Day: September 6, 2022

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) says it is aware of a fire that broke out at the Legal Practice Council building located at 123 Paul Kruger Street in Pretoria.

According to the department, the fire started at approximately around 08:20 on Monday.

“It is worth noting that the fire did not spread over to the North Gauteng High Court building that is situated right next to the Legal Practice Council building. None of the buildings that are under the custodianship of DPWI were affected by the fire outbreak,” the department said in a statement.

It added that there was no evacuation that was conducted at the North Gauteng High Court and that court proceedings continued uninterrupted by the incident.

“As DPWI, we will, however, monitor the situation in order to prevent any flares to the properties under our custodianship,” the department said.

In a tweet, City of Tshwane Mayor, Randall Williams said firefighters speedily managed to put out the fire.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Africa’s first ever Rugby World Cup 7s is taking place at the DHL Stadium from Friday, 9 September to Sunday 11, September 2022. As host city and partner to the event, the City of Cape Town has worked with World Rugby and SA Rugby (SARU) to put on one of the most memorable World Cup events.

More than 100 000 fans are expected to descend on the DHL Stadium over three days to watch some of the world’s top men and women’s Sevens Rugby nations battle to be crowned champions.

The eighth edition of the Rugby World Cup 7s tournament is hosted for the first time by an African country in its three-decade history.

‘On behalf of the City of Cape Town, we welcome all the teams and their support staff, and the many thousands of residents and visitors who are making their way here for the tournament. We are committed to putting on a world-class event for locals and visitors to enjoy in our beautiful City and will be activating the fan walk as well as a free MyCiti shuttle service for ticket holders as part of our park and ride facilities. The hosting of world cup tournaments is not only important for boosting the economy and creating employment, but also for uniting residents and people from all walks of life. I am looking forward to joining the thousands of passionate fans to sing and cheer for their teams,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Hosting events such as Rugby World Cup Sevens prove that Cape Town continues to be an attractive and competitive global events destination with expertise to pull off major international masterpieces.

The City’s Events Coordinating Committee, working with SARU, has been at the forefront of the planning for this event.

‘Over the last two years we have been hard at work with World Rugby and SARU on the logistics for this event to ensure that not only is it a memorable experience for the players, fans and all those involved but that it is safe for everyone. Our Events Coordinating Committee has spent months ensuring we plan and deploy all our services to make sure there’s visibility around the event footprint, management of traffic and movement of fans around the venue,’ said the City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.

In an effort to minimise traffic congestion in the Green Point precinct, the City is availing a free MyCiTi shuttle service for ticket holders to travel to the DHL Stadium.

Buses will depart from the Civic Centre and Thibault Square MyCiTi stations from 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

They will leave every 15 minutes or when full.

Ticket holders are encouraged to utilise a park and ride system where they park their vehicles in the city centre and take the MyCiTi shuttle to the stadium.

Paid parking is also available at the CTICC (limited), Ryk Tulbagh Square, Picbel Parkade (Strand Street), Plein Park (Corporation Street) and the V&A Waterfront (limited parking).

Alternatively, Sevens supporters can walk to the stadium via the Fan Walk which will be activated before the stadium gates open at 08:00.

The Fan Walk extends from the City Centre along Waterkant Street, over the pedestrian bridge at Buitengracht and along Somerset Road, through the underpass at Green Point Circle to the stadium gates.

Additionally, a dedicated E-hailing service hub will be set up on Green Point Main Road between York and Wigtown roads.

Residents and motorists are also advised of temporary road closures in the DHL Stadium and V&A Waterfront precincts.

Source: City Of Cape Town

EASTERN CAPE – The East London Magistrates’ Court sentenced Zolani Maxam (40) and Sinoxolo Siwendu (26) to three years direct imprisonment each on 05 September 2022 for charges of dealing in drugs.

During the period between 28 and 29 March 2022, three successful purchases of methamphetamine (tik) were made from Maxam and Siwendu from their residence in Scenery Park. This led to the subsequent arrest of the duo on 01 April 2022 by the East London based Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG). They were released on R1000-00 each.

After a series of court appearances, they were ultimately convicted on 20 July 2022 hence their sentencing on 05 September 2022.

They were further declared to be unfit to possess a firearm.

Source: South African Police Service

The City reminds residents to be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes. The City has been made aware of a new form of the scam, where scammers carry fake City identification cards.

The City urges residents to be aware of scammers who are posing as City officials to gain access to their homes. Once given access to residents’ homes, the scammers steal personal items. In most cases, the elderly are targeted.

‘This scam has unfortunately been around for many years and the City reminds residents to check the identification card of the worker who visits their home. The scammers have seemingly realised this and are carrying fake City identification cards.

‘We remind residents that the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department will make an appointment with residents before visiting their home. Municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a legitimate City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the work order number, and the identification card before allowing anyone onto their property and to verify whether the card is legitimate.

‘Remember that the identification card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor. If unsure, residents are urged to call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.

‘Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 323 130 or to the South African Police Service (SAPS),’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

The South African Police Service remains the lead authority in crime prevention.

Tips for residents:

• Always verify the work order number when an official visits your home

• Check the official’s City-issued identification card

• The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor

• If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089

• Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS

Source: City Of Cape Town

GQEBERHA – Police in Gqeberha are sending out a clear message to criminals that they will be identified and their drug dens destroyed, as they (the police) exact the authority of the State.

In the last 48 hours, 22 suspects were arrested for drug related cases and two for illegal possession of firearms.

On Monday, 05 September 2022 at about 15:30, Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) members were patrolling in Motherwell when they received information of a male in possession of a firearm in Ingobo Street, Motherwell .Members spotted the suspect and when he noticed the police vehicle, he started running. Members chased after him on foot and found him hiding inside a shack. A .38 special revolver (serial number filed off) was found inside his bag. Cash, mandrax (89), dagga (rolls), a scale and unused tik pipes were also found in his shack.

The 30-year-old suspect was arrested and detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and dealing in drugs.

On 05 September 2022 at about 22:00, Anti-Gang Unit members followed up on information about drugs and suspected stolen property that was at a house in Mitchell Street in Kariega. The house and the outbuilding were searched and mandrax (24), tik (26 packets), a Stihl chainsaw and a Stihl portable grinder were seized. No one was arrested and an enquiry docket was opened for further investigation. During the same evening, AGU members also confiscated 48 mandrax tablets from a house in Kwanobuhle.

Gqeberha K9 Unit members recovered two stolen vehicles last night, 05 September 20222 in North End and Kwazakele respectively. At about 20:45, a white Suzuki Celerio was recovered after it was taken in a house robbery in Kwazakele. At about 00:45 this morning, 06 September 2022, a Ford Ranger was also recovered at a guest house in North End. The vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the day from Ikamvelihle. Both vehicles were impounded for further investigation.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata reiterated that drugs and illegal firearms are major contributory factors to gang violence which inevitably would affect and compromise the safety and security of innocent law abiding citizens. “The efforts of our police members are appreciated and the arrests and confiscations of drugs and firearms will send a clear and loud message that there is no space in the NMB district for crime and criminals,” warned Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service

During the hard lockdown period of Covid-19, the City of Cape Town’s Woodstock Town Hall was severely vandalised resulting in the closure of the facility for major repairs and maintenance. It took 14 months and approximately R3 669 000, to complete the full refurbishment, including extensive consultation for heritage permits needed to conduct work on this historical asset

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis celebrated the restoration of the facility last week and marked the occasion with the first tree-planting, the beginning of a series of events taking place in September in commemoration of National Arbor Month.

‘This past week we marked the progress of the restoration of this historic facility. It is a building we can all feel proud of and I hope it will serve the community for another 100 years. I wish to thank the team which worked on this project and to Councillor Ian McMahon for driving this renewal project,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

In the mid-1800s Woodstock was a bustling village with noteworthy infrastructural developments such as its own police station, post office, school and a number of churches.

This attracted a diverse group of people including emancipated slaves, railway workers, missionaries, British soldiers and immigrants from Portugal and of Jewish descent.

It quickly became a residential suburb, filled with working class people of all creeds and races. By 1884 it was the third largest town in the colony with the Sulaimania Masjid established in 1932, for the growing Islamic community.

Due to the industrial and residential mixed land use zoning, lower Woodstock could maintain its racial diversity during apartheid.

Inter-racial property transactions and changes in occupancy were relatively permissible, subject to obtaining the relevant permits.

In 1935, Woodstock Town Hall was built and opened for public use by all of its residents.

The geometric shape of the building was a popular architectural style at the time, celebrated for its modernity because of its concrete foundations, steel windows and corrugated roof.

The floor of the main hall was made of marble ideal for dancing, and the stage featured a large orchestra pit with enough room for the full Cape Town Orchestra.

The hall has since been a significant part of the social lifestyle of the community, serving as the ideal venue for weddings, birthdays and special business functions.

Unfortunately during the lockdown, maintenance of the facility was interrupted and vandalism brought it into severe disrepair.

In July 2021, the Recreation and Parks Department established a project team of specialists, including environment and heritage consultants, as well as various electrical, infrastructural and architectural contractors.

Although no new features were added, the following repairs valued at approximately R3 669 403, were completed at the main and minor hall:

• Electrical repairs

• Exterior and interior wall painting

• Roof replacement at the minor hall

• Waterproofing

• Ceiling replacement

• Repairs to ironmongery and terrazzo flooring

• Repairs to window frames, glazing and doors

• Replacement of vinyl and timber floors, tiles

• Replacement of emergency push bars, piping and fittings

In addition, the park adjacent to the hall has been fully equipped with new outdoor gym equipment, also unveiled as part of the festivities. Ward allocation funding estimated at R88 000 made this valuable enhancement possible.

‘Many of our facilities suffered damage during the lockdown, but we are delighted that the community will soon be able to make use of this historic hall. I encourage residents to take ownership of this landmark and help us keep it in mint condition,’ said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Woodstock Town Hall remains closed for bookings until all 15 occupational compliance certificates are in place. Further communication will be issued once the hall re-opens for public use.

Source: City Of Cape Town

POLOKWANE – Members of the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Team, played a pivotal role in rescuing a 33-year-old man who was, for hours trapped on the Chuenespoort Mountains in the Lebowakgomo policing area outside Polokwane.

The Zionist Priest from Makgofe village outside Seshego, George Mondane, reportedly went to the mountains in the early hours of yesterday, Monday 05 September 2022 to have a secret prayer session and he later started to feel uneasy and hallucinated and that’s when he lost his way back. He also realised that he ran out of food and water and frantically wandered around the mountains. Fortunately, his phone was fully charged and managed to call for help.

The victim was safely rescued at about 18:00, following a search operation by members of the SAPS Air Wing and Water Wing Rescue Unit. He was treated for minor dehydration and shock before he was taken home.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has warned community members to be to be extra cautious when exercising or performing their rituals at hazardous places as this often result in resources being diverted from crime prevention activities for search and rescue operations.

“We however commend the members for succeeding in rescuing the victim alive,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

Source: South African Police Service