Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-12-10 i Cape Argus

A 5-YEAR-OLD child who has spent their entire life inside a prison in the Republic of Mauritius will soon be repatriated to South Africa. Yesterday, a delegation from the Department of Social Development (DSD) departed for Mauritius to collect the child. They are expected to return to South Africa on Friday. The biological mother of the child was incarcerated in Mauritius for drug trafficking and was pregnant at the time of her arrest in May 2019. DSD spokesperson, Bathembu Futshane, said the department was not able to confirm when the mother is expected to be released from prison. “We will only find out upon meeting with officials from the Republic of Mauritius. Our primary interest as a department is to ensure we protect the child and ensure we act in…

ON THE back of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the Hawks have made a breakthrough by arresting a foreign national who allegedly held a 17-year-old girl captive after trafficking her from Mozambique two years ago. The accused, Moses Sithole, 38, appeared in the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where he faces charges of Trafficking in Persons as well as the Contravention of the Immigration Act. The matter was postponed until tomorrow for the court to obtain an interpreter for Sithole. The Hawks made the arrest following a tip-off that a teenager was allegedly being held against her will. Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said the teen was taken to a medical facility following her rescue. Vukubi said the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources Unit, Crime Intelligence, Vanrynsdorp Police Station and the…

Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects who are awaiting trial after they escaped from Swartruggens police holding cells in the North West. The suspects, who were initially four, escaped on Sunday, and police managed to rearrest one of them. Police said the suspects escaped through the roof of their detention cell. “Police managed to trace and arrested one of the escapees, aged 23, whilst hiking next to the N4 road, near Swartruggens plaza,” police said in a statement. Police are still looking for Mpho Vincent Madito, 29, who is facing four rape charges that were reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad. The second suspect, Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi, 25, was detained for theft at Swartruggens. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Johannes Mfaladi was arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily…

As a former homeless man and now activist and friend of those living on the streets, I am for the fourth year in a row going Homeless for Christmas. It’s that time of the year. For the past three years in December, I have taken 10 of my previously homeless friends and gone back onto the streets for our “Homeless for Christmas” campaign and this year is no exception. All three the previous campaigns have been a huge success. And this year it’s bigger than ever before. Last year for example, we fed and handed out Care Packages to just over 300 people living on the streets of Seapoint, the Gardens, de Waal Park and Observatory but most importantly we also started wrapping up our Everybody Counts Cape Town campaign.…

The 16 Days of Activism against women and children draws to a close today, but for many survivors the battle is far from over. Each year the campaign highlights the very grim realities of gender-based violence (GBV), but survivors need tangible support to rebuild their lives. The problem does not disappear when the campaign ends. South Africa’s GBV crisis continues to break families and leave survivors fighting for safety and justice. Behind the statistics lie stories of pain, survival and trauma. The system that is meant to protect our women and children remains inadequate. Survivors need access to safe spaces, counselling and financial independence to rebuild their lives. Shelters are often their first point of call, but most are overcrowded and underfunded. A joint effort between government and the civil…

Actress and entrepreneur Sophie Ndaba, known for playing Queen Moroka on Generations, recently sat down with Relebogile Mabotja and opened up about her tumultuous childhood and career. On the Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, she revealed painful details about her past, including that when she was a child, her father was very ill and only had one kidney. Her mother was the breadwinner and the family was in dire straits financially. She added that her grandfather was from Zimbabwe. When she was eight years old, her mother sent her to live in Harare with her older sister who was married with kids. “That man (her sister’s partner) was touchy-feely. I remember my grandmother saying: ‘Don’t allow men to touch or kiss you. They must greet you and move.’ “Every time he said…

PASSENGERS were left in limbo yesterday morning after airlines operating at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg experienced delays due to refuelling challenges. However, by afternoon Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) had reported that the fulling system had recovered and that everything was back on schedule. “We are pleased to inform passengers that the fuel system is now fully operational, and fuel trucks are on their way to the apron,” said Acsa regional general manager Jabulani Khambule without explaining why there had been the challenge in the first place. However passengers took to social media, complaining that departures were delayed, prompting Acsa to release a statement warning of the inevitable delays while Transport Minister Barbara Creecy assured travellers that the refuelling challenge was being attended to. Passengers were advised…

TWO suspects accused of being behind the brutal murder of Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter Soraya Schoeman’s son made a brief appearance in court yesterday. The 51-year-old and 24-year-old indicated their intention to apply for bail. Farouk Schoeman, 26, was allegedly lured from his home in Klein-Makka, Lentegeur, in November. His body was later discovered with multiple stab wounds, leaving the community shocked and heartbroken. The gruesome details of the murder painted a horrifying picture of the violence he endured. It is believed Farouk was tortured, with severe injuries to his chest and barbed wire tightly wrapped around his neck. His family alleged that the murder was planned, because of the multiple death threats he received before. The family said they are still battling with the trauma of losing Farouk in…

EPPING’S cherished Dozens Bakery has closed its doors after a devastating fire, leaving staff and the owner to face an uncertain future. For over 30 years, the establishment has been a cornerstone of the community, known for its quality baked goods and commitment to affordability. Speaking to the Cape Argus, bakery owner Steve van Aardt said the impact of the tragedy is felt deeply by those who have supported Dozens Bakery. “I sat at home with my head in my hands, contemplating the next steps. “What about all our staff, what about all our wholesale customers, and what about our beautiful factory shop that you have all so wonderfully supported? “I think one of the hardest parts about it is that we created this factory shop for the community here…

As the majority of countries rejoice over the toppling of Syrian despot Bashar al-assad and his subsequent running like a rabbit from a country that he and his family ripped apart , so ends 50 years of political reign by the brutal Assad dynasty. The Assad family who lived a lavish lifestyle during their political reign were multi billionaires living in a palace whilst the Syrian people lived in abject poverty with most living below the breadline. There remains nothing left to be said other than good riddance! As to those who accuse the Syrian Rebels of being a terrorist organisation and a front for ISIS history will show that in fact these freedom fighters are a gathering and partnering of a number of opposition liberation movements rebranding themselves as…

The signing of the Rail Safety Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s journey toward modernising its rail infrastructure. As the acting chief executive officer of Gibela Rail, I view this development not only as a legislative milestone but also as an affirmation of the shared commitment between government and industry to ensure that our railways are safe, reliable and sustainable. The Rail Safety Bill seeks to transform rail safety governance in South Africa. By establishing an independent Railway Safety Regulator, the legislation provides a robust framework for enforcing compliance, ensuring accountability and fostering a culture where safety is paramount. This is an essential step toward addressing the historical challenges in the rail sector, including infrastructure decay, safety lapses, and declining…

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country over a failed attempt at imposing martial law, a justice ministry official said yesterday, amid growing calls for him to step down and a deepening leadership crisis. Yoon has apologised for the botched attempt and said he was leaving his political and legal fate to his ruling People Power Party (PPP) but has not resigned. He has become a subject of criminal investigation, according to local media reports. On Monday, the defence ministry said Yoon was still legally commander-in-chief, but growing dissent among senior military officers against the president has thrown into question his grip on power. Oh Dong-woon, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, said he had barred Yoon from foreign travel,…

Gap cover is a range of products to cover medical scheme members for the shortfall (Gap) resulting from specific medical practitioner charges above the medical aid tariff. Despite growing adoption, many people still have misconceptions about what gap cover does – and doesn’t – cover. Here are some of the top questions brokers are asked: Is gap cover an alternative to medical aid? Gap cover is an insurance product, not a medical scheme, and the cover is not the same as that of a medical scheme. Gap cover is only available to members of a medical scheme, to limit the out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered in full by the medical scheme. It is not a substitute for a medical scheme. Does gap cover apply to co-payments? Co-payment is also required…

THE City of Cape Town said it saw a 25% spike in emergency calls at the weekend as the December festive season kicks off. Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said noise complaints and calls for medical assistance drove the increase as call takers dealt with more than 2 000 incidents. Of the calls received, 511 were medical complaints, 138 were assault cases, 67 were domestic violence incidents, 81 were motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and 307 were noise complaints. The weekend before, there were 215 calls. “It’s that time of year when parties and get-togethers are more frequent, and loud. “While no one wants to be a Grinch or party pooper, I do encourage residents to party responsibly and consider those around them. “Let your neighbours know…

THE Tricia Survé Foundation has partnered with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to teach primary school children about water safety. From grade R to Grade 7, the Newton Primary School learners listened with enthusiasm on how they could rescue each other in times of danger. They were also given demonstrations on how to perform CPR and use items around them in emergencies. Most of the children said they knew how to swim but only learned in the farm dams and rivers and some said they usually use the communal swimming pools. The focus of the programme, which forms part of the NSRI’s Drowning Prevention Programme, is to teach people throughout South Africa to be safe in and around water, especially those who are most vulnerable – children under 14…

NEW data from travel consulting company, FCM Business Travel Report, might have travellers reaching for their calculator in coming months. With business class fares jumping and flights packed, travel managers face tough conversations about rising costs. “Our data tells two stories,” said Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM South Africa. “Yes, travel is getting more expensive, but it’s also becoming more predictable. Travel managers who book ahead are saving on airfares and getting better hotel rates. The opportunity to be strategic with your travel spend has never been greater.” According to data, global passenger demand was up 8.6% in August 2024 compared to 2023, with business class tickets costing between 6 and 8% more compared to 2023. The good news is that economy fares have dropped by between 1 and 4%…

It is very sad that all parties from the Government of National Unity supported the increase to be awarded to President Ramaphosa. The MK Party and the EFF opposed the increase. Those that supported the increase had an ulterior motive. After the announcement of the President’s increase, all 400 members in Parliament will get an increase. Ministers, deputy ministers, second deputy ministers (bloated number) who belong to the GNU will get an increase of about R10 000 per month. How could they justify receiving an increase of R10 000 per month and the very same ministers and MPs gave the old-age pensioners R10 increase per month? I find it mind-boggling to understand the rationale used by the people sitting in parliament in giving the old people of our land who…

In the aftermath of the brutal civil war in Syria and the destructive conflicts raging across the entire Middle East, coupled with the escalating and deadly war in Ukraine, a new and dangerous world order will take shape, dividing the world into dangerous regions. The deadly after effect of military interventions will witness the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Over the past 40 years, I have in numerous press articles, warned of the dangers of a single miscalculation either by design or accident that could lead to global catastrophe. Non-aligned nations will enhance their military capabilities to deter any aggression against them. Recently Russia conducted a fully fledged nuclear drill, simulating complete destruction of Nato. The entire world watched the grisly demonstration of air power in the war torn Middle East.…

The hopes that Stellenbosch FC will avoid the CAF Confederation Cup's exit door are quickly disappearing into thin air. On Sunday, Stellenbosch suffered a second successive Group B defeat at the hands of Moroccan visitors RSB Berkane, eventual 3-1 winners at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This follows their 2-0 hiding a week earlier by Stade Malien in Mali. Amidst the challenges of competing in the demanding continental tournament, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker pointed out that playing away from home greatly contributed to the burden of constant travel and the loss of home-ground advantage. "It's not ideal that we're not playing in front of our fans and missing the numbers (spectators) at the game to spur us on," said Barker. "We've already played 20 games this season, and lots…

Oh, how much would white-ball coach Rob Walter and stand-in T20 captain Heinrich Klaasen bottle up that magic potion the Proteas Test side are drinking from at the moment. Whereas the Proteas Test side just completed their fifth Test victory on the bounce yesterday at St George’s Park to place them at the summit of the World Test Championship (WTC) table, the T20I team are still seeking their first bilateral series victory under Walter since his appointment last February. Klaasen was certainly trying to get off that feel-good factor of the Test side to rub off on the white-ball team. “They must be super happy. We’re very happy for them. We are all shouting for them for two more wins to go directly into the WTC final. They have been…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola welcomed having an extra day to prepare for their midweek Uefa Champions League game at Juventus and said it would give his stretched squad time to recover from Saturday's league game against Crystal Palace. City were held 2-2 at Selhurst Park in the latest blow to their title chances, with Guardiola's squad missing a number of key players due to illness and injury. Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were the latest to join City's list of absentees, both sidelined after injuries suffered in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last week. "My people have started to study (Juventus) and fortunately we don't play today, we play tomorrow, so we have one more day to recover these players because we don’t have players to come back,"…