| City’s K9s can’t be fooled | Over a 14-month period, the Metro Police K9 Unit recovered 15 330 units of drugs. | <span><p><br>Over a 14-month period, the Metro Police K9 Unit recovered 15 330 units of drugs.</p><p>Nearly 60% of the narcotics was handed over to the South African Police Service as ‘abandoned’, meaning no arrests were made in these instances.</p><p>‘One of the tactics employed by drug dealers is to hide their stash in an empty field or crevices in the pavement and so forth, so the K9s recover the drugs, but there is no one to arrest as it is not found on a person or a property that can be linked to an individual. However, these operations and confiscations disrupt the supply chain, so all is not lost.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/k9_1.jk9.jpg" alt="" style="width:871px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘We’ve also noticed a few other trends, which suggest that the dealers aren’t overly familiar with the abilities of our K9s. This includes hiding contraband inside vehicle engines, the dashboard and other panels in their vehicles. Just a few days ago, K9 Savage sniffed out R50 000 worth of cocaine that was hidden in the dashboard compartment of a vehicle,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>The K9 Unit has also reported more and more instances of suspects trying to throw the dogs off the scent by hiding their stash with black pepper or other chemicals, and hiding drugs in trees as they believe that the dogs aren’t able to search in high places.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/k9_1.jpg" alt="" style="width:938px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘The K9s are trained to focus on the smells they were trained to detect and their abilities are of such a nature that they cancel out all other scents, so it really is a colossal waste of time to try and fool our four-legged colleagues or their human handlers.</p><p>‘I recall an operation in Lavender Hill a few years ago, where suspects at a known drug outlet put a stash of drugs in a drain pipe on the property and then covered it with dog faeces, likely hoping that staff wouldn’t dare check, but they were wrong,’ added Alderman Smith. </p><p>The Metro Police K9 unit currently has 22 operational canines, 12 of which are used for narcotics detection, of which six specialise in the detection of explosives and four which focus on urban man trailing (missing persons).</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/k9_2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><p><br>The breeds in use include bloodhounds, pointer German shepherds, Dutch shepherds and several mixed-breed canines.</p><p>Between 1 July 2019 and 30 September 2020, the unit made 265 arrests, of which nearly 70% were drug-related. In addition, they confiscated the following:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">15 330 units of drugs, with mandrax the most common drug recovered</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">R85 721 in cash </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Seven firearms and imitation firearms and 52 rounds of ammunition</div></li></ul><p>During the hard COVID-19 lockdown, the K9s also played a crucial role on the frontline, conducting searches at roadblocks, instead of their handlers, and thus mitigating the risk of exposure to the virus. </p><p>‘Our K9 unit has really come a long way in its near eleven-year existence, and the value that they add cannot be underestimated. We will look to continue investing in the unit, and we are also immensely grateful for the contributions made towards its work by other spheres of government, as witnessed just a few days ago with the handover of two vehicles by the provincial government,’ added Alderman Smith. <br> </p><p><strong>End</strong><br> </p><span><strong></strong></span><span></span><span></span> | 2020-10-24T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City’s transport gains in the South | This Transport Month, we are focusing on the projects that were implemented in each of the City’s Transport districts across Cape Town | <span><p>‘This Transport Month, we are focusing on the projects that were implemented in each of the City’s Transport districts across Cape Town so residents can have an idea of the progress right across the metro. In the Southern District some of our key projects over the last year include the Kommetjie and Jan Smuts Road project both of which play a key role in our plans to alleviate traffic congestion in the South.’</p><p>‘I am also pleased with how commuters and taxi operators in Masi are enjoying the newly built Masiphumelele Public Transport Interchange facility we completed last year and with the great quality of work the team delivered on with the upgrade of Ottery Road.’</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Jan%20smut00s%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Most recently I also had the opportunity to visit the project team in Heideveld where they are making great progress with the Non-Motorised Transport project for the area, something the Heideveld community can really look forward to,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.</p><p><strong>Heideveld </strong></p><p>The City’s Transport Directorate commenced with the rehabilitation of various concrete roads and footways in Heideveld in May 2020 and has since made great progress on this Non-Motorised Transport project. Work is expected to be completed in May 2021. </p><p>The work entails the rehabilitation of old concrete roads including the widening of some, and the construction of footways for safe passage for pedestrians. The purpose of the project is the upgrade and rehabilitation of five concrete roads namely Paulsberg Road; Zuurberg Road; Ouberg Road; Hogsback Road and Bailey Crescent</p><p>‘With the construction of footways, pedestrians who are regarded as the most vulnerable of road users, will be safer as they walk to and from their destinations,’ said Alderman Felicity. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/masip2019072601.jpg" alt="" style="width:986px;" /> </figure></span><span><p> </p><p><strong>Jan Smuts</strong></p><p>The City of Cape Town has made significant progress on the Jan Smuts Drive upgrade project. This major road infrastructure project commenced in 2018 and is nearing completion. Jan Smuts Drive is being converted into a dual carriageway between the intersections of Turfhall Road (M24) and Govan Mbeki Road (M9), inclusive of two red bus lanes in the median. This projects forms part of the roll-out of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi bus service. <br>This section of Jan Smuts Drive covers a distance of approximately two kilometres, and is one of the key access routes to the M5 highway and Jakes Gerwel Drive from this area. The City has invested R195 million into the construction work of this 32-month project which commenced in 2018.</p><p>The northbound carriageway of the road has been completed and the southbound carriageway is still in progress. The project team is currently working on the laying of red concrete on the bus lane is planned to take place in and the bitumen on the traffic lane scheduled to be done in December 2020.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Ottery%20%283%29.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure></span><p><br>In addition to converting Jan Smuts Drive into a dual carriageway, the City is also upgrading the two busiest intersections: Jan Smuts Drive with Turfhall Road and Jan Smuts Drive with Blomvlei Road; and creating a three metre-wide walking lane on both sides of the road for pedestrians and cyclists with the aim to improve pedestrian movement and safety along this busy route.</p><p>Residents can expect to see the project progress quite rapidly now that the earthworks are complete. Due to the delays caused by the COVID-19 lockdown period, the projected completion date was moved to March 2021.</p><p>The new BRT lanes along Jan Smuts Drive form part of the incremental roll-out of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi service and will be of benefit to commuters travelling between the Cape Flats, Wynberg and Claremont area in future.</p><p><strong>The Kommetjie Road Project </strong></p><p>This project is one of the City’s congestion management interventions, and was recently this year after nearly four years. The investment in this project amounts to approximately R256 million and will assist with congestion relief for road users in the Far South. A very important aspect of the project was the creation of safe facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. There are now walkways for pedestrians along Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg as many residents from this area walk to their destinations.</p><p>All-in-all the Kommetjie Road Project entailed roadworks covering a distance of approximately 3,5 km. It included, among others, the upgrade of Kommetjie Road (M65) to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Capri Drive and Corsair Way, and the rehabilitation of the existing roadway; the upgrade of Ou Kaapse Weg (M6) to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Noordhoek Main Road and Kommetjie Road, and the rehabilitation of the existing roadway; the upgrade of the intersection at Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road to improve the sight distance for road users; and the upgrade of the four signalised intersections with additional turning lanes to improve the capacity and flow of traffic at Kommetjie Road and Capri Drive; Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg; Ou Kaapse Weg and Buller Louw Boulevard; and at Ou Kaapse Weg and Noordhoek Main Road.</p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/HeideveldED6FCBAA-4D80-4826-9BC9-297C263C6724.jpeg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></figure></span><p><strong>Masiphumelele PTI</strong></p><p>The City developed a new minibus-taxi facility in Masiphumelele in the Far South in March 2019. This beautiful facility is located on the corner of Kommetjie and Pokela Roads and has made commuting to and from Masiphumelele a lot more convenient and pleasant for residents. The City invested approximately R13,8 million on this new taxi rank which is used by approximately 3 300 commuters and 60 minibus-taxis every day.</p><p><strong>Ottery Road</strong></p><p>The City of Cape Town successfully completed its Ottery Road Rehabilitation Project in Philippi this year. Commuters have been enjoying the new rehabilitated road for a few months now. In total, the City invested R19,2 million including in the project as these roads provide important links off Jakes Gerwel Drive and Govan Mbeki Drive to the Philippi Horticultural and industrial areas.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span> | 2020-10-24T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City congratulates new Miss South Africa | The City of Cape Town would like to congratulate Shudufhadzo Musida for being crowned the new Miss South Africa | <span><p>The City of Cape Town would like to congratulate Shudufhadzo Musida for being crowned the new Miss South Africa.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/MISS%20SA%2020201.jpg" alt="" style="width:352px;" /> </figure></span><p>Musida was enthroned at the grand finale held at the Table Bay Hotel last night and will be South Africa’s representative at the Miss Universe pageant. </p><p>The City would also like to salute Thato Mosehle and Natasha Joubert who came out as first and second runner up.</p><span><div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slides="3" data-slide="1" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;">
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<b></b></a>The City of Cape Town would like to congratulate Shudufhadzo Musida for being crowned the new Miss South Africa</p> </figcaption> </figure>
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<b></b>The City of Cape Town would like to congratulate Shudufhadzo Musida for being crowned the new Miss South Africa</p> </figcaption> </figure>
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<b></b>The City of Cape Town would like to congratulate Shudufhadzo Musida for being crowned the new Miss South Africa</p> </figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"><p>
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<i class="icon arrow-white-prev"></i></div></div></div></div></span><p> </p><p>The pair will represent the country in the Miss World and Miss Supranational competitions respectively. </p><p>This was the first time in the competition’s 62-year history that Miss South Africa was crowned in Cape Town.</p><p>‘Cape Town is proud to have successfully hosted the event during these difficult times, ensuring safety of all those involved by deploying the necessary health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Hosting events of an international stature is key to ensuring the recovery of our economy and a much needed boost for our tourism industry which has taken a knock as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic hard lockdown,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.</p><p>The City is committed to continue providing support to event organisers who host their gatherings in Cape Town to inspire this economic growth. </p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-10-24T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Flags up as lifeguards hit the beaches and Resort bookings open | The City’s beach lifeguards are on duty from today, to coincide with the weeklong school holiday. | <span><p>The City’s beach lifeguards are on duty from today, to coincide with the weeklong school holiday. </p><p>Lifeguards will be stationed at 26 bathing areas between 10:00 and 18:00 daily, until 12 April 2021.</p><p>Beachgoers are reminded to please only swim at beaches where lifeguards are present, and only in the areas demarcated for swimming, as indicated by the red and yellow flags.</p><p>‘Designated bathing areas help lifeguards keep an eye on everyone in the water, but these areas are also determined at the start of each shift, based on the tide and potential rip currents at the beach. It’s therefore imperative that bathers do their bit and adhere to the instructions from lifeguards.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/lifeguards%20at%20their%20induction%20at%20Muizenberg%20on%2022102020.jpg" alt="" style="width:951px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Already this week we had an incident where one of our senior lifeguards was at Strand Beach for a training session, and managed to save two teenage boys who were caught in a rip current. Furthermore, if you are not a strong swimmer, stick to the shallow water, for your own safety and that of others, and parents please do not allow your children to visit the beach, tidal pool or local swimming pool unsupervised,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>The beach deployment comes just a week after the City opened a number of swimming pools for the summer season.</p><p>In addition to water safety, the Recreation and Parks Department is also placing emphasis on COVID-19 health and safety protocols.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/lifesavers1.jpg" alt="" style="width:898px;" /> </figure></span><span>As such, swimming pools will only allow 50% of capacity, in line with national disaster management regulations. Patrons will also be required to undergo screening and sanitise before they are allowed entrance to the facility.<p>‘We realise that the restrictions could prove tricky, particularly on very warm days, but the City urges patrons to work with us and take cognisance of the bigger picture. We have moved to Alert Level 1 which has seen the return of many public amenities, but it is incumbent on every individual to continue aiding efforts to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure and a potential second wave of infections in Cape Town. We cannot afford to be reckless and risk another lockdown,’ added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p><strong>RESORTS</strong></p><p>Bookings for resorts will be open on 2 November 2020, with availability from 1 December.</p><p>Early booking is essential as resorts will also only be booked to a 50% capacity. Unfortunately, camping sites will be closed due to the health risks.</p><p>The booking of chalets between the period of 1-14 December 2020 will have no restrictions in terms of the minimum number of days that have to be reserved. Clients will however be required to book a chalet for a minimum of seven days during the peak period of 15 December 2020 to 15 January 2021. Please note that guests will not be allowed to have visitors at the resort.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/lifesavers2.jpg" alt="" style="width:951px;" /> </figure></span><p><br>‘Recent medical research of the COVID-19 virus indicated that the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel. It is therefore recommended that a gap of at least five days is left between bookings of chalets. This would allow for sufficient cleaning time and ventilation of the chalet. While we encourage the public to take advantage of the opportunity to take a break at our beautiful and affordable resorts, safety remains our topmost priority. All non-essential items have been removed from the chalets. Guests are also required to bring their own bedding and towels as a precautionary measure,’ said Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>Day picnic areas will be available between 10:00 and 18:00. </p><p>Staff will be on site at communal areas to attend to the continuous cleaning and sanitising however it is important the public takes responsibility for sanitising hands and the surfaces that they use regularly, especially when utilising play equipment, as it will not be practical for resort staff to sanitise equipment after each person, based on the predicted frequency of use.</p><p>Children are welcome to bring their own play equipment, except inflatable swimming pools which require large volumes of water to fill. Parents are also asked to assist in ensuring that items are safely stored away when not in use. </p><p> <br><strong>End</strong><br> <br></p><p></p> | 2020-10-22T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
