Team eRadio – Page 38 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Historic Milestone: First black-owned wine cellar opens in South Africa

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The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, this week celebrated a landmark achievement in South Africa’s wine industry - the official opening of Klein Goederust Wine Cellar, the country’s first Black-owned wine cellar, located in Franschhoek.

Speaking at the event, Minister Meyer hailed the opening as “a triumph for real transformation and inclusive growth in one of South Africa’s most iconic sectors.” He emphasized that this milestone demonstrates what is possible when government, industry, and entrepreneurs work together.

Acquired in 2019 by owner Paul Siguqa, Klein Goederust has been transformed from a neglected farm into a thriving boutique winery and tourism destination.

“This is the classic case of farm workers who gave their children a vision of the future. They did not only dream - they worked hard, invested their own resources, and partnered with industry to turn that vision into reality,” Meyer added.

The wine industry contributes over R56 billion to GDP and supports more than 290,000 jobs, with 98% of wine cellars located in the Western Cape. Through programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), the Western Cape Department of Agriculture provided funding for vineyard establishment, equipment, and production inputs.

“This project aligns with my four ministerial priorities: Agricultural Support, Food Security, Market Access, and Business Support,” said Meyer. These interventions ensure that success is not reserved for a few but shared across communities, creating pathways for growth and dignity.

Driving growth through Agriculture

The initiative also aligns with the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs (G4J) strategy, which aims to achieve breakout economic growth of 4%-6% by leveraging high-potential sectors such as agriculture and agri-processing. Klein Goederust integrates farming, tourism, and hospitality, creating jobs and celebrating cultural heritage.

Minister Meyer: “98% of all wine cellars are based in the Western Cape, creating thousands of jobs.

Growing the economy and creating jobs are the Western Cape Government’s top priorities. The opening of Klein Goederust Wine Cellar in Franschhoek will contribute to economic growth and job creation.

"The owner’s hard work, compassion, and perseverance led to the opening of this wine cellar. Both the owner, Paul Siguqa, and the wine Rodney Zimba are children of farm workers. This is the classic case of farm workers who gave their children a vision of the future. They did not only dream, but put hard work and their own resources, and their support from many in the industry into their vision, from farmer to farm owner, and now the owner of a wine cellar is a success story in the Western Cape”.

“Klein Goederust is a beacon of hope and excellence. It shows that genuine transformation is not only necessary—it is achievable and sustainable,” Meyer concluded.

Scam targeting teachers

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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been alerted to a concerning scam targeting new, unemployed and substitute teachers. This fraudulent scheme misleads educators into believing they have been selected for permanent teaching posts and then solicits payment under false pretenses.

Several schools have recently reported incidents involving WhatsApp messages sent to young teachers.

These messages typically claim to be from a district official or school principal, stating that a permanent post has become available at a particular school and that the recipient is the preferred candidate.

The message instructs the teacher to report to a school with specific documentation.

Critically, it concludes with a request for a “once-off fee” of approximately R2 800 allegedly required for the “authorisation of an appointment letter” at district offices, accompanied by banking details.

Regrettably, some teachers have fallen victim to this scam, arriving at schools having paid the so-called “authorization fee,” only to discover that no such post exists.

"This deception has caused significant distress to the affected individuals and has the potential to damage the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials who are being impersonated. We urge all affected individuals to report these incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation".

While investigations are ongoing, the Department wishes to warn the broader public to be aware of this scam and to note the following:

-Permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
-The WCED (including Head Office, District Offices, and Schools) will never request payment for job applications or appointments.
-The online E-Recruitment System is the official platform for advertising and applying for posts.
-Unemployed educators must register and apply via the E-Recruitment System.
-Temporary appointments are managed directly by schools; applicants must verify the legitimacy of any advertised post.
-No payment is required for any appointment within the WCED.
-Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the WCED and SAPS.

The WCED says it remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes and safeguarding the wellbeing of all educators.

"We sincerely hope that no further individuals fall victim to this malicious scam, which not only undermines the reputation of our staff and institutions, but also shatters the aspirations of young professionals seeking meaningful employment opportunities in education".

This is what the scam looks like:
MR10Dec25 - scam-targeting-teachers.png

W Cape records 28 fatalities in first week of festive season

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The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about the alarming number of road incidents recorded in the first week of the festive season, from 1 to 7 December 2025.

According to the provincial government, a total of 21 fatal crashes were reported across the province during this period, resulting in 28 fatalities on provincial roads.

Pedestrian deaths remain a significant and persistent challenge on Western Cape roads.

Of the 28 fatalities recorded, 12 were pedestrians, making them the single largest group affected this past week.

The other fatalities include 10 passengers, three drivers, two motorcyclists, and one cyclist.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the numbers are extremely troubling, especially considering that the peak travel period has not even begun.

“Every life lost is a tragedy, and every family affected enters the festive season carrying pain instead of joy. Pedestrian safety remains one of our greatest concerns. We urge every road user, whether behind the wheel or walking alongside our roads, to exercise heightened caution.

“The mental and physical fitness of drivers who are undertaking long journeys is also of paramount importance to reducing the number of incidents,” Sileku said.

During the reporting period, Provincial Traffic Services conducted over 200 integrated operations, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control activities.

Over 33 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and just over 10 000 fines were issued for a range of traffic violations relating to both driver and vehicle fitness.

In addition, 43 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during this period.
As holiday travel increases, the department warns that drunk driving, speeding, and pedestrian behaviour continue to be major contributors to serious and fatal crashes.

Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, stated that their teams are fully deployed across the province; however, enforcement alone cannot prevent crashes.

“We need every motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, and passenger to take responsibility. Simple decisions, like crossing only at safe points, not drinking and driving, and sticking to the speed limit, can save lives. The festive season should be a time of celebration, not mourning,” said Bezuidenhout.

As the province prepares for increased traffic volumes in the coming weeks, the Western Cape Mobility Department calls on all road users to remain vigilant and responsible.

“Let us work together to bring these numbers down. Your loved ones are waiting for you. Let’s make sure every journey ends with a safe arrival,” Sileku added.

Road safety tips for a safer festive season:
•    Slow down and obey the posted speed limits; speeding remains a leading cause of fatal crashes.
•    Never drink and drive. Plan by arranging a designated driver, e-hailing service, or alternative transport if consuming alcohol.
•    Be extra vigilant at night, especially for pedestrians, who are most at risk during dark, early morning, or in low-visibility conditions.
•    Cross roads only at safe, designated points and wear visible or reflective clothing when walking near roadways.

Suspect Arrested After Fatal Smash-and-Grab Attack on Jakes Gerwel Drive

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A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal smash-and-grab attack that claimed the life of a 64-year-old woman travelling along Jakes Gerwel Drive in Cape Town.

The victim, Mrs Karin van Aardt from Bloemfontein, was travelling with her husband to Vredenburg on Friday evening when attackers allegedly smashed the window of their vehicle and tried to grab belongings inside. During the struggle, she was stabbed. Her husband rushed her to hospital, where she was later declared dead.

Following the incident, integrated teams from the South African Police Service and City of Cape Town law enforcement launched an intensive search for the suspects. Acting on key intelligence, officers traced a suspect to Langa, where he was apprehended and questioned by detectives. He has since been charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

Police say additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 December 2025.

With the festive season in full swing and public spaces becoming busier, authorities have increased deployments in crime hotspots as part of the Safer Festive Season plan.

Police have urged communities to come forward with any information that can help prevent similar crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure Along Western and Eastern Cape

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“Coastal erosion is a harsh reality along the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines. The damage is visible, measurable, and ongoing as rising sea levels and increasingly severe storm surges take their toll,” says Cobus Meiring, Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee.

Coastal degradation is now a high priority for towns and cities along the coast, with planning increasingly focused on relocating infrastructure out of harm’s way. The Committee recently raised these concerns in a meeting which included municipalities, SANParks, and CapeNature, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of proactive coastal management strategies.

The issue also received attention at the Eastern Cape Sustainability Seminar hosted at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in early December.

In Cape St. Francis, there are growing fears that the marina and properties bordering the canals from the Krom River could be flooded if the dune system protecting them from the ocean collapses. This erosion results largely from human interventions that disrupted large scale natural dune movement, leaving dune systems exposed and unable to perform their protective function.

Different approaches have been tried along the coast. Langebaan required hard engineering interventions, while in Buffels Bay, softer methods like heavy sandbagging have shown some success.

Despite these efforts, landowners with sea-front properties remain at risk, and unregulated attempts to protect property can worsen erosion on neighbouring land due to the shifting of kinetic energy of surging waters.
The problem extends beyond property damage. Sand build-up in river mouths such as the Touw river and estuaries disrupts ecosystems, while ongoing drought conditions in 2025 have reduced freshwater flow, contributing to the water crisis in Buffels Bay.

Looking ahead, municipalities and landowners face a complex challenge. More research, smart planning, and innovative engineering solutions are essential to manage the changing coastline.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum provides a public platform for landowners, managers, and climate change experts to share knowledge, explore solutions, and promote sustainable coastal management. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Over 16 000 suspects arrested for various crimes

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Police have arrested 16 817 suspects in connection with various crimes as authorities intensify their nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation running alongside Operation Shanela II.

“In the past week, these crime-fighting initiatives and tracking operations saw police apprehending 2 626 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, car-hijackings, sexual offences, house and business robberies.

“In addition, a total of 1 013 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trade as well as 771 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including confiscating 25 117 litres of alcohol,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The police recorded the following arrests:
*146 suspects were arrested for murder. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests with 46, followed by the Western Cape with 22, Mpumalanga with 19, and then the Eastern Cape with 17.
*141 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng at 30.
*131 suspects were arrested for attempted murder across multiple provinces.
*1 580 suspects arrested for assault GBH.
*2 978 suspects arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests with 1 708, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 360, Gauteng 287, and then the Eastern Cape with 279.
*279 suspects for dealing in drugs for the past week.
*82 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
*417 for possession of dangerous weapons.
*27 arrested for human trafficking.

The following major seizures and recoveries were recorded in the same period: 1 709 rounds of ammunition; 128 unlicensed firearms; 1 916 dangerous weapons; contraband goods worth more than R20 million and 65 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

Two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested after police recovered two firearms stolen from officers who were shot and killed in Ivory Park on 01 December 2025. Seizures included the SAPS-issued R5 rifle and one pistol, and police investigation is ongoing.

Two bodyguards, aged 24 and 36 years old, were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for possession of a semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition. A vehicle, rifles, and ammunition were seized.

In the Western Cape, police uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing plant in Lansdowne and arrested two suspects aged between 26 and 39 years old. They were arrested for the illegal manufacturing and distributing liquor. Seizures included manufacturing equipment, an assortment of alcohol branding stickers, and unknown liquids.

Still in Western Cape, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit intercepted a truck on the N12 en route from Johannesburg to George carrying drugs. A box containing cocaine worth R3.6 million was seized and arrested a 46-year-old suspect for dealing in cocaine.

In Mpumalanga, police acting on intelligence intercepted a truck pulling two trailers with 12 water tanks with 5000-litre capacity packed with cartons of illicit cigarettes.

The seized consignment consisted of 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million. A 43-year-old foreign national from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested after the discovery of illicit cigarettes hidden inside water tanks in Sundra on 05 December 2025.

Also in Mpumalanga, two Zimbabwean foreign nationals were arrested for dealing in dagga. This is after police intercepted a truck on the N2 Road from Empangeni en route to Zimbabwe and discovered six big bags of compressed dagga to the value of R1.2 million on 04 December 2025.

In the Northern Cape on 04 December 2025, police intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting a rhino horn on the N14 and arrested three suspected rhino poachers, aged between 42 and 48 years. Seizures included a rhino horn, a pistol, and ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Oshayanyawo, Ekombe led to the arrest of a 49-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearms. They seized an AK47 assault rifle with three rounds of ammunition, an HMC pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, as well as a shotgun with 13 rounds of ammunition.

In a separate operation, three suspects aged between 50 and 61 years were arrested at Makhasaneni for unlawful possession of firearms on 02 December 2025. During the operation, police recovered five homemade firearms, one homemade shotgun, one 38 special revolver, one pistol and ammunition.

Garden Route Dam level at 47.65%: Stricter water restrictions for George

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2 C Water Restrictions are applicable in George and surrounds as of 4 December 2025.

Under Level 2C, all Level 2B measures remain in force, with the following additional mandatory reductions and prohibitions:

-Emergency water tariffs will come into effect following the Public Participation process which concludes on 19 December.
-Households are limited to 15kl per month.
-Businesses and entertainment facilities must reduce consumption by 25% (based on the past six-month average).
-Industries must reduce consumption by 15%.
-Flow-reducing devices may be installed for non-compliance (offenders are liable for the installation cost, except for indigent households).
-No hosing of structures, roofs, or paved areas using municipal water.
-No hosepipe use by car wash businesses unless using non-potable or alternative water sources.
-Irrigation of sports fields with potable water is prohibited once the dam levels reach 25%.
-Public swimming pools may not be filled with potable water once the dam levels reach 25%.
-Enhanced public awareness campaigns and intensified monitoring of high-use consumers.
-Additional maintenance teams are deployed to fast-track leak repairs.

In terms of Section 5 of the By-law, residents may apply in writing for exemption from specific restrictions.

No potable water may be used for construction. Contractors may apply to the Civil Engineering Services Directorate to collect treated effluent from the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works. A raw water supply point at the Wilderness Water Treatment Works (WTW) is planned, and the public will be notified once this has been implemented.

These restrictions currently apply to George only, and not to Uniondale or Haarlem.

Report contraventions of the current Water Restrictions on 044 801 6350/89 – fines apply.

Report all water leaks on 044 801 9262/66 or A/ h 044 801 6300, at your nearest Area Office or Thusong Centre or email to [email protected] or log via the My Smart City App.

Steps to check for leaks on the property:
Step 1: Stop all water use. Close all the taps on the property and do not flush the toilet.
Step 2: Check and record the water meter reading.
Step 3: Wait for at least 15 minutes and take another reading. Make sure that nobody has opened a tap or flushed the toilet since the meter reading was taken.
Step 4: If there is a difference, then the leak will have to be fixed. If the number on the meter has increased, then it means that a leak has been detected and fast action will need to be taken.
Step 5: Unless it is a simple DIY job, residents are encouraged to call a plumber to fix the leak.

Three simple tests to detect a toilet leak:
-Listen for the water trickling into the toilet bowl.
-Press a piece of toilet paper against the inside back surface of the bowl. If it gets wet, you probably have a leak.
-Put 15 drops of food colouring into the toilet cistern. If after 15 minutes the water in the toilet bowl has changed colour, then there is a leak. If you cannot afford to call a plumber to fix a serious toilet problem, use the little stopcock/angle valve tap at the base of the toilet to keep it turned off between flushes.

WATER SAVING
Water saving should be a lifestyle, always, not just during drought. South Africa is a water scarce country and you never know what the future holds. Save now, so everyone’s water future is secure.

THINK DRINK
Water for drinking should be everyone’s priority, all the time. Anytime you see water flowing, think ‘this water should be saved for drinking’ and adjust your mindset and actions accordingly.
D – Drinking water takes priority
R – Rainwater to be used where possible and safe
I – Innovative water-saving ideas at home and work will help
N – No water wasted
K – Know the water restrictions applicable to where you are

BIG SAVES The quickest way to save the most water:

Gardens
Save municipal water for household use and find new ways to garden.
• Consider planting drought resistant plants, investigate alternative water sources, rainwater tanks and grey water systems.
• Use boreholes responsibly, ground water can dry up too. Don’t forget to use ‘Own Water’ signage where applicable.

Outdoors
• Don’t clean outside surfaces with a hose. Use a bucket or broom.
• Wash vehicles with non-drinkable water or at a water-wise commercial carwash.

Toilets
Every time you flush, it’s a family of four’s drinking water down the drain.
• Reduce toilet paper use and flush only when necessary.
• Don’t use the toilet as a bin.
• Adjust the toilet cistern setting to take on less water or use a weighted object inside the cistern.
• Investigate rainwater supply to cisterns or manually fill your cistern with non-drinking water.
• Invest in dual-flush toilets.

Baths and Showers
• Take a quick shower or bath shallow and share.

Showers
• Quick open-and-close to get wet, soap all over, quick open-and-close to rinse.
• Consider replacing the shower head with a flow reducing one.
• Put a bucket in the shower before you soap up and use the water it collects somewhere else.

Baths
• Consider using a rainwater system to supply showers and baths.
• Consider harvesting greywater for outdoor use.
• Kids can bath shallow and share bathwater: cleanest to dirtiest works best.

Laundry
• Use the washing machine as little as possible.
• Consider using rainwater for laundry and handwashing for certain items.
• Full loads only.

Dishes
• Reduce the number of dishes you use.
• Consider handwashing instead of the dishwashing machine.
• Do not let the tap run while you are scrubbing pots.
• Choose a water-efficient dishwasher should you buy one.

Leaks
• Check all taps and pipes inside and outside your house regularly for leaks. If on your side of the water meter, get a plumber in. If the leak is on the street side of the water meter, report it to your local municipality (see numbers listed below).
• Monitor your water meter weekly – if the average use spikes, check for leaks and unnecessary use.

Go grey
Grey water is run-off water, typically from baths, showers and washing machines and is most likely to contain soap and bacteria from skin and hair.
• Do not drink. Use only to flush the toilet and outside, with care and discretion.
• To minimise risk of spreading bacteria do not: store for longer than 24 hours.
: let it form standing ponds or pools.
: use greywater from other people’s property.
: irrigate gardens with greywater using fine mist spray.
: let children and animals play near grey water.

LITTLE SAVES
Treat every drop as precious. If you save on the little things, you contribute to the bigger picture.
Develop a lifestyle of saving water by:
• Use a cup when brushing your teeth – wet the brush from it, rinse your mouth and the brush afterwards with it. Don’t let water run
• Catch the cold water in the hot water pipes in a container when you wait for it to turn hot – fill the kettle or cooking pot with it.
• Don’t let the water run while you soap and rub your hands.
• Don’t rinse anything under a running tap. Put some water in the basin or a container and rinse as you go.
• Don’t thaw frozen meat and food under running water. Take it out in advance and defrost in the fridge or a cool place.
• Close taps properly and regularly check that none are dripping.
• Consider flow reducing taps the next time you replace or build.
• Reuse towels.
• Discuss water usage with your household and wet water saving goals.

SUMMER SAVES
• Don’t fill swimming pools with municipal water.
• Cover the pool to reduce evaporation and the need to fill it up as often.
• Don’t wash swimming towels unnecessarily
• Shake and rub, don’t rinse and run: rub and shake off beach sand and dirt, do not rinse off with running water
• Drinking water is not for fun: please don’t play with toys that require filling up with drinking water
• please do not play in sprayers using municipal water

Qantas Airways direct flight to SA to boost tourism

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Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on Monday welcomed the launch of Qantas Airways’ new direct flight between Johannesburg and Perth adding that it will boost tourism and trade.

De Lille said the move will also people-to-people relations between South Africa and Australia.

The launch took place in Johannesburg and was attended by the Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, Australian High Commissioner, Tegan Brink and senior executives from Qantas, South African Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

De Lille said the new direct route represents more than just an addition to South Africa’s air network.

“This is not just a new connection on a route map; it is a bridge between two nations, two peoples, and two tourism markets with enormous potential. It unlocks deeper collaboration, increased two-way travel, and stronger people-to-people ties,” she said.

The launch follows shortly after South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit in November, a milestone which showcased the country’s capability as a world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

“The world recently saw a confident, warm, and capable South Africa, able to host global leaders with distinction. This momentum is carried forward through initiatives like expanded air connectivity.

She further emphasised that increased air connectivity remains a central pillar of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan 2025-2029, particularly under its ease-of-access focus area, which addresses air routes, visa systems, and the removal of travel barriers.

The latest aviation data reflects strong recovery and expansion:
• International seat capacity now stands at 8.5 million, a 9.1% increase over 2024.
• 4.6 million seats are allocated to long-haul routes and 3.9 million to short-haul routes.
• Double-digit seat growth has been recorded since June 2025.

“This is airlift expansion at scale, backed by policy, planning and strong partnerships,” the Minister said.

The Johannesburg–Perth service significantly strengthens South Africa’s connectivity with the Oceania region and is expected to play a critical role in growing inbound business events and leisure tourism.

It also provides improved access ahead of major industry events such as Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.

The route will also benefit South Africans travelling to Australia for business, education and family purposes, reinforcing two-way mobility and economic participation.

Tourism performance from Australia continues to show strong growth:
• Arrivals from Australia in 2025 are nearly 30% higher than in 2024.
• Arrivals are now 10% above pre-COVID levels, signalling not only recovery but sustained expansion.

The new direct flight is also expected to play a strategic role as South Africa prepares to host major international sporting events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, further strengthening sporting and cultural ties between the two nations.

“Sport has always been a powerful bridge between South Africa and Australia. This service strengthens that bond even further,” the Minister said.

Minister De Lille further highlighted that South African Tourism will work closely with Qantas and industry partners to stimulate demand and ensure the long-term success of the route, while also positioning South Africa as an accessible gateway for travellers from across the wider Oceania region, including New Zealand.

“South Africa is rising. Tourism is thriving. And the world is taking notice. This new route brings new opportunities, new partnerships, and new travellers. South Africa awaits, and we cannot wait to welcome visitors who will arrive because of this flight,” the Minister concluded.

Three persons of interest identified in “Witness D” murder case

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National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says the police have identified three persons of interest that they believe can assist in solving the murder case of Marius Van Der Merwe.

“We are closing in on these suspects as our investigations reach a very advanced and sensitive stage,” General Masemola said on Monday.

Addressing the media after visiting the family of Van der Merwe in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, Masemola said linked to the murder of Van Der Merwe, the police are investigating two other cases which is the murder case in Duduza and the attempted murder of Van Der Merwe in September 2025 in which he indicated that there were two white males that were following him in a Mahindra Bakkie.

“We are still looking for the murder weapon that was used in the commission of this crime,” the Commissioner said.

The possible motive for the murder is still under investigation. Additionally, the police have found a vehicle they believe was used in the commission of the crimes.

“At this stage, we do believe that the white Chevrolet bakkie that was abandoned in Alexandra township, right here in Johannesburg fits the description of the vehicle that we have been looking for,” he said.

According to a police preliminary investigation, the vehicle was abandoned on Saturday morning by two men, just hours after Van Der Merwe was shot and killed on Friday evening.

“Our crime scene experts as well as our vehicle crime investigation unit were at the scene in Alexandra where the car was found. The car was found on a gravel dead end road, amongst shacks. We have taken the car to our forensic laboratory for further analysis.”

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home.

Van der Merwe had testified at the Madlanga Commission as Witness D.

Prior to visiting the Van der Merwe family, Masemola visited the Saulsville mass shooting scene west of Pretoria.

Masemola said the investigating team is confident that there will soon be a breakthrough in the case.

“We are still investigating the motive of this incident, we do have an idea of what may have led to this incident, however intelligence is still gathering and analysing information that has been received.

“We have registered 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder cases. We have also charged the owner of the room who is one of the injured and is in hospital for operating a tavern without a valid liquor license,” he said.

In the Saulsville incident, police confirmed that 11 of those shot suffered fatal injuries, with the latest victim having succumbed to injuries while being treated at Kalafong hospital where all the victims had been taken to.

Among the dead are a three-year-old and a 12-year-old child. The 14 others that were injured and are being treated in hospital.

The Commissioner said three suspects are still at large, but the detectives and uniformed police are working around the clock to find the killers.

Western Cape launches major road-safety blitz

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Over 600 Western Cape provincial officers and more than 300 vehicles will be deployed across the Western Cape this festive season to ensure that residents and visitors travel safely across the province.

The purpose of this campaign is simple: to make sure every person using our roads feels safe, protected, and able to reach those important moments with friends and family.

This was revealed on Saturday 6th December, at the Western Cape Mobility Department’s 2025 Festive Season Road Safety launch event held in Beaufort West, one of the province’s busiest travel corridors. The plan highlights the Western Cape Government’s commitment to going above and beyond to protect road users during the peak holiday period.

Our roads are connecting people coming together to celebrate, to find joy, to rest, relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. The Western Cape Government will be working night and day to ensure that our roads are safe.

Speaking at the launch, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said this year’s approach is designed to ensure that every resident and visitor reaches their destination safely. “One life lost is one too many.

We enter this festive season with an unwavering determination to ensure that everyone is safe on our roads. We have a comprehensive, well-coordinated plan, but we cannot do this alone. Road safety is up to all of us, so please follow the rules of the road and take frequent breaks.” said Minister Sileku.

“We want to see sons and daughters reunited with parents after a year at school. We want to see brothers meeting up after months apart working in different parts of the province. We want friends to meet in a coastal town and enjoy a braai together reflecting on the year that was,” added Minister Sileku.

Key components of the festive season plan

The Western Cape has rolled out one of its most extensive safety operations to date. Core elements include:
*665 traffic officers deployed around the clock across the province
*A fleet of over 300 traffic vehicles
*Fully operational Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT) centres and mobile units for alcohol enforcement
*Mobile Vehicle Testing Units to monitor roadworthiness, especially in the public transport and freight sectors
*High-visibility patrols to reduce speeding, distracted driving and reckless behaviour
*Fatigue-management interventions along long-distance routes such as the N1, N2 and N7
*Targeted pedestrian safety operations in high-risk areas

The plan also includes joint efforts with SAPS, EMS, municipal traffic services, and various safety partners, ensuring a coordinated and rapid response to incidents. Weather and disaster contingencies form part of the integrated operational approach.

Throughout the festive period, the Department will run a multi-platform awareness and behaviour-change campaign focusing on fatigue, pedestrian safety, alcohol abuse, speeding, and vehicle fitness.

"Enforcement alone cannot change behaviour. Every motorist, passenger and pedestrian has a role to play. Check your vehicle, rest often, be patient, be vigilant, and never drink and drive. Let us work together to ensure a safer festive season for all,” said Maxine Bezuidenhout, the Department’s Chief Director: Traffic Management.

Minister Sileku extended his appreciation to all officers and emergency teams working throughout the festive season. “I wish every traffic officer, SAPS member, EMS responder, municipal traffic officer, and disaster management team strength and safety during this period. Your commitment and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of our road safety response, and we thank you for your service,” he said.

The Western Cape Government reminds all residents and visitors that road safety is a shared responsibility. Motorists are urged to rest between long trips, obey the rules of the road, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and respect the instructions of law enforcement officials. Pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossings, wear visible clothing, and avoid walking near roadways while intoxicated.

“Together, let us ensure that every journey ends safely. Let us all return safely home this festive season,” Minister Sileku concluded.