Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-22 i Cape Argus

Imposter or impersonation scams are on the rise in South Africa. Recent reports highlight a significant increase in sophisticated fraud schemes involving criminals posing as legitimate authorities, service providers, or individuals to deceive victims and extract money or personal information. Examples include impersonating the South African Revenue Service (Sars), police officers, government departments, or banks. These scams often involve threats, urgent payment requests, or the promise of large sums of money. According to reports, digital banking fraud has seen a particularly alarming increase, with a 45% surge in incidents and a 47% rise in related financial losses during the past year. T he Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) reports a 32% increase in reported fraud incidents overall in 2024, with banking fraud making up 45% of these incidents.…

South African Afro-Soul singer Lira is set to make a return to the stage at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival, marking a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years. The queen of Afro-soul suffered a stroke in 2022, which left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, this will be her first major festival. The beloved songstress, who has mesmerised audiences throughout her career, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about being back on stage: “It feels surreal to be back. The recovery process is on-going and I’m making improvements with every experience I have but it’s unbelievable. “I thought I’d have to give up singing but I’ve been singing since last May and being…

THE Western Cape High Court is today expected to hear the urgent application to interdict the impending Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, scheduled to take effect on May 1. The application is brought by the DA and supported by the EFF, who are challenging the legality of the tax hike announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his budget speech last month. The DA argues that the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike will have a negative impact on the economy, particularly on struggling South African households. According to the party, the increase will further escalate the cost of living, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable. The DA has challenged the constitutionality of section 7(4) of the VAT Act, which allows the Minister of Finance to adjust the VAT rate. Godongwana,…

THE cause of death of a well-loved gay activist, whose body was found on a field where rubbish is dumped in Bonteheuwel yesterday, is under investigation. Messages of shock and condolences were shared on social media for pageant queen, Lintin Jutzen, aka Linda Sharapova. Ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, said they believed it was a murder investigation, while police said they needed to confirm the cause of death. Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said a post-mortem would determine what happened to Jutzen. “Bishop Lavis police registered an inquest for further investigation after the body of a 44-year-old man was found between a primary school and the tennis court in Bonteheuwel on Monday morning, April 21, at 9:10am,” he said. “The victim had no visible injuries. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday paid tribute to the late Pope Francis’s “extraordinary life story” and praised his efforts to promote inclusion. The pope died on Easter Monday. He was 88. Ramaphosa hailed the late Argentine pontiff for how he “advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment”. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered his condolences over the death of Pope Francis and praised his condemnation of genocide by Israel in Gaza. The president of Muslim-majority Iran said the pontiff’s name and memory would remain “in the hearts of all awakened consciences and freedom-seekers” for his humanitarian stances, including the “condemnation of the genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza”. Iran does not recognise…

RESIDENTS from Langa, Pinelands, Ndabeni, Epping, Bonteheuwel and surrounding areas had a rough Easter due to a major cable fault that left them without power since Sunday. Mayco member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said on Sunday morning City teams were alerted to the major high voltage cable fault, caused by vandalism and theft. “City energy teams have been working 12-hour shifts non-stop to restore power to affected communities. “The speed at which this intricate and challenging work has been done is almost unprecedented,” Limberg said. “The dedication, trouble-shooting, and effort have been notable. Teams are on track to restore power by Monday evening if all goes to plan.” Councillor Lwazi Pakade said part of the reason for the delay in repairs on Sunday was due to City repair teams needing…

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled official state visit to South Africa next week is fraught with huge geopolitical repercussions for Pretoria. Since the announcement in recent times that Zelensky would be landing on our shores on April 24, I’ve been grappling with the wisdom behind his visit. In all honesty, and without a shred of bias, I could find no good reason, or logic, behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s preparedness to lay the red carpet for his beleaguered counterpart. Now, before emotions get the better of anyone, it is vital to analyse South Africa’s foreign policy of non-alignment. At face value, non-alignment would mean that in any situation in global relations, Pretoria takes no sides. Additionally, Pretoria holds very sacred the country’s sense of sovereignty that guarantees the country’s independence of…

Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat says his team are grateful to have an attacking genius in flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – but that his talent needs to be backed up a better team performance on defence. Moerat is alluding to the flyhalf’s three tries in 27 minutes against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium last Saturday: a feat that was almost undone by his teammates’ woeful defence. The Irishmen scored five tries, and some would say they were unlucky to lose 34-29. Stormers coach John Dobson did not hold back in saying his team did not deserve to win because of their defensive inadequacies. Moerat said: “We all know that Sacha is an unbelievable player. The scary thing is that at age 22, we don’t know what his ceiling will be. “He has…

After Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance. Sundowns and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off). Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown. On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target. Al…

Navigating the property market as a first-time buyer can be daunting, with the fear of making a costly mistake adding unnecessary stress. Understanding the most common errors can help you avoid them and approach your property purchase with greater confidence. 1. Not understanding your affordability: Before you begin your property search, take time to determine what you can realistically afford. Many buyers face disappointment when their home loan applications are declined due to affordability issues. Online bond calculators can provide a rough estimate, but remember that banks conduct detailed credit and affordability checks. As a guideline, your bond repayment should not exceed 30% of your gross income—or combined gross income if buying with a partner—and must fit within your budget surplus. 2. Not getting pre-approved: Getting pre-approved for…

The countdown is on for the return of Africa’s Grandest Gathering - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)! The celebrations begin with a legendary free concert at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 24 from 3.30pm to 10pm. The city centre will come alive with music, movement and magic as the square transforms into an open-air celebration of unity, rhythm and world-class talent. Locals and visitors will enjoy performances by both homegrown heroes and international icons. MC’d by the festival radio partner, HeartFM, the festival’s line-up promises to get everyone on their feet. Here’s what you can expect: DJ Eazy The veteran will open the night with a high-energy set mixing hip hop, R&B, amapiano and Afrobeats, delivering the electrifying vibes he’s known for across the globe. Hannah Ray The…

ONE of the alleged leaders of the Junky Funky Kidz gang is set to appear on murder charges as the probe into a gang hit at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court continues. The man, who sources claim is a “captain” for the gang in Steenberg, is set to join gang girlfriend Shireen Matthews in the same court building this week for the murder of Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49. Police spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, confirmed that Western Cape serious violent crimes detectives arrested yet another suspect over the weekend on charges of murder. “The 24-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” said Potelwa. “The deceased person who had links in the taxi industry was shot and killed on the court premises. In a breakthrough, a 35-year-old woman who was…

A BLOEMFONTEIN mother and her two young daughters were at the centre of an Easter miracle after they were protected by guardian angels – the police and National Crime Assist (NCA), when they were rescued from the clutches of her ex-boyfriend who allegedly kidnapped them and threatened them with a sharp object. According to Ben Almero, the head of NCA, the woman raised the alarm on Saturday, just before 10pm, that she and her two children were being held against their will by her alleged jealous ex-partner. The woman and children had spent time with him over the Easter weekend, but he allegedly refused to allow them to return home. Almero told the Cape Argus their non-profit organisation networked nationwide as far as the Western Cape and jumped to the…

THE ANC says it will not conduct its own investigation into the reported shooting incident that shattered the windscreen of the official car of the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. The party’s national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, said the party was aware of the incident, however, it has left matters to police and has no plans to do a parallel investigation. “The party is aware of the incident as the deputy president is constantly updating me about it. We are leaving everything to the state to investigate. We don’t want to interfere with the police investigation,” said Bhengu-Motsiri. She refused to confirm whether the deputy president’s security had been beefed-up, saying it was a sensitive matter. The incident that happened on March 30 appeared to have been kept secret until Mashatile spoke…

Bafana Bafana have reportedly lined up two friendlies for June as coach Hugo Broos seeks to maintain the side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers momentum. While the South African Football Association (SAFA) have yet to confirm the exact fixtures, the matches are within the FIFA window allocated for friendly matches in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) zone. Mninawa Ntloko, spokesperson for SAFA, told Independent Media: “We haven’t announced anything.” The fixtures against Tanzania and Namibia present a crucial opportunity for Broos to evaluate his squad ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year. Both matches are set to be played locally, with Tanzania first up on June 6, before SA take on Namibia four days later on June 10. These friendlies precede the World…

The Europa League could prove to be to Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim what the FA Cup was to predecessor Eric ten Hag… a lifeline. Red Devils fans will hate the comparison, considering the disastrous spell that followed when the Dutchman was granted a stay of execution. However, it’s hard to escape. There are some among the United faithful who might even long for those days, considering the woeful performances and current log position of the fallen giants. And Amorim hasn’t won anything yet. The hope that kills The drama of Thursday night’s come-from-behind 5-4 Europa League win over Lyon was a reminder of the glory days, and fighting spirit, of old. It offers the hope of Champions League football next season, and right now, that is in short supply…

A dementia diagnosis can be devastating—not only emotionally, but also financially. While the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with dementia is immense, the often-overlooked financial implications can be just as overwhelming. Understanding the potential costs and planning can help families avoid unnecessary financial strain. The cost of care Dementia is an umbrella term for various brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, language, and physical ability. It gradually robs a person of their independence, with most patients eventually requiring full-time care. Life expectancy after diagnosis ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and stage of the condition. From a medical aid perspective, although ‘treatable dementia’ is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB), cover is usually limited to the initial diagnosis and short-term treatment of…

Drake, the Canadian rap megastar, has confirmed that he is back in the studio crafting new tracks. Just weeks after the launch of his highly acclaimed collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PartyNextDoor, it appears the hitmaker is not resting on his glory. Released in February, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U quickly soared to number one on the Billboard 200 chart, establishing itself as one of the year’s must-stream albums. The response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, something the rapper acknowledged in a recent Kick livestream with popular streamer Adin Ross. “Thank you to everybody that’s streaming the album,” Drake said, sporting merchandise from the collaborative project. His casual yet enthusiastic comment, “Working on a new album, it’s a slap,” implies that he is confident and excited…

POLICE have arrested one of their own for alleged possession of close to 1 000 mandrax tablets. The police officer, who performs court duty and is stationed at Cape Town Central Police Station, is expected to make a court appearance soon in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to dealing in drugs. Police received a tip-off and visited the officer’s residence in Kleinvlei, where they found 965 full mandrax tablets, eight half mandrax pills, and one “bankie” of tik. SAPS spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the arrest was made by the Anti-Gang Unit. “Police members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Kleinvlei on April 19,” said Swartbooi. “Upon arrival at the identified address they searched the premises and the occupants and in the process, found…

ANGLICAN Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the meaning and significance of the weekend, but he also warned that Government of National Unity (GNU) “grandstanding” threatens to create a “crisis of confidence” in democracy, unless political parties learn to accept one another’s legitimacy. “In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,” he told the congregation. “Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet, where we registered our protest at the way in which members of the GNU are engaging in grandstanding and political one-upmanship at the expense of resolving the urgent challenges our nation faces. “For…

WHAT was meant to be a weekend of religious observance turned into a nightmare for three Ocean View families when their house was partially gutted by a fire on Good Friday. Martha Speelman said she and her family had just arrived at church when a neighbour called to say there was a fire on their property. “We rushed back immediately and found the two bungalows in the backyard already gone and the back room of the house engulfed in flames,” she said. She said the family could only watch as the fire tore through their home. “There wasn’t anything we could do,” she said. Speelman said everything in the two bungalows and the back bedroom was destroyed. She said the three families who lived in the house, including an eight-month-old…

CIVIC associations are pushing back against the City’s 2025/2026 Draft Budget due to steep fixed charges, which they say will impose financial strain on middle income homes. The public has until May 2 to comment on the R84.1 billion draft budget, which Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis tabled in last month’s Council meeting. The infrastructure investments include over R16.5bn for water and sanitation, R5bn for electricity grid upgrades, R3.4bn for roads, and a further R4.5bn for the new MyCiti bus route linking Khayelitsha, Mitchell's Plain and a host of other communities with Wynberg and Claremont. As part of the City’s R6.7bn Safety and Security budget, the mayor said over 700 new municipal police officers will be deployed. Hill-Lewis announced major tariff restructuring reforms, which are expected to shield lower income households from…

Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the touring squad for the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka has the perfect blend of youth and experience. Despite veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp resting and Anneke Bosch ruled out through injury, the South Africans still boast a host of stalwarts in captain Laura Wolvaardt, former skipper Sune Luus, all-rounder Chloe Tryon, seamer Ayabonga Khaka and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. They will be joined in Sri Lanka by ICC Women’s Emerging Player of the Year Annerie Dercksen and the uncapped trio of Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu and Miané Smit. There is certainly plenty expected from teenage duo Meso and Naidu after their exploits in the recent ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup, where they played a big part in the Junior Proteas reaching the final…

Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United “lack a lot” after Wolves’ 1-0 win at Old Trafford exposed the flaws in his spluttering side. United’s dramatic comeback to win 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon in Thursday had papered over the numerous cracks in a team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. But United boss Amorim is well aware of the issues that have plagued them throughout a wretched domestic campaign. Their main problem has been a lack of cutting edge in league games, and Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund and his fellow forward were unable to find the net before Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick secured the points for Wolves Wolves celebrated a fifth consecutive top-flight victory for the first time since 1970. In stark contrast, Amorim has…