Содержание выпуска: 2026-04-16 — Cape Argus

FOUR children were shot and wounded in Bonteheuwel on Tuesday evening when unknown gunmen emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a group of children standing by the shop in Amandel Street. The children, aged 10, 11, 12 and 16, live on one street. The mother of the youngest victim said her son underwent surgery yesterday after being shot in the buttocks and knee. The mom explained: “My son was shot on his bum cheek, and the bullet went right through. He was also shot in the knee, where the bullet got stuck. “It was around 7pm, and he went to the shop. They say a car came and they just started shooting at the children and left. “Someone came running into our house and said my brother-in-law’s son…

THE highly anticipated bail judgment for local businessman Shaun Roos was halted after the court heard the accused was allegedly working with suspects to have a witness kidnapped. Roos, 56, returned to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing a Schedule 5 charge of corruption after he allegedly bribed City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo with R4 million to reinstate tenders for his road surfacing company, Triple C and Maintenance. The company had several tenders with the City; however, it was later found that alleged tender fraud was at play, which led to a joint investigation by the City’s Ethics and Forensics Department and the SAPS. The accused was arrested on March 3 during an undercover operation carried out at Watercress Mall in Somerset West, with Mbandazayo acting as an agent. The…

IN A GROUND-breaking judgment, the Labour Appeal Court found that calling someone a “white racist” does not, in itself, constitute racism. The court ordered Namaqua Wines to reinstate Vuyani Qomoyi, finding that his dismissal in 2021 for allegedly “displaying racist behaviour” was substantively unfair. This is after the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (Csaawu), acting on behalf of Qomoyi, appealed the Labour Court judgment which had confirmed his dismissal Qomoyi, a shop steward, was fired because he had referred to his superior, a Mr Meyer, as a white racist. “Being referred to by one’s racial classification cannot on its own amount to racist tendencies,” Acting Judge GN Moshoana said. Qomoyi, while busy with his duties, was called by Meyer to accompany him to the human resources office. He…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed criticism from Elon Musk over South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws, insisting the policy is not racist, despite being labelled “extremely racist” by the billionaire. Musk, who was born in South Africa, claimed his satellite internet service, Starlink, was denied a licence because he is not Black. He described the regulations as “extremely racist” and a “shameful disgrace” to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, and called for sanctions against officials supporting B-BBEE. However, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) confirmed in March 2025 that Starlink had not formally applied for the required licences, despite raising concerns about the regulatory framework. Under the Electronic Communications Act, aligned with B-BBEE policy, companies are required to have at least 30% equity ownership by historically…

Cape Town ratepayers could face municipal bill increases above inflation over the next three years under the City’s draft 2026/27 budget, the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) warned on Tuesday. CTCRA chairperson Bas Zuidberg said the City’s claim that “around 60% of homes will see a property rates decrease or no change” does not reflect the full impact of the budget once service charges are included. “If one adds the effect on the other charges, water, sanitation, city-wide cleaning, then a very different conclusion must be drawn,” he said. The City tabled its draft budget alongside new 2025 property valuations, saying measures such as a lower rates formula and a higher rates-free threshold would cushion households. However, Zuidberg said valuation increases and tariff adjustments would “present ratepayers with increases…

Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of reaching back-to-back CAF Champions League finals, fueling strong belief within the squad that they can finally win the coveted crown this season. Sundowns will face Esperance in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off). The South Africans will head into the match high on confidence – they hold a solid advantage with a clean sheet and an away goal after a 1-0 win in the first leg in Tunis last Sunday. The Brazilians’ win, which came courtesy of Brayan Leone’s goal, was also historic. It was the first time they beat Esperance away in the knockout stage of the competition in three successive matches. The initial first-leg meeting ended in a 1-0 win for…

In short order, Sibabalwe Mahashe has endeared himself to the Lions faithful at Ellis Park. The upthrust in his professional career, only six games old, does not come as a surprise. Since making his debut for the Lions against Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup in mid-January, Mahashe has impressed with his fleet-footed loose-forward play. Perhaps it is because the former Junior Springbok exhibits a bit of Lions legend Jaco Kriel’s X-factor. He has made some powerful runs from the fringes and broken play, scoring three tries in the process. Meanwhile, out wide he has added a degree of physicality, linking nicely with the backline when on attack. With the pace of Glasgow Warriors’ approach to be tested on Saturday at Ellis Park in a massively important United Rugby Championship…

A WESTERN Cape teacher has been vindicated after an arbitration ruling cleared her of sexual misconduct allegations that were later admitted by the learner to have been part of a “sick game”. The teacher, allegedly blackmailed and extorted for money, is allegedly not the first to be accused by the learner, who used a fake Facebook profile and fabricated WhatsApp messages to target her. According to an Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) ruling, when the expelled learner from Emil Weder Secondary School in Genadendal was cross-examined on September 30, she was questioned about the previous offences involving false allegations against teachers. According to a report in the Cape Argus’ possession sent by a reliable source, the learner’s disciplinary records show: inappropriate/suggestive conduct towards a teacher (2023); sexual remarks and suggestive…

STAFF shortages within the Department of Correctional Services are creating serious risks for safety, security and service delivery in prisons. So said Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, while responding to a parliamentary question from MK Party MP Lungisani Shangase. “Staff shortages within the Department of Correctional Services create a compounding effect where security risks and service delivery failures reinforce one another,” said Groenewald. “There is erosion of rehabilitation services under the ‘Care’ and ‘Development’ programmes intended to reduce recidivism, as well as operational and infrastructure decay caused by high vacancy rate of engineers and facilities management.” Groenewald further said correctional official shortages result in security lapses, delay in emergency response, contraband and inmate violence. He said shortages also affect medical services, leading to poor healthcare access, and social services,…

AS AMAZULU King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s high-powered panel prepares to lobby political parties to place the Ingonyama Trust Board under his direct control, traditional leaders have pledged to support the panel. Next week, the panel, which includes cultural and legal experts, are expected to make representations to 13 political parties in Parliament and lobby them to vote for the proposed amendments to the Ingonyama Trust Act of 1994 as amended in 1997. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is seeking a transfer of all power regarding the board’s appointment and removal, which is currently vested in the government, specifically the Minister of Land Reform, Mzwanele Nyhontso, under the existing Act. The monarch wants these powers placed directly under his control. The traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal met in Durban on Tuesday and resolved to support…

THE SA Navy Festival 2026 takes place in Simon’s Town from today to Sunday, with large crowds expected and traffic disruptions planned. The free event at the East Dockyard will run daily from 10am to 5pm and will include parades, live demonstrations and access to naval vessels. SA Navy spokesperson, Lieutenant Sebongile Lucia Mokwena, said the programme includes a Dry Dock Concert today, followed by the main festival activities from tomorrow to Sunday, including the Right of Entry Parade on Saturday, and a Night Shoot display and a Remembrance Parade on Sunday. Selected Navy ships and a submarine will be open to the public for tours between 10am and 4pm each day. “The South African Navy is hosting the SA Navy Festival at the East Dockyard in Simon’s Town,” Mokwena…

Stormers stalwart Scarra Ntubeni will take a final bow at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship match against Connacht. In an indication of the affection in which he is held at the Stormers, the 35-year-old hooker has been given a “walk into the sunset” by coach John Dobson after 15-years with the team, although Ntubeni will be recalled from retirement if there is a sudden injury crisis at hooker in the last weeks of the URC. The Stormers will be emotional enough as they bid farewell to long-serving manager Chippie Solomon, who recently died, but they will also want to give Ntubeni a winning farewell. “It is going to be a very tough match," Ntubeni said. “We have done a lot of work on them,…

On a street in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, a dozen teenagers using stones for goalposts are immersed in a Sunday game of football as traffic winds around them. Haiti has many problems, including political instability, poverty and crime. But through it all, the heart of the nation beats for football. Haiti’s qualification for this summer’s World Cup has come like a breath of fresh air for the poorest nation in the Americas, whose nearly 12 million people have long grappled with gang violence that has caused a humanitarian crisis. “Football is hope and love. It inspires pride and passion,” said Salome Sandler Tally, founder and coach of the women’s section of Aigle Noir AC, a professional club based in the Haitian capital. “Qualifying for the World Cup is something special…

When a head coach chooses to overhaul virtually his entire backroom staff less than two months — and only one series — prior to a T20 World Cup, it is hard to believe that all is well within the team. The timing of Monday's removal of Baakier Abrahams (batting coach), Bongani Ndaba (fielding coach), and Zane Webster (strength and conditioning coach) from the Proteas Women’s set-up certainly came as a surprise. All three are highly professional and skilled in their respective fields, with Abrahams (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Ndaba (Pretoria Capitals), and Webster (MI Cape Town) even being seconded to Betway SA20 men’s franchises during the women’s off-season. The trio played an integral role in the Proteas Women’s team reaching successive ICC T20 World Cup finals, while Webster was also part…

THE appointment of former apartheid minister Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the US has stirred debate over his suitability for the role. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement on Tuesday, filling the vacancy left by former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled in March 2025. Meyer’s appointment comes after former finance minister Mcebisi Jonas’s credentials were rejected by the US, in May. It was reported that Jonas had previously blasted Trump’s administration, hence his nomination was declined. “I can confirm that President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the US,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, noting that Meyer would begin work “immediately following the completion of all protocols in Washington”. International relations expert, Kingsley Makhubela, voiced concerns about Meyer’s appointment. “While Meyer’s…

A SENIOR police officer attached to the Western Cape Protection and Security Services (PSS) has been granted bail after appearing in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, on charges of sexual assault and rape. Colonel Makhosandile Makara, who was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on the evening of April 14, made his first court appearance. The State alleges the 55-year-old officer sexually assaulted and raped his 44-year-old female subordinate in May last year. In an unopposed bail application, the court granted Makara bail of R5 000, subject to strict conditions. “The accused was granted bail with conditions that he must not have any contact with the complainant,” said IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping. The matter has been postponed to May 27 to allow for further investigation and consultations between…

THE man accused of murdering the mother of his five-year-old child made his first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where proceedings were delayed after he refused to accept state-provided legal representation. Mnikelo Khese, who stands accused of killing Ntombi Ntsondwa in Drommedaris, Mbekweni, appeared in court amid heightened public interest in the case. According to police, the deceased was found lying on her back at the suspect’s home in Dumisani Street, on Monday at around 12.30pm, with multiple stab wounds to her forehead and arms. Upon entering the dock, Khese was informed by the magistrate that his private lawyer was present at court but would not be appearing on his behalf due to non-payment. He was then offered the option of making use of a Legal Aid attorney.…

JUDGMENT on sentencing is expected today in the long-running legal matter linked to a 2018 incident at an EFF rally in the East London area, where Julius Malema is accused of unlawfully handling and discharging a firearm during public celebrations. Malema was found guilty in October last year of discharging the firearm at an EFF birthday rally in Mdantsane. His former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was acquitted. The EFF leader told supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday, that the party will remain in place until judgment is delivered in his pre-sentencing proceedings, after the matter was postponed yesterday. “Like we said, it doesn’t matter the outcome. The fact that there is a guilty verdict, we are going to appeal this case until the highest…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has referred a hummus supplier to the National Consumer Tribunal after its ready-to-eat products were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This comes after Shoprite Checkers initiated a recall in September 2024 of its deli hummus range following laboratory tests that confirmed the presence of the bacterium. The NCC subsequently launched an investigation into BM Foods Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd, the supplier of the affected products. The Commission found that the products were unsafe for consumption and may have breached provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and food safety regulations. “The presence of the microorganism Listeria monocytogenes indicated that BM Foods produced and distributed hummus that was unsafe for consumption, thus contravening section 55(2)(a) – (d) read with 56(1) of the CPA and Regulation 10…

Mohamed Salah’s glorious Liverpool career will have an anti-climactic end after Paris Saint-Germain swatted aside Arne Slot’s men in a meek Uefa Champions League exit that will ensure a trophyless season for the Reds. Ousmane Dembele struck twice as, for the second consecutive season, Liverpool were eliminated by the French champions on their own turf. Last season, there was at least pride in bowing out only on penalties to the side that would go on to win the Champions League. Just over 12 months on, there was a chasm between the teams over two legs as PSG won 2-0 at Anfield on Tuesday to progress 4-0 on aggregate without even having to hit top gear. Fresh from winning the English Premier League in Slot’s debut season, Liverpool embarked on a…

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has described himself as fortunate to have avoided more serious consequences after sustaining a facial injury earlier this year, as he continues his recovery with an eye on the upcoming international season. Stokes sustained a broken right cheekbone and several facial injuries in February after being hit by a cricket ball while training with Durham’s academy players. The freak accident occurred while Stokes was coaching; he was struck by a ball hit by 18-year-old Robbie Bowman after momentarily turning his head. The 34-year-old subsequently underwent surgery and is now close to returning to competitive cricket. Opening up about the incident, Stokes admitted the outcome could have been far worse. “Pretty nasty but, funnily, probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest. I…

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee says his good friend and long-standing roommate, Ruan Nortje, agonised over his decision to leave the Bulls for a club in Japan. Nortje is a quintessential Bull — he went to school in Pretoria at Hoërskool Wonderboom, supported the Blue Bulls growing up, joined the Bulls age group system out of school, and to date has played almost 150 games for the senior team since 2018. Nortje captained the Bulls in their URC finals in 2024 and 2025. Last week, Bulls fans were shocked by the out-of-the-blue revelation that Nortje will join the Kobe Steelers in Japan. They were still getting over the news that another star player, David Kriel, is leaving for La Rochelle. “I’ve been his roommate for the past six years,” Coetzee said,…