Parliament has begun its inquiry into gang violence in the Western Cape. It opened its investigation with the Parliamentary Summit on Gang-Related Violence on Wednesday, which also involved affected members of the public, researchers and policing authorities in the discussion. The inquiry is aimed at examining the causes and effects of gang-related violence, including the criminal networks, illicit firearms, drug markets and financial systems that sustain gangs. Portfolio Committee
A Grade 11 learner has died at a school in Strand. Meanwhile, Strand Police say a post-mortem will be conducted following the death of the learner at a local high school. A Grade 11 learner has died at a school in Strand The 17-year-old died on the school’s premises on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, about 12:08. The young man who died at Strand Secondary School in Onverwacht Road was named Tapiwa.
Scenes of violence erupted in Bellville on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, as anti-illegal immigration groups March and March and Operation Dudula demonstrated in the streets. The South African Police Service (SAPS) says several shops were looted during the protests, prompting the deployment of public order police to the area. SAPS spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala says two people were arrested in connection with separate incidents during the demonstrations. According to police, an adult
The Western Cape Government has officially announced its new MEC for Education. ALSO READ: WCED learner admissions process under fire in Parliament – Smile 90.4FM MEC Jaco Londt takes the reins following the departure of now-national government Minister David Maynier. Londt moves to Education after serving as Social Development MEC since June 2024. The provincial government praised him for his achievements during his tenure, having expanded its GBV Ambassador Programme
Teaching and learning is continuing as normal at Blossom Street Primary School in Athlone, despite reports of alleged inappropriate behaviour against the acting principal. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says the accused is currently not at the school while the department investigates the allegations. “The Department takes these allegations extremely seriously and is cooperating fully with the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of an ongoing police inquiry
