As authorities intensify their crackdown on drug-related crime, two suspects were arrested in separate incidents in Ravensmead yesterday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the arrests were made within hours of one another, after responding to a tip-off about suspected drug activities at a house in Canterbury Street, Eureka Estate.

“Upon their arrival, a 34-year-old woman was arrested for possession of drugs after she was caught with nine tik sachets and 13 cocaine sachets at her residence.”

SAPS says she will appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court once charged.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man was arrested after a raid at his home in 10th Avenue led to the seizure of drugs as well as money that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“Members discovered a large number of drugs such as ecstasy tablets, sachets of tik, cocaine, and mandrax tablets, including an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was arrested in connection with these drugs and money, and he will appear at Bellville Magistrate’s Court once charged.”

Also read: Delft Drug Bust Uncovers R2.7-Million Mandrax Stash

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has requested heightened police visibility in Lotus River, following a shooting at a primary school in the area this week. 

The department confirmed that the incident took place in the vicinity of Die Duine Primary School on Wednesday afternoon, at around 14:40. 

The incident happened after school hours, as confirmed by WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond. 

“Learners were being dismissed,” Hammond said. 

She further noted that no learners or staff were injured in the incident.  

However, another individual on the scene was wounded.  

“The incident involved a passenger in a parent’s vehicle who sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, no learners or staff members were physically injured.”

Hammond added that psychological support services have been arranged for the school. 

“A request for increased police visibility has also been made,” noted Hammond. 

This incident comes amid several shootings in the broader Grassy Park precinct, with the local Community Policing Forum calling on residents to work with police to tackle ongoing gun violence.  

The CPF’s Nicole Jacobus said there is so much uncertainty about when shootings can occur, and that causes a lot of fear in the community.  

“Our uniform staff, our police, our metro police, law enforcement can’t do this alone, without information. Even now that we have the army in our communities, information still needs to come from somewhere to combat the shooting in our communities,” said Jacobus. 

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has moved quickly to calm fears after false social media messages claimed that public schools would be closed next week.

The department confirmed that schools will remain open on 28, 29, and 30 April.

Learners are reminded that Freedom Day, which falls on Monday, and Workers’ Day, which falls on Friday, 1 May, are the only official school-free days as they are public holidays.

According to the approved 2026 school calendar, all public schools will continue normal teaching and learning next week.

Department spokesperson Terence Khala says the spread of false information is disruptive for families and learners trying to plan their school routines.

“These dates fall within the second term, from 8 April until 26 June, and are not designated as school or public holidays. According to the official 2026 calendar, 28, 29, and 30 April are normal school days. Learners are expected to be at school as planned.”

The City’s reserves will be free this long weekend as it encourages people to enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, you can take photos of fauna or flora and log it on an app. It’s time for the annual City Nature Challenge.

“Over the years, residents have recorded all kinds of weird and wonderful wildlife in Cape Town during the challenge,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews.

The City’s reserves will be free this long weekend

Residents and visitors will need to download the iNaturalist app, get their cameras ready and then photograph all the wildlife (animals or insects) and plants, flowers and trees they can find. Experts will then identify these fauna and flora.

He added, “Residents in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep.”

READ MORE: A list of reserves in the City

Capture Cape Town’s living nature

The City is competing with other countries around the world. Citizens in these international cities try to record the most observations of local plant and animal species. The Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, says if you do not find any live animals, you can even record remnants such as mussel shells or feathers. They are also signs of life.

“We have arranged free entry at all of our reserves for the challenge,” said Andrews.

International competition

Andrews added that all contributions of wildlife are welcome, regardless of the location. He says you can explore a conservation area, a local park or even your backyard. He says a helpful tip for interested residents is to visit the iNaturalist website to get inspired about what is out there to discover, before going out to explore.

Andrews said, “Go and see what is out there!”

MORE ABOUT: City Nature Challenge City Nature Challenge

Take part in the 2026 City Nature Challenge

“The annual City Nature Challenge 2026 is here! The challenge will take place over the coming long weekend from Friday, 24 April until Monday, 27 April 2026. Residents are encouraged to record as many wildlife findings in the city and to upload their photos to the iNaturalist app over this period.”

“Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city can be arranged for interested groups,” said Andrews.