'Tone deaf'?: CT Mayor Hill-Lewis to seek action against 'illegal occupants' worsening flooding

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis intends to initiate legal proceedings aimed at removing "illegal occupants" who have constructed homes atop municipal infrastructure in the city.

He says that these structures are blocking drains and exacerbating flooding issues, particularly severe due to recent heavy winter rains that have caused widespread devastation across the province.

According to the mayor, 37 areas, primarily in informal settlements, have been identified as high-priority zones.

He emphasises that their primary focus is securing alternative accommodation.

However, with over 20 000 homes affected, this task has proven to be extremely challenging, he says.

"They're living in very tough conditions."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor – City of Cape Town

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Germiston old age home fire claims one life, 50 others evacuated

One person has tragically died, and over 50 individuals were evacuated from Die Anker Tiehuis old age home in Germiston due to a fire.

Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident Thursday morning after the building caught fire.

Four elderly patients have been hospitalised for smoke inhalation as a result of the incident.

"We managed to account for all 61 of them."

- William Ntladi, Spokesperson – EMS

Family left reeling after losing 4 children in Carletonville accident

A family on the West Rand is devastated after tragically losing four children in a horrific crash while on their way to school last Wednesday. 

The incident claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including 10 pupils and the minibus taxi driver.

Reports indicate that the minibus taxi, carrying at least 19 school children, was struck by a Ford Ranger before catching fire. 

Emergency responders attended to the scene, and seven other pupils involved in the accident have since been discharged from the hospital.

PA’s Kunene supports McKenzie following publication of COVID-19 relief package recipients' list

Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene has staunchly defended Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie's choice to publish the list of artists who received financial relief from the State during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Criticism arose after it was revealed on Wednesday that the department disbursed over R72 million to support over 3000 creatives between 2020 and 2021.

McKenzie faced significant backlash from various political parties for disclosing the amounts paid to beneficiaries of the department’s relief package.

Kidnapping accused, Bongani Dube, appears in the Roodepoort magistrate’s court. 

Bongani Dube was arrested last week in connection with the kidnapping of a Portuguese butchery owner.

The 49-year-old victim was rescued by police after Dube led them to the home where he was being held.

Police remain on the hunt for Dube's accomplices, who evaded arrest when police raided the home in Soweto. 

Intercape wins court battle against SAPS and Minister of Transport

Long-distance bus operator Intercape has secured another significant legal victory, this time against the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Minister of Transport.

They have been mandated by the court to take measures to prevent violence against both long-distance bus drivers and passengers.

This ruling concludes a prolonged two-year court battle initiated by the bus company, which filed over 150 cases of violence and extortion in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court.

Fezile Mkhize makes history as first black man to win Mister Supranational title

Dr. Fezile Mkhize made history by becoming the first black man to win the Mister Supranational title.

A qualified medical doctor, the 27-year-old was crowned Mister Supranational 2024, marking him as the first South African and the first-ever black man to achieve this honour.

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