CCTV operators instrumental in firearm busts | CCTV operators instrumental in firearm busts | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | The detections led ground forces to two prohibited firearms, and three suspects behind bars. | <p><br></p><div>It was a blue Monday the13th for three suspects in Athlone last week.<br></div><div><br></div><div>At approximately 07:00, a CCTV operator spotted two persons near the canal in Bokmakierie – one brandishing a firearm.</div><div><br></div><div>Metro Police officers responded and recovered an illegal firearm. They also detained two suspects, aged 20 and 23 at Athlone SAPS.</div><div><br></div><div>On the same day, in the same area, a CCTV operator spotted a group of males – one of them in possession of a firearm. SAPS responded to that incident, apprehended a 43-year-old suspect and recovered an illegal firearm. </div><div><br></div><div>The following afternoon, Metro Police officers on patrol near the shooting range along Military Road in the CBD came across an abandoned box in the bushes, containing 85 rounds of ammunition for various calibre weapons.</div><div><br></div><div>Their Law Enforcement counterparts recovered eight firearms in the last week, resulting in seven arrests. </div><div><br></div><div>Three of the firearms were recovered in Hanover Park, two in Gugulethu, and one each in Khayelitsha, Fish Hoek and Mitchell’s Plain.</div><div><br></div><div>LEAP officers also arrested a suspect for the possession of 13 rounds of ammunition in Elsies River on Wednesday, 15 January.</div><div><br></div><div>‘These confiscations are bittersweet. While it shows, once more, the benefits of our continued investment in technology, as well as visible and responsive policing, it is a stark reminder of how deeply rooted gun violence is in our city. The near daily confiscations should not be discounted, because it potentially means fewer lives lost, but until firearm supply chains are dismantled, it feels like a case of two steps forward, three steps back.</div><div><br></div><div>‘I have called on SAPS to institute shutdowns of gang areas, which the City will support with as many resources as possible, so that we can make meaningful dents in the firearm and narcotics trades in these communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</div><div><br></div><div>In general enforcement efforts over the past week, City agencies made 289 arrests and issued at least 55 208 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.</div><div><br></div><div>Law enforcement officers made 211 arrests. </div><div><br></div><div>On Sunday, 19 January, at around lunchtime, the Law Enforcement Department received information about a vehicle transporting crayfish tails. Officers located the vehicle and followed it to an address in Macassar. They then activated the Khayelitsha SAPS Tactical Response Unit, who conducted a search and confiscated 876 crayfish tails and 57 crayfish. One suspect was arrested and detained at Macassar police station.</div><div><br></div><div>Metro Police officers made 44 arrests and issued 3 108 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions. </div><div><br></div><div>Cape Town Traffic Officers made 34 arrests, including 19 for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for reckless and negligent driving and nine for other offences. They also executed 1 866 warrants, impounded 239 public transport vehicles and recorded 52 100 transgressions.</div><div><br></div><div>The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 656 incidents, including 94 fires, 69 assault cases, 206 noise complaints, 22 complaints of drinking in public, 51 domestic violence cases and 53 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>End</div><div><br><br></div><p></p> | 2025-01-19T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
Stay cautious in and around water | Stay cautious in and around water | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Beaches-Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has urged bathers to remain cautious even as the season winds down.
| <p>There have been 11 fatal drownings thus far in the 2024/25 season. </p><p>Lifeguards attended to over 30 non-fatal drownings, the majority of incidents involved males, with multiple occurrences at Camps Bay Beach, Table View beachfront and Strand Beach. </p><p>‘I want to extend my gratitude to the lifeguards for their unwavering commitment and the vital role they’ve played in keeping our beaches and pools safe during the busy festive season. Their tireless efforts, often under very challenging circumstances, are appreciated. It is particularly encouraging to note that there have been zero drownings at pools this season—a clear testament to their dedication and vigilance,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.</p><p>Operational arrangements on the beaches will continue for the remainder of January, after which certain beaches will see a reduced drowning prevention service.</p><p>The public is reminded to please always keep the City's golden rules of summer top of mind:<br>• Always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty, and between their red and yellow flags<br>• Do not leave children unsupervised in or around water<br>• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol<br>• Beware of rip currents. If you're caught in a current, try to stay calm and signal for help</p><p>For more details, visit: <span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://bit.ly/CT-Beaches-Lifeguard-Schedule"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">https://bit.ly/CT-Beaches-Lifeguard-Schedule</span></span></a></span>.</p><p><strong>Swimming Pool Schedule Overview: </strong><br>1. Daily Operations: <strong>6 December 2024 – 31 January 2025 </strong>Community pools will operate daily from <strong>10:00 to 18:00</strong>, with the last ticket sold at <strong>17:30.</strong> <br>2. <strong>Weekend-Only Operations: 1 February 2025 – 30 March 2025 </strong>Pools will be open on <strong>weekends only</strong>, <strong>Fridays through to Sundays,</strong> during the same hours. <br>3. <strong>Daily Operations Resume: 31 March 2025 – 21 April 2025 </strong>Pools will revert to daily operations. </p><p>Indoor pools and Sea Point Pool will remain open year-round, though operational hours at specific facilities may vary.</p><p>Several swimming pool facilities are still scheduled to reopen throughout the summer season, which runs until April. <br>The City has outlined anticipated reopening timeframes for these pools, factoring in the scope of work required and barring any unforeseen issues. </p><p>This phased approach considers the varying needs and conditions of each facility, prioritising quality and safety for all users. </p><p>For the most accurate and up-to-date information on swimming pool operations, we encourage residents to visit the City’s <span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Swimming_Pools_Schedule.pdf"><span style="color:windowtext;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">website</span></span></a></span> or contact their nearest community facility.</p><p>‘As we continue through the season, there are still many warm beach days ahead and I urge all residents and visitors to remain mindful of their safety. Let us continue to follow the golden rules when enjoying our beaches and pools, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone when in and around water,’ added Councillor van der Ross.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2025-01-19T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
Midwifery hat-trick for Mfuleni firefighters | Midwifery hat-trick for Mfuleni firefighters | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Fire%20Stations%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Mfuleni firefighters helped to deliver a baby | <p>Mfuleni firefighters set in motion a record number of fire station deliveries for December, when two of their staff members helped deliver a baby boy on 1 December 2024.<span><span></span></span></p><p><span><img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/A%20Mfuleni%20firefighters%2020125.jpeg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></span><br> </p><p>On 12 December, two other firefighters at the station helped deliver a healthy baby girl.</p><p>This past Friday (17 January), an expectant mom arrived at Mfuleni Fire Station at 13:35. Her baby arrived 20 minutes later, with the assistance of firefighters on duty at the time. </p><p>The mother and baby were transported to Khayelitsha Day Hospital via ambulance.</p><p>‘Mfuleni Fire Station is a go-to for many residents in distress, and so it is wonderful to see how staff excel time and again to save lives, but also help bring new life into the world. I would like to congratulate the firefighters for their swift response. It is a moment to be proud of and to cherish – our best wishes to the mother and her newborn. We are grateful that there were no complications and that everything went well,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p><br>End</p> | 2025-01-19T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
Cape Town to host first-ever Nomad Week in March 2025 | Cape Town to host first-ever Nomad Week in March 2025 | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | The City of Cape Town is thrilled to announce that the first-ever Nomad Week. | <p></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">The event, hosted in
collaboration with Work Wanderers, an organisation that supports people to
adapt to the digital nomad lifestyle, will bring together like-minded
individuals and experts to engage on pertinent issues relating to this market
of travellers. </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">‘Cape Town has rapidly become
the ultimate playground for digital nomads.</font><span style="color:#1f497d;"> </span><font color="#000000">Our
vibrant city offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, infrastructure, and a
dynamic entrepreneurial culture. Hosting Nomad Week reinforces our commitment
to positioning Cape Town as Africa’s top destination for remote workers. In
2021, we hosted the Remote Work webinar, which brought together industry
experts for dialogue about this market. We also persistently pushed for the
implementation of a remote worker visa, which National Government did last
year,’ said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">Under the new remote visa
category, applicants are required to derive their income from a foreign source,
which is just as the City has recommended. Recent research by Work Wanderers
reveals that digital nomads earn between US$50 000 (R941 315,92) and
US$123 000 (R2 315 637,15 based on current exchange rates) annually.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">‘This is a market we are eager
to tap into.</font><span style="color:#1f497d;"> </span><font color="#000000">Not only do digital nomads
bring valuable spending power, but they also contribute to local communities
and create opportunities for Capetonians. We’ve worked closely with industry
partners to develop products and services tailored to their unique needs,’ said
Alderman Vos.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">Founder and CEO of Work
Wanderers, Andrae Smith, expressed her excitement about hosting the first Nomad
Week in Cape Town. ‘This event will be the ultimate gathering for
location-independent professionals, a week of collaboration, networking, and
growth. Cape Town’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit
make it the ideal destination for digital nomads. We’re proud to showcase this
city as the prime hub for remote workers in Africa.’</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">As part of the event, attendees
will also contribute to meaningful community upliftment programmes. These
include partnerships with local NPOs such as:</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">1.
The Bright Student Learning Centre, a private, non-profit institution
supporting over 250 children.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">2.
Africa Tillun, a youth development organisation with a ‘cradle to career’
approach.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">Nomad Week Cape Town is the
first in what-is-envisioned to become a global series of events, and will take
place between 9 and 15 March 2025.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">For tickets and more
information, visit </font><a href="https://nomadweek.co/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">NomadWeek.co</font></span></a></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:"century gothic",sans-serif;"><font color="#000000">End</font></span></strong></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">
</font> | 2025-01-18T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |