Two suspects are due to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud as well as money laundering linked to scams committed between 2015 and 2019. The duo was arrested yesterday.
The Hawks confirmed that in the first scheme, the pair, aged 50 and 52, allegedly submitted fake agreements and invoices to get money from a finance company involved in factoring and invoice discounting.
“They defrauded a finance company that specialised in factoring and invoice discounting by submitting falsified agreements and invoices to secure funds in excess of R240 million from the factoring business, resulting in a loss of more than R20 million,” the Hawks said.
In another incident, a couple invested R4.4 million, which included pension funds, into what they believed was a finance investment and vehicle pawn business.
“They were promised high monthly returns on their investments, but it never materialised and later it emerged to be false,” the Hawks added.
Furthermore, the suspects defrauded an investor who entered into a business venture to supply her with 25 tons of beef omasum.
“She paid R750 000 as a deposit for the R1 500 000 purchase price in July 2018. The suspects, however, never secured the product despite promises. Investors’ monies were misappropriated and used for personal gain.”
Cape Town communities have said “no” to rubbish and launched cleaning up initiatives in many communities. According to the City, its officials assisted 80 of these community-led clean-ups. Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Grant Twiggs, says by April (in the current financial year), the directorate has supported several community-led clean-ups by providing refuse bags and the removal of bagged waste for disposal.
Dozens of Cape Town communities have said “no” to rubbish
These clean-ups are an important example of how communities can work with the City to improve local cleanliness outcomes and push back against illegal dumping.
“We want to sincerely thank every community group, organisation and resident who has stepped forward to make a difference in their area,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Grant Twigg.
Twigg added, “Cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods are not only built through municipal services, but also through active community ownership and pride in shared spaces.”
A clean-up initiative on World Environmental Health Day.
Commemorating World Environmental Health Day
Community involvement remains one of the most effective ways to improve the condition of public spaces over time. When residents are visible and active in caring for an area, it can help to build a stronger sense of ownership. It also discourages illegal dumping. It also increases the likelihood that dumping and littering behaviour will be addressed.
A clean-up initiative on World Environmental Health Day.
Communities involved
“When communities get involved, it sends a strong message that neglect and dumping will not be accepted as normal. It also helps to create an environment where residents are more likely to report illegal dumping,” said Twigg. He says community members will also work together to protect the areas they live in.
Other community groups and organisations interested in arranging City support for a clean-up initiative can access the application form and guidelines on the City’s website.
Traffic Officer Cadets are needed, and this is your opportunity to throw your name in the hat. The Provincial Department has asked eligible candidates to send in their applications for its Traffic Officer Cadet bursary programme as soon as possible. You are reminded that the closing date is 5 May.
Traffic Officer Cadets needed
The programme offers applicants the opportunity to complete a Further Education and Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement. The 12-month training programme will commence on 8 June 2026 at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell. Successful applicants will be trained and prepared for deployment as Traffic Officers across various traffic centres in the Western Cape.
Closing date next week
The Department also notes, with concern, the various online scams that falsely advertise traffic officer training and request payment from prospective applicants.
Residents are strongly cautioned that:
No payment is required to apply for this bursary programme
Applications can only be submitted through the official Western Cape Government Jobs webpage
Grab this opportunity
“This bursary programme offers a valuable opportunity for young people to build a career in law enforcement while making a real impact on road safety in the Western Cape. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply before the closing date of 5 May. We also caution residents about the various scams targeting applicants. There are no fees required for this programme,” said Maxine Bezuidenhout, Chief Director Traffic Management.
Bezuidenhout added that if you are passionate about road safety and keen to help make a difference on Western Cape roads, you can submit an application.
Penny, Randall Page, Beauty and Paris Ardendorf.PHOTO: Jackie Wernberg
A book fair for the love of donkeys, and the majority of the books will be sold at R30 each. If you fancy a drive to the Platteland, now is the time to start planning.
Hansel. PHOTO: Jackie Wernberg
A book fair for the love of donkeys
Book lovers can look forward to browsing to their heart’s content at the popular annual Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary Book Fair. You can look for fiction, travel stories, children’s books, cookbooks, poetry collections, or rare and precious books. There will be thousands of new and second-hand books to choose from. Fresh new selections will be unpacked daily during the run of the event.
Donkey Care, Welfare and Farm Manager Stan Davidoff and Hansel. PHOTO: Jackie Wernberg
Buy books for the winter at the Fair
The majority of the books will be sold at R30 each. Additionally, there will be beautiful coffee table books that will be individually priced. For collectors, a selection of rare books will be available in the form of a silent auction. Interested parties can view the books and put forward their bids on forms that will be available at the display table. The highest bidder will be notified of their purchase.
Penny. PHOTO: Jackie Wernberg
World Donkey Day on 8 May
Eseltjiesrus near McGregor is a permanent home for elderly, neglected, and abused donkeys. Here, they are allowed to comfortably spend the rest of their lives in the company of other donkeys from similar dismal circumstances. The donkeys are individually named and receive daily care according to their age and needs.
In 2001, Dr Johan & Annemarie van Zijl of McGregor village in the Western Cape of South Africa responded to a request from the SPCA to provide shelter for two badly neglected donkeys. The two fellows arrived and were named Vaal & Japie – “vaaljapie” is an Afrikaans term for everyday wine. Soon it became evident that there were many other donkeys similarly in desperate need of food, water, shelter and care. Eseltjiesrus was formally registered in 2007. At the time, a donkey named Adam was the first to arrive in donkey-paradise.
A day in the life of Donkey Care at Eseltjiesrus:
Each day, the donkeys enjoy their breakfast at 8 am. While they eat, the carers move among them to make sure that they are eating well and have no injuries or health concerns. Then the staff get their grooming brushes ready for morning care. This involves greeting, brushing and stroking each donkey. This loving routine also includes the cleaning of hooves and the application of fly repellent. The donkeys then move off into the spacious farmland to graze, while the carers do their chores.
The last meal of the day will be at 4 pm, after which the donkeys are individually checked again and tucked in for the night. Sometimes there are visits from a vet, a farrier, or a donkey-dentist. The donkeys are always the team`s top priority.
Penny, Randall Page, Beauty and Paris Ardendorf. PHOTO: Jackie Wernberg
Stock up on some great reading material for the winter ahead!
Eseltjiesrus also handles inquiries from all over the country about good care practices for donkeys. Most problems arise from ignorance or the misconception that donkeys do not require regular handling and care. This educational assistance provided by the sanctuary makes a significant difference in improving public knowledge of donkey care. Every book sold will help with the care and rehabilitation of these retired donkeys. The success of this year’s Book Fair in Robertson will thus play an indispensable role in the upcoming year’s work and activities at Eseltjiesrus.
Comic Con Cape Town 2026 is here! The doors to this spectacular event opened on Thursday at the CTICC. About 36,000 fans will visit the exhibitions and other events at the Foreshore venue from 30 April to 3 May. If you wanted to get a ticket for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you are too late; they are sold out. However, there are still tickets available for Thursday, 30 April.
Past Comic Con Cape Town events.
Comic Con Cape Town 2026 is almost here!
Comic Con Cape Town is a gamer’s delight. This is for all skill levels, from casual players to seasoned pros. Fans can discover a variety of free-to-play games, thrilling tournaments, and South Africa’s top esports spectacles.
Join in and Cosplay at Comic Con. It’s a celebration of self-expression, creativity, and community. Comic Con Cape Town is a welcoming and inclusive space for Cosplayers of all levels. Fans are invited to showcase their creativity, and they could win awesome prizes by strutting their stuff in the daily Casual Cosplay Competition held on the Main Stage.
Past Comic Con Cape Town events.
Comic Con: Unleash your inner shopaholic
Fans should get ready to unleash their inner shopaholic at Comic Con Cape Town. Their dedicated ground-floor shopping area will satisfy every shopper’s needs. Con-goers will discover a treasure trove of original artwork, comics, and merchandise.
Fans at Comic Con will get to meet stars from popular TV shows, movies, and web series. Comic Con Cape Town has announced the appearance of Dragon Ball Z legend Christopher Sabat (Vegeta), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter), and Jason Liebrecht (Dabi in My Hero Academia). One Piece fans can look forward to appearances from favourites including Callum Kerr (Smoker), Steven John Ward (Mihawk), and Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), and so many more.
Past Comic Con Cape Town events.
Free-to-play campaigns
Now in the Level 1 Protea Room, fans can step away from their screens and immerse themselves in the realm of imagination and creativity. Free-to-play campaigns for traditional titles like Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon TCG, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Star Wars Unlimited, all presented by Unplug Yourself.
Fans can immerse themselves in a world of artistic brilliance at Artist Alley. With 111 talented creators, this is the place to discover unique artwork and support the local pop culture art scene.
Past Comic Con Cape Town events.
Things to do
Join Comic Con for a day filled with fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories. A world of toys awaits discovery, along with interactive activities, and kids’ favourite characters walking the halls. Noodle and Bun, the Minions, and Sea Harvest’s Incredible Hake, Omega Mind, and Captain Crisp are all heading to Comic Con for epic meet-and-greets.
The fun doesn’t have to end when the Con doors close! Join Comic Con for the After Dark events – with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital Trust. 30 April is the Comedy Night at Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, and on 1 May, Truth Coffee is hosting Coffee and Comics after hours.
Past Comic Con Cape Town events.
Game All Day
Comic Con Cape Town is more than just a convention. It’s a vibrant festival. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the sprawling outdoor area. Fans can take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Whether they’re with family or friends, fans can soak up the energy, grab a drink or a bite at the Food Truck Village, and enjoy the music.
The Ultimate Family Day Out
This year, Comic Con has awesome activations from major brands. Capitec is bringing the Fandom Force HQ, turning Con fans into Heroes. HintHunt returns with escape rooms, and Fanta’s Xbox collaboration features interactive experiences, merchandise, and gaming pods. Burger King is bringing their recently launched Mandalorian & Grogu merch and other treats. Fans can also expect miniature painting, CapeLUG LEGO displays, Dance Dance Revolution comps, and plenty more.
