Team eRadio – Page 17 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

SAPS urges public to verify requests for money sent via “cash send” services

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) cautions members of the public to remain vigilant when receiving requests from friends or family members asking for financial assistance, particularly when they are instructed to send money through cash send or similar services.

It has come to the attention of SAPS that criminals are increasingly gaining unauthorised access to individuals’ cell phone numbers and messaging platforms. Once access is obtained, these perpetrators impersonate the victim and contact people on their contact list, often claiming to be in an emergency and urgently requesting money.

In many cases, victims are persuaded to transfer funds through cash send services, which are difficult to trace or reverse once the transaction has been completed.

Members of the community are strongly advised not to act on such requests without first verifying their authenticity. It is recommended that individuals contact the person directly by making a voice call or using an alternative, trusted method of communication to confirm whether the request is legitimate.

The public is further encouraged to:

• Be cautious of urgent or emotional messages requesting money.
• Avoid sending money to unknown or unverified recipients.

SAPS reiterates the importance of awareness and vigilance in preventing these types of scams. Working together, communities can reduce the risk of falling victim to such criminal activities.

SAWS warns of two cold fronts

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of two cold fronts, with good rainfall amounts expected to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Friday until Monday.

The cold fronts will result in a significant drop in the daytime temperatures.

“Maximum temperatures may be between 10-12°C in places over the southern high-lying areas of the Namakwa (Northern Cape) as well as over the Central Karoo and western part of the Cape Winelands Districts (Western Cape).

“General windy conditions will accompany the cold and wet conditions. Additionally, wave heights are expected to be between 4.0 and 5.0m along the coast from Sunday into Monday,” the weather service advised.

The combination of cold, wet and windy conditions may result in a wind chill factor; thus, temperatures may feel colder than the measured values.

They may be localised disruptions to beachfront activities.

Julius Malema jailed for 5 years

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Julius Malema was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment today.

The case stems from an incident in 2018, when the Economic Freedom Fighters leader was filmed discharging a rifle into the air during a rally. The footage, which circulated widely at the time, led to charges being brought against him under South Africa’s firearms legislation.

Prosecutors have argued that the act amounted to the unlawful discharge of a firearm, while the defence has maintained that Malema did not act illegally.

The matter has been repeatedly delayed over the years due to various legal challenges and procedural issues, contributing to its lengthy timeline.

Julius Malema set to learn his fate today

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Julius Malema is expected to learn his fate today, bringing to a head an eight-year legal battle that has drawn significant public and political attention.

The case stems from an incident in 2018, when the Economic Freedom Fighters leader was filmed discharging a rifle into the air during a rally. The footage, which circulated widely at the time, led to charges being brought against him under South Africa’s firearms legislation.

Prosecutors have argued that the act amounted to the unlawful discharge of a firearm, while the defence has maintained that Malema did not act illegally.

The matter has been repeatedly delayed over the years due to various legal challenges and procedural issues, contributing to its lengthy timeline.

Today’s expected judgment is likely to have broader implications, not only for Malema personally, but also in terms of how public figures are held accountable under firearm laws.

Meanwhile, Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, is pursuing a separate legal battle against the state. Snyman is suing for R20 million in damages after he was acquitted of charges linked to the same incident.

He claims the prosecution was unjustified and has had lasting personal and professional consequences.

Both developments mark a significant moment in a case that has remained in the spotlight for nearly a decade, with today’s outcome expected to clarify the legal standing of those involved.

Failing municipalities are choking local economic growth, says President

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent reforms to unlock local economies, warning that poor governance at municipal level is undermining service delivery and stifling economic growth.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit at the Birchwood Conference Centre on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said persistent failures in local government are directly affecting economic opportunity.

“The Auditor-General’s report on local government highlights persistent weaknesses that directly undermine service delivery and constrain local economic development,” he said.

He listed key shortcomings, including “weak financial management and revenue collection, failure to maintain infrastructure, ineffective supply chain management, irregular and wasteful expenditure, and weak consequence management”.

These failures, he said, are felt daily by citizens and businesses.

“These challenges translate into unreliable electricity, water insecurity, poor roads, poor service delivery and unsafe trading environments.”

President Ramaphosa stressed that governance reform is non-negotiable if municipalities are to play their role in economic development.

“Without fixing governance, we cannot fix service delivery and without fixing service delivery, we cannot unlock local economic development. The task of this summit is to shift the discussion from the problems to the solutions,” the President said.

He raised concern over the chronic underinvestment in infrastructure maintenance, noting that municipalities are falling far below required benchmarks.

“National Treasury Guidelines require municipalities to budget 8% of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment. Many municipalities are budgeting less than 1%,” he said.

The President called for improved revenue collection and greater use of private investment to address infrastructure backlogs, saying municipalities must take the lead in resolving service delivery constraints.
“As my contribution to the deliberations of the summit, there are four sets of actions that I would like to put forward. The first of these is to unblock service delivery constraints at local government level, especially with regards to basic infrastructure,” he said.

He emphasised that reliable energy, water and transport systems are essential to economic growth.
“Energy security, water provision, roads and rail lines are the foundation of growth. We have made much progress in tackling load shedding and improving the efficiency of our logistics sector. This summit must now translate national progress into local success,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa added that municipalities must ensure conducive conditions for businesses to operate.

“Municipalities must be the frontline in unblocking infrastructure constraints, ensuring that the local industrial park has the power it needs… and that township businesses have streetlighting to trade safely beyond daylight hours,” the President said.

Don’t wait! Late online applications for Grade R, 1 and 8 close on 17 May 2026

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Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier says the on-time application window for Grade R, 1 and 8 placements in 2027 has officially closed, with strong response from parents across the province.

A total of 166,144 learners were successfully registered before the deadline at midnight on 14 April 2026.

Maynier thanked parents for applying on time, saying it helps the department plan effectively to secure school placements for learners.

Parents who missed the deadline can still submit late applications online until 17 May 2026. However, these will only be considered after all on-time applications have been processed.

Schools will now begin reviewing applications in line with their admissions policies. Outcomes will be released online from 28 May 2026, and parents will have until 15 June 2026 to confirm their chosen school.

Parents who receive multiple offers but fail to make a selection by the deadline will automatically be placed at their top-ranked school choice.

Meanwhile, parents needing to transfer children in Grades 2 to 7 or 9 to 12 due to relocation can apply between 3 and 17 August 2026.

The department has urged parents to keep their contact details updated to ensure they receive application outcomes and further communication.

Maynier also thanked parents, school management teams and education officials for their efforts in ensuring a smooth admissions process.

Roelf Meyer appointed US ambassador

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, describing him as a seasoned and capable envoy suited to strengthening bilateral relations.

The President confirmed the appointment on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit in Boksburg on Wednesday.

“Roelf Meyer is a South African, a very loyal and patriotic South African, who has distinguished himself in a number of areas where he has worked. And yes, he did lead the National Party negotiating team, together with myself.

“He was a Cabinet Minister in the initial government of national unity and has done very well in those areas,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President highlighted Meyer’s recent international mediation work as a key asset to his diplomatic role.

“Recently, he's been involved in mediation processes in a number of countries, and that, in many ways, has sharpened his diplomatic skills, where he has been able to get involved either in conflict situations, trying to bring peace amongst differing warring parties at a very quiet level, continuing to assist even our government in these different diplomatic efforts,” he said.

The President said Meyer has already begun engaging key stakeholders in the United States.

“When we needed to appoint an Ambassador to the United States, I found him to be more than qualified to be able to work in the United States, recalibrate our relationship with the United States and interface with a number of stakeholders.

“As it is now, he's been interfacing with a number of people in the United States, both in Capitol Hill and in the various departments of the United States.

“Already a lot of interactions have taken place. So he is, for me, more than well qualified to execute this task,” the President said.

He added that Meyer is expected to formally present his credentials to the US government.

“He still has to present his credentials to the government of the United States or to the President of the United States and I am more than hopeful that just as we have received and accepted the credentials of Ambassador Bozell, he will also be accredited equally in that manner,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa expressed confidence that Meyer will represent South Africa effectively.

“He has always flown the South African flag, and he will do so like all our ambassadors all over the world, and all we should do is to wish him well and the very best, and give him all the support that he needs,” the President said.

He emphasised the importance of the United States as a strategic partner.

“The United States is the largest economy in the world, and it still plays an important role in our own economic fortunes,” said the President.

Two held for possession of 1000 units of abalone

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Two suspects have been arrested for the alleged possession of 1000 units of fresh abalone in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, which lies on the Western Cape and Eastern Cape border.

They were apprehended on Monday in the vicinity of the western side of the Bloukrans River, near the Clinton area, during a routine patrol conducted by rangers.

“During the patrol, rangers discovered several bags concealed underneath trees. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain fresh abalone.

“The section ranger was immediately informed, and an observation post was established in the vicinity of the hidden bags,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

While maintaining observation, a group of suspects returned to the site to retrieve the abalone.

Rangers moved in and successfully apprehended two individuals, while eleven others fled the scene. A follow-up foot patrol, supported by drone operations, was conducted to secure the surrounding area.

During this operation, additional bags of abalone and diving equipment were recovered.

In total, 1 000 units of abalone were confiscated. This included 993 units of shucked (out-of-shell) abalone weighing 142.95 kg, and 7 units in-shell weighing 1.35 kg, bringing the combined weight to 144.3 kg.

The two suspects have been arrested and charged under the Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998), Regulation 36(1)(a), for possession of abalone without a permit.

SHANELA II operations lead to 17 044 arrests, including 282 alleged drug dealers

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) says its nationwide SHANELA II operations have resulted in the arrest of 17 044 suspects between 6 and 12 April 2026, including 2 588 wanted individuals.

Police say they are continuing to clamp down on drug-related crimes, with 282 alleged drug dealers arrested across the country. A further 3 461 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with 2 043 of those arrests recorded in the Western Cape.

Among the major breakthroughs was a R2 million drug bust in Cotswold in Gqeberha, where a foreign national was arrested for possession of drugs. In Gauteng, the Organised Crime Investigation Unit uncovered a suspected drug laboratory in Sandton on 12 April, seizing chemicals, equipment and products valued at R1.5 million.

Other arrests during the operation include 162 for murder, 146 for rape, and 68 for armed robbery. Police also arrested 534 suspects for possession of dangerous weapons, 93 for illegal possession of ammunition, and 1 444 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

In addition, 952 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while 1 037 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor. Police also detained 1 272 illegal immigrants and made 22 arrests related to human trafficking.

During the same period, police confiscated 122 unlicensed firearms, including 36 handguns recovered in KwaZulu-Natal, along with 3 571 rounds of ammunition. A total of 48 stolen or hijacked vehicles were also recovered, while various drugs and other illicit goods were seized.

Provincial operations also yielded significant results. In Gauteng, a Highway Patrol team intercepted a white Toyota Corolla linked to an attempted armed robbery near a Sandton hotel on 9 April.

Following a high-speed chase, one suspect was arrested and police recovered two unlicensed firearms, ammunition and gloves. The vehicle was later confirmed to have been hijacked in Daveyton in February.

In the Free State, twelve suspects were arrested in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District for crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms and drug-related offences. Six of the suspects are linked to multiple murders across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities.

In the Western Cape, police intensified operations in Hout Bay, Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to extortion and a mass shooting, as well as the seizure of firearms.

Mpumalanga police arrested four suspects in Nelspruit on 10 April in connection with a courier hijacking. The Ehlanzeni Anti-Hijacking Team also recovered illegal firearms during the operation.

In Limpopo, police arrested five suspects on 11 April as part of an investigation into a high-profile fraud and unlawful traditional leadership case in Moletjie, linked to claims of kingship by Abram Kgabo Matabola.

SAPS says operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime across the country.

Garden Route & Klein Karoo well represented at the World Travel Market Africa 2026

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The World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026 officially kicked off today in Cape Town where teams from the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Offices (RTOs) and Local Tourism Offices (LTOs) are in attendance to represent the entire region.

The event is taking place until 15 April at the Mother City’s well-known International Convention Centre.

The WTM Africa is the continent’s premier travel and tourism trade show, connecting over 6,000 international buyers, media, and industry leaders. The presence of the various local tourism officials and other stakeholders, is to ensure the region is showcased on a global stage, strengthening the regional and local brands, building long-lasting and meaningful partnerships, and driving new tourism opportunities.

The region is exhibiting at a 90m² exhibition space, which can be found at stand M02 at the CTICC (Main Exhibition Hall).

The following representatives from across the region are present, including:

Hessequa Tourism with partners like Inverroche Distillery and Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve.
Mossel Bay Tourism alongside Cape Saint Blaize, Global Blessing Solutions and Masambe Tours.
Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism with attractions such as Cango Caves, Safari Ostrich Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, De Zeekoe Guest Farm and Surval Boutique Olive Estate.
George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism with Redberry Farm.
Plett Tourism with Offshore Adventures and Athina’s Cove.
Visit Knysna with Lithemba Crafts & Tours.

The mission is clear: to increase tours and trips to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, strengthen international networks, and showcase the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and hospitality.

During a walkabout as part of day 1 (today) at the event, Ald. James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, overseeing tourism, investment, and business development, visited the team and commended them for their “excellent marketing initiatives and team work while promoting the region as a whole”.

Members of the public or investors are invited to visit the stand (M02), where they will have the opportunity to experience the region’s work firsthand and also engage with representatives. Alternatively, follow the Facebook page Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism or visit
www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com to stay informed, receive the latest updates, and ensure that you do not miss any highlights or announcements.