Eight suspects heading to court for unrelated murder incidents in Garden Route

GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT - Police arrested eight suspects in connection with unrelated murder incidents reported in the District.

On Saturday, 16 August 2025 at about 05:20 Pacaltsdorp police members responded to an altercation at Voëlnesvaring Street, New Dawn Park in Pacaltsdorp, George. Upon arrival the members found the body of a 25-year-old man with a stab wound to the chest. The victim was declared dead by paramedics on scene. Investigation on scene led to the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect, who is expected to appear before the George Magistrates’ on Monday, 18 August 2025.

In an unrelated matter, Kwanokuthula police arrested a 26-year-old woman on a murder charge. Preliminary reports indicates that police were summoned to a scene at Ted Brown Street, Kranshoek outside Plettenberg Bay on Sunday, 17 August 2025 at about 01:30, where a man collapsed. The members found the man with a stab wound to the chest. He was declared deceased by medical personnel.

The suspect who was arrested in the vicinity remains in police custody. She will appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court during the week.

Elsewhere, a tracing operation conducted by Riversdale police and George Public Order Police members resulted in the arrest of six suspects aged between 19 and 26 on murder charges.

Investigation positively linked the group to the death of Lourens Ntozini (30) who was found at Varkie Street, Riversdale with multiple injuries on 04 April 2025. The victim was taken to the George Provincial Hospital where he was later declared dead by medical personnel.

One other suspect already in custody on an unrelated matter will join the suspects at their first appearance in the Riversdale Magistrates’ court on Monday, 18 August 2025.

This arrest brings the total arrested for the murder to seven.

Western Cape honours top teachers at 2025 Provincial Teaching Awards

Cape Town – The Western Cape’s top educators were celebrated on Friday, 15 August, at the 2025 Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards held at The Westin Cape Town. The annual event recognises the dedication and excellence of teachers across the province, with awards presented in 15 categories.

The winners are:
Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Charles Mokoena, Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel (Metro Central)
Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7): Domé Swart, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)
Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Roché Witbooi, Concordia Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12): Fiona Blanchard, Crystal Secondary School, Hanover Park (Metro Central)
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Hendrik Smith, Hoërskool Langenhoven, Riversdale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East)
Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership: Alsje Schoeman, Oudtshoorn School of Skills, Oudtshoorn (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET): Mariska Niemand, Altena Primary School, Strand (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET): Charissa Shay-Sithole, Apex High School, Eerste River (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences: Demi Michelle Potts, Kretzenshoop Primary School, George (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands)
Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Kirsten Tomé, Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
National Best Teacher Award: Wedaad Esau, Bridgeville Primary School, Bridgetown (Metro Central)
Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Lorinda Rinkwest, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)

The 15 provincial winners will now represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards on 9 October 2025.

Education officials congratulated all the winners and praised the broader teaching community for their dedication, support and daily commitment to learners across the province.
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