from the St Albans prison in the Eastern Cape and that the mastermind of these kidnappings still has access to a number of cellphones.
Meanwhile, the statistics showed a 3.3% reduction in rape cases; a 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences and a decline in carjackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises.
Police also registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, which is a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector as a whole.
Safer Festive Season, new recruits
Mchunu said the Safer Festive Season initiative, launched in October 2024, has played a significant role in the recorded crime reductions.
“Through heightened police visibility and strategic operations, fewer crimes were reported and recorded during this period.
“A key element in our crime-fighting strategy has been Project 10 000, aimed at bolstering police personnel,” he said.
In addition, to bolster the fight against crime, police welcomed 5500 new recruits at various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies.
“These individuals will undergo rigorous training and, upon completion, will reinforce our crime-fighting efforts as constables. This initiative not only enhances policing capacity but also contributes to job creation, a crucial aspect in addressing social determinants of crime,” the minister said.
Destroying illegal weapons
Mchunu said that just yesterday, 16 049 firearms were destroyed in accordance with Section 149 of the Firearms Control Act.
“We will continue to carry out measures aimed at ensuring that illegal weapons are seized and destroyed so as to ensure the safety of our communities,” he said.
Mchunu appealed to communities to work hand in hand with law enforcement.
“Crime thrives in silence, and we urge all South Africans to report criminal activities, cooperate with the police, and participate in community policing forums,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 13:52
208 views
Judge Blocks Bequest to White Supremacist Organisation
Cape Town man’s bequest to Boerelegioen declared invalid
Chaos Outside Cape Town Schools as Parents Demand Places for Their Children
Parents say their children are subjected to poor learning conditions at Solomon Mahlangu Primary School
Cape Town to host B20 meeting
Cape Town to host B20 meeting
With South Africa due to host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit this year, Cape Town is set to host the Business 20 (B20) – the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities next week.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province and Cape Town look forward to welcoming the world once again.
This as the province will host the B20 from 24-25 February in the year that South Africa hosts the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit.
“This is an important milestone for our province, country, and continent. It is a huge honour for us all to showcase the region to the world. We did this so well this last holiday season and again with the recent Mining Indaba and other major events. Now it is our opportunity to host the B20. Let us all put our best foot forward and send delegates home as marketers of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” he said.
According to the Premier, the B20 serves as an important networking platform for local companies and businesses to link up with international counterparts, who are eager to join hands with them in exploring ways in which to take economic growth and job creation forward.
The B20 offers several benefits, including attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism, enhancing the international reputation of the Western Cape and South Africa, and influencing global policy discussions.
The B20 summit will focus on the theme ’Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation.’
Key areas of priority for the summit include trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, and climate change.
“We have a vital opportunity to showcase our economic successes, further highlight the region as an investment destination of choice, build on our achievements together with global partners, and deepen international ties to tackle critical issues.
“The issues that will be discussed at the B20 can influence the G20 and so we will ensure our voice is heard,” Winde added.
Meanwhile, more than 100 meetings of the G20 will be held throughout the year, 40 of which are planned to take place in the Western Cape.
“The Western Cape is ready to host even more meetings and gatherings linked to the G20 if need be. We must maximise the hosting of these events to enhance our global standing.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officially open and address the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.
The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola takes place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” on 20 and 21 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 09:45
385 views