Three young men were murdered in Gugulethu

8 October 2025

robbers - A security guard has been shot and killed in Gugulethu — Image: Gugulethu Police Station

Three young men were murdered in Gugulethu. A manhunt has been launched to find the perpetrators. Police say the killings took place on Tuesday evening, 7 October 2025, at around 18:30, in the Lotus informal settlement, in Gugulethu.

Three young men were murdered in Gugulethu

Western Cape Police spokesperson, Andre Traut, says the men who were killed were all in their twenties. Colonel Traut says, according to reports, the victims were attacked by unknown gunmen who opened fire on them. The suspects then fled the scene. He says, at this stage, the motive for the attack has not yet been established.

Another Cape triple murder

Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit were deployed to investigate. Traut says they are pursuing all leads to trace and apprehend those responsible for the murders. He says Police Management has strongly condemned the senseless act of violence. At the same time, the investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice has been prioritised.

Call for information

A call has been made to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to contact the authorities. Also, if you have information that could assist in the probe, your cooperation is sought. You can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application. Traut added that all information received will be treated confidentially.

The City of Cape Town’s electricity price hike has kicked in

Smile Staff Reporter

1 July 2025

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated a 12.80% electricity price hike. The correct average increase is 7% for residential and commercial customers in 2025/26. We regret the error and have corrected the information accordingly.

The City of Cape Town’s electricity price hike has kicked in. It appears fuel and gas are not the only utility cost increases you’re faced with this month, as City of Cape Town residents can expect to fork out more for electricity from this month. The City’s approved electricity price hike for the upcoming financial year is on average 7% for residential and commercial customers.

The City’s electricity price hike has kicked in

The good news is that the actual cost per unit for electricity is going down from 1 July 2025 for residents on the Home User Tariff to compensate for the increased service and wires charge.

Domestic Tariff users will also pay less per unit on Energy Block 2, and relatively the same on Energy Block 1 from 2024/25 to compensate for the introduction of the service and wires charge.

The good news

Lifeline customers using 600 units in a month will still pay relatively the same in 2025/26 as they did three years ago in 2022/23. Noting also that the latter customers need to stay within the 450-unit monthly average over 12 months to remain on the Lifeline tariff.

TOP TIPS TO HELP REDUCE HOUSEHOLD COSTS

1. In winter, households typically use more electricity due to factors such as space heating and water heating through geysers. The increased winter electricity usage, which coincides with the annual tariff increases that come into effect from 1 July, impacts bills. Use less, and pay less.

2. Buying electricity units in bulk might push a customer into a more expensive tariff category. Buy amounts only as you need them, and keep them under 600 units per month where feasible.

3. Don’t stockpile electricity units now at the current price ahead of the increase from 1 July. This might push customers into a higher price category, over 600 units for June.

4. Switch geysers on for only an hour or two per day. Reduce the geyser temperature to 60 degrees Celsius.

5. Taking a short shower uses five times less electricity and 80% less water than taking a bath.

6. Switch to LED bulbs as they use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

7. Kettle boiling: Boil only the water required or store the boiled water in a flask to keep warm.

8. Households can reduce water costs by reducing their usage.

9. Don’t flush the toilet in a rush. Flush only when necessary, and don’t use the toilet bowl as a dustbin.

10. Although tariffs comprise a fixed and usage component, there is room for savings in the usage component of the tariffs.

The cost of electricity to City-supplied residential customers

‘Overall, the cost of electricity to City-supplied residential customers is going up by a maximum of R109,09 (VAT included) for Home User categories, with Domestic at R70,33 (VAT included). The average increase across all user categories (residential and commercial) is 7,2%, considerably less when compared with the more than 11% national Eskom increase.

The per unit cost for electricity is going down from 1 July 2025 for residents on the Home User Tariff to compensate for the increased service and wires charge. Domestic Tariff users will also pay less per unit on Energy Block 2, and relatively the same on Energy Block 1 from 2024/25 to compensate for the introduction of the service and wires charge.

High-demand winter months

Lifeline customers using 600 units monthly will pay about the same in 2025/26 as they did in 2022/23. They can exceed 450 units during high-demand winter months and still qualify for lifeline rates, provided that their 12-month average stays at or below 450 units.

“Ensuring that we are able to pay for electricity service delivery while at the same time investing in energy security for a future-fit city is vital,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg.

READ MORE: Cape Town’s electricity tariffs

Ryan has jobs for you

Rughsaar Bibi Ismail

20 December 2023

The Pollen Report

Rughsaar Bibi Ismail

1 September 2023

The Pollen Report provides allergy sufferers with a day-to-day guide on pollen levels for Cape Town specifically, as well as for other major cities in South Africa. It gives practical information on the types of pollen in the air and alerts allergy sufferers, particularly asthmatics, when to stay indoors and curtail their activities. Information is presented by Dr Jonny Peters, Head of the Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at UCT.

This pollen report is brought to you by FEXO, the no sneeze, no snooze, ALLERGY TABLET that provides RELIEF for up to 24 hours.

Celebrate Hope this Mandela Month with FUTURELIFE and the Nelson Mandela Foundation

Rughsaar Bibi Ismail

22 June 2022

“It’s all about the future of our children, and about their chances in life. Children are so honest, uncomplicated, and full of love. If we can bring opportunity to children, we can help them realise their true potential. Children are our future.” – Nelson Mandela

During July, FUTURELIFE will be celebrating Mandela Month with the goal of providing a million meals for vulnerable children. To help deliver on this ambitious plan, FUTURELIFE has partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation Early Childhood Development Programme and is inviting all South Africans to join them in this much-needed initiative.

Did you know that…

4.6 million children will go to bed hungry tonight.
27% of all children under the age of 5 years are nutritionally stunted.
76% of children under the age of 4 do not have access to pre-schools.

That’s why FUTURELIFE has partnered with The Nelson Mandela Foundation as part of their mission to distribute over 5 million highly nutritious meals for vulnerable children and to build a pre-school. FUTURELIFE Smart Food has been formulated with Moducare, a daily immune supplement and contain 50% of your daily requirements for all 19 vitamins and minerals.

FUTURELIFE Smart Food is also high in energy, Protein, Omega-3 and fibre. FUTURELIFE has created a unique SMART FOOD Mandela pack that is available at all retailers and online at www.futurelife.com.

To find out how you can contribute, tune in to Smile Breakfast with Bobby and Lindy, look for the special FUTURELIFE Mandela pack in store, or click here.

<a>Podcast stream by Fabrik.fm</a>

Smile 90.4FM proudly supports FUTURELIFE and The Nelson Mandela Foundation this Mandela Month.

We hope you enjoy your ice cream

Rughsaar Bibi Ismail

21 March 2022

Thank you for visiting the Smile Ice Cream Van.

Fill in the form below to win your share of R10 000 worth of data from MTN.

The Smile Ice Cream Van is crafted by Gelato Mania and powered by MTN.

This form is currently closed for submissions.

Le Petit Chef is in Cape Town

Rughsaar Bibi Ismail

9 March 2022

DinnerTimeStoriesSA | Le Petit Chef Southern Africa is a mind blowing, innovative, unique, internationally acclaimed, gastronomic experience full of ‘Never Before Seen In CPT’ tabletop projected fun and surprises.

The unparalleled 3D gastronomic experience is open to Cape Town diners at The Capital 15 on Orange for the first time, from 17 March 2022.

“Here, next to the globe’s most famous tabletop, I assemble a culinary world wonder…” declares Le Petit Chef.

Immerse yourself in a 3D, high definition, projected extravaganza that allows you to travel through the big, exciting and flavourful world of the intrepid explorer Marco Polo! Before your very eyes and nose, Le Petit Chef will manufacture world wonders to share his gourmet adventure, designed from his experiences along the Silk Route of Asia.

Le Petit Chef : In The Footsteps of Marco Polo is accompanied by an awe-inspiring and mouth-watering six course dinner, infused with the essence of each country passed through.

Your authentic culinary journey begins as you traverse the Asian continent through the desert sands of Arabia, the dripping colours of India, the peaks of the Himalayas, the heavy mists of China, returning to the point of origin in the romantic cobbled streets Marseilles, France.

Cape Town shows include live Arabian belly and fire dancing, with Bollywood and Chinese LED, which will transport you to each Silk Route country sans passport.

Le Petit Chef as an individual, and as an event, understands the power of those things small, so, while the gourmet dining theatre hosts 64 seats per show, the entertainment remains top-notch, and your tastebuds are titillated as ever before, rest assured that your health and safety remains a priority.

Click here to book!

UPDATE: Mass Shooting in Marikana leaves 8 dead, 2 injured

Liesl Smit

17 January 2026

Cape Town police have confirmed that an eighth victim of a mass shooting in Marikana informal settlement late on Friday night has died in hospital due to injuries sustained.

An investigation is underway into a mass shooting that initially killed seven people on the scene, with three others injured.

According to the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, the shooting took place shortly after midnight, at around 00:15 on Friday, 17 January 2026, at a shebeen on Protea Road.

The victims who died include one woman and six men, all aged between 30 and 50.

Police did not release the sex of the 8th victim, who has now passed away in the hospital.

Two men remain in hospital, with eight cases of murder and two of attempted murder now being investigated.

At this stage, police believe the incident may be linked to extortion-related activity in the area. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.

The South African Police Service has condemned the attack in the strongest terms and says it is committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice. The suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated as confidential.

Meanwhile, the MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has revealed more details about the shooting.

She says preliminary reports suggest three armed males entered the premises while it was operating and opened fire on patrons.

According to Marais, the tavern owner is among the dead.

The MEC has extended her condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.

“I urge SAPS to deploy a strong, specialised investigation team to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are swiftly identified, apprehended, and made to face the full might of the law.”

“Communities are living in constant fear as criminals run rampant. The SAPS must urgently resource all priority precincts and fill vacancies so that all serious crimes are solved and those responsible are prosecuted.”

Premier Alan Winde has indicated that he and MEC Marais will be meeting with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia within the next three weeks to discuss urgent policing needs in the province.

*This article has been updated since it was first published

WSAR Rescue teams in high demand this summer season

Danielle Mentoor

16 January 2026

wsar - hikers summer wsar — Image supplied

While many residents and visitors enjoyed a summer weekend with family and friends, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers were once again on the front lines, responding to multiple incidents across the Western Cape in exceptionally hot and demanding conditions.

The festive season has placed sustained pressure on rescue services. During December alone, WSAR teams responded to 25 incidents, with a further 13 already recorded in January.

The past weekend saw three separate operations, ranging from a technically complex stretcher rescue on Lion’s Head to helicopter-assisted evacuations in Jonkershoek and Platteklip Gorge.

On Saturday morning, teams were called to Lion’s Head after a 28-year-old hiker injured her leg while descending the trail above the first ladder. After being assessed and treated on scene by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, she was secured in a stretcher.

Due to the steep and exposed terrain, rescuers set up rope systems to safely lower her down technical sections of the trail. She was later transported by ambulance to hospital.

On Sunday afternoon, rescue teams were deployed to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch, where a 57-year-old hiker had fallen near the First Waterfall. Given the terrain and her injuries, an EMS/Air Mercy Service rescue helicopter was requested.

She was hoisted from the trail and flown to a nearby landing zone before being taken to hospital. This incident concluded shortly before 16h00.

Later that day, teams responded to Platteklip Gorge to assist two hikers from the Netherlands, aged 56 and 66, suffering from heat exhaustion. Both were evacuated by helicopter, with the incident concluding at 18h18.

[LISTEN] Does Lion’s Head Actually Look Like a Lion?

16 January 2026

Joburg content creator Ryan Smith rolled into Cape Town with a hot take that had locals *fuming*: Lion’s Head doesn’t actually look like a lion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Smith (@ryan.smith)

Before jetting off [please stay Ryan! We wanna show you something lol], he messaged Angel and team defending himself and his fellow Joburgers and the sane Capetonians who know what Lion’s Head actually is.

But here’s the thing—Ryan might have a point. While Angel Campey and Dean are swearing they can *totally* see the lion, Eugene’s suggesting that maybe someone’s had a little too much festive cheer and tree-based recreation. (We’re not saying edibles, but… if it looks like a duck…)

This got the debate going on the show, and honestly? We’re living for the chaos and Capetonians try settle this once and for all: is Cape Town’s most iconic landmark actually just an elaborate optical illusion, or is Ryan just a jealous “Vallie” with trolling skills to level 3000?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Its 50/50 it seems.

Thank you Ryan for visiting and enjoying what our beautiful city! We love you!

City’s Safety and Security Directorate Brings Joy to Children at St Joseph’s Paediatric Care Facility

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

16 January 2026

Laughter and excitement filled the halls of St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care Facility in Montana, as the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate handed over educational toys worth over R30,000 to the children at the centre earlier today.

The toys were bought with proceeds from a fundraising fun run hosted by the Directorate last October at the Rondebosch Common, which saw more than 500 participants from across the department come together for a good cause.

Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee stressed that the initiative was about more than just raising funds, but bringing joy to those in need.

“It’s about connecting with some of our most vulnerable residents and showing them that their community cares. I want to commend the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.”

St Joseph’s, a non-profit organisation (NGO) plays a unique role in the lives of medically fragile children, acting as a transitional facility between hospital and home. Children typically spend six months at the centre, receiving free nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and guidance for their parents on medical conditions and medication adherence.

Sister Audrey Gourrah, Head of Nursing at St Joseph’s expressed sincere gratitude to all those involved in making the hand over possible.

“What made today especially meaningful wasn’t just the toys, it was seeing our children celebrated, engaged, and included. It really reflects the spirit of community that underpins our work.”

The event brought together staff from various branches of the Directorate, including Fire & Rescue, Disaster Risk Management, and Therapy Services, who shared smiles and laughter with the children while presenting the toys.

Department of Social Development Refutes False Reports on SRD Grant

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

16 January 2026

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has distanced itself from posts circulating on social media, claiming that the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant is due to end.

The SRD grant provides temporary financial assistance to vulnerable South Africans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amid uncertainty over the future of the SRD grant, Acting Head of Communication Sandy Godlwana says DSD has issued a stern warning against the spread of misleading information.

“The Department further cautions that it is unlawful to use the official image of the Minister or the Department’s logo without authorisation, particularly for the purpose of spreading misinformation. Such actions are misleading and constitute a misrepresentation of government communication.”

While the SRD grant will continue for the time being, the government has not yet made a decision regarding its status beyond March 2027.

Oliver Meth, Head of Communications at Black Sash, says the panic caused by the fake news highlights just how heavily many disadvantaged South Africans rely on the grant.

“The panic caused by the rumours reminds us that people depend on the grant to survive. Our position is clear: the grant should not only continue, but be made permanent and extended beyond a temporary intervention.”

Godlwana urges the public to disregard social media videos and posts making unverified claims and to rely solely on official government communication channels for updates.

“DSD strongly discourages the creation and circulation of fake news that causes unnecessary panic and distress among social grant beneficiaries.”

Official information is published through:

Department of Social Development (DSD) website
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
National Development Agency (NDA) official platforms
Verified government social media pages
DSD WhatsApp Channel

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Three young men were murdered in Gugulethu

Another Cape triple murder

Call for information

The City’s electricity price hike has kicked in

The good news

TOP TIPS TO HELP REDUCE HOUSEHOLD COSTS

The cost of electricity to City-supplied residential customers

High-demand winter months

“I urge SAPS to deploy a strong, specialised investigation team to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are swiftly identified, apprehended, and made to face the full might of the law.”

“Communities are living in constant fear as criminals run rampant. The SAPS must urgently resource all priority precincts and fill vacancies so that all serious crimes are solved and those responsible are prosecuted.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Its 50/50 it seems.

Thank you Ryan for visiting and enjoying what our beautiful city! We love you!

“It’s about connecting with some of our most vulnerable residents and showing them that their community cares. I want to commend the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.”

“What made today especially meaningful wasn’t just the toys, it was seeing our children celebrated, engaged, and included. It really reflects the spirit of community that underpins our work.”

“The Department further cautions that it is unlawful to use the official image of the Minister or the Department’s logo without authorisation, particularly for the purpose of spreading misinformation. Such actions are misleading and constitute a misrepresentation of government communication.”

“The panic caused by the rumours reminds us that people depend on the grant to survive. Our position is clear: the grant should not only continue, but be made permanent and extended beyond a temporary intervention.”

“DSD strongly discourages the creation and circulation of fake news that causes unnecessary panic and distress among social grant beneficiaries.”

Click here for T&cs