Traffic Officers Strike Blow Against Drug Trade in George Operation

17 April 2026

One suspect was arrested after Western Cape Provincial Traffic officers carried out a stop-and-check operation in George last night in what officials say is part of ongoing efforts to take drugs off the streets.

Officers stopped a white VW Polo at the Thembalethu on-ramp (N2) towards Pacaltsdorp. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of three bags of compressed dagga.

In addition to the drugs, officers seized R15 650 in cash, two cellphones, multiple SIM cards, and banking details linked to suspected drug activity.

A passenger in the vehicle was arrested on charges of dealing in dagga and was also found to be undocumented.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout says the recovery of financial records and contact lists is a major breakthrough, as it may help expose wider criminal networks operating in the Garden Route district.

“In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, traffic officers are empowered to act when criminal offences are detected during roadblocks, patrols, and weighbridge operations,” she said.

She added that removing illegal drugs and the proceeds of crime is essential in disrupting the drug trade while also improving road safety.

“These activities are often linked to reckless and dangerous behaviour on our roads,” she said.

Two cold fronts set to hit Cape Town this weekend

Danielle Mentoor

17 April 2026

Capetonians have been urged to take cover this weekend as two cold fronts are moving across the metro. While no severe warnings are forecasted, the City of Cape Town says it presents an opportunity for residents to conduct pre-winter assessments and mitigate the risk of potential impacts ahead of the winter season.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), there is a chance of light to moderate showers until Sunday.

The SAWS added that the cold fronts will bring cold, wet and windy conditions over the western interior parts of the country, including the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

“Significant rainfall is expected over these regions, accompanied by strong winds as well as a notable drop in daytime temperatures,”

Wind speeds are expected to pick up towards the latter part of the weekend, with a yellow level-2 warning for wind and wave damage from late on Saturday until Monday.

Weather outlook for Friday & Saturday, 17 – 18 April 2026.
Cloudy & cold to cool conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers possible over most parts of the country except the extreme north-eastern parts and the western interior on Saturday. #saws pic.twitter.com/wE11zCI1Ax
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 15, 2026

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said that if the predicted showers and wind are significant enough, they could help residents identify any potential faults on their properties. This includes leaks, loose roof tiles or sheets, and any other weather-related risks that could pose challenges once winter truly sets in.

Smith has urged the public to do checks around the home this weekend and make a list of anything that needs attention.

“More preparation means improved mitigation of major impacts during severe weather spells, which in turn relieves the pressure on emergency, enforcement and other service departments,” added Smith

Smiht added that the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre coordinates Cape Town’s planning and response to any adverse weather-related impacts.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says they are ramping up their Flood-wise campaign, including community-based risk assessments, going door-to-door to assist communities with tips on how they can safeguard themselves and their families.

” – and of course also ensuring that City departments are pulling together through our Winter Readiness Task Team, which meets every two weeks and will switch to weekly meetings from May,” added Powell.

To report any emergency incident, call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

WATCH: South Africa now makes critical molecule for lab-grown meat

Smile Staff Reporter

17 April 2026

A South African biotechnology breakthrough could help make lab-grown meat more affordable and accessible.

Lab-grown meat is considered the future of food because it offers a sustainable, ethical, and efficient alternative to industrial livestock farming.

Local start-up Immobazyme has successfully partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to produce a critical protein used in the cultivation of lab-grown meat.

The molecule, known as fibroblast growth factor 2, or FGF-2, plays a vital role in helping animal cells multiply and grow into meat products in laboratory environments.

“Companies specialising in cell-cultivated meat take a cell from a cow or a fish or a chicken. They take it to the laboratory, and then they make that one cell become many cells, and eventually those many cells become a food product,” says Nick Enslin, Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder of Immobazyme.

Growth factors such as FGF‑2 are added to guide and sustain the meat growth process, but these molecules have traditionally been very expensive to produce and are therefore costly for lab-grown meat companies.

The project, funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency, marks a significant step forward for South Africa’s biomanufacturing sector.

Using specially engineered bacteria and large-scale bioreactors, scientists were able to produce the protein efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional methods.

The process involves growing bacteria under controlled conditions, extracting the protein, and purifying it into a usable form for the cultivated meat industry.

Experts say the successful scale-up, reaching a 50-litre production level, is a first for South Africa and positions the country to compete globally in the fast-growing lab-grown meat market.

Immobazyme says the collaboration has provided valuable technical expertise and opened the door to producing other high-value proteins in future.

Rock Ballads Weekend — powered by BIG Concerts/Bryan Adams LIVE @ GrandWest

Mileanne Kabwe

17 April 2026

Some songs don’t just play… they stay.

The ones that build slowly, hit deeply, and linger long after the final note.

The kind of music that turns a quiet moment into something unforgettable — powerful, emotional, and completely timeless.

This weekend, Smile FM brings you Rock Ballads Weekend — a celebration of the greatest slow-burning rock anthems in history. From soaring vocals to iconic guitar solos, it’s all about the songs that traded speed for intensity and left their mark on generations.

Join us Saturday and Sunday, 18 & 19 April, from 9am, as we turn down the tempo and turn up the feels.

Powered by BIG Concerts — Rock with Bryan Adams | Roll with the Punches Tour | LIVE at Grandwest, 23 April.

Rock Ballads Weekend.
Only on Smile FM.

WATCH: Chaos, as thousands turn up for job opportunity event in Athlone

Caitlin Maledo

17 April 2026

An event aimed at providing employment opportunities turned sour on Thursday, as chaos erupted at the Athlone Stadium.

The event, called A Day of 1000 Opportunities, was organised by the City of Cape Town and hosted by CapeBPO at the stadium. Anyone between 18 and 34 years was invited to attend, as a direct path to job opportunities with several companies represented at the event.

At midday on Thursday, the City advised that more than 25,000 people had queued for the occasion that morning.

At that time, the City advised that no more jobseekers would be admitted to the stadium “due to capacity constraints”.

It is not exactly clear what led to the chaos that ensued, but several people were later seen in video footage being attended to by police.

The City further clarified claims that shots were fired outside the stadium.

“Claims that shots were fired on the crowd are false and unfounded. SAPS Public Order Policing made use of a stun grenade to maintain crowd control outside the stadium,” read the City’s statement.

It further confirmed that several people sustained injuries due to the overcrowding, but noted that they were immediately assisted by emergency services on-site.

“The City’s Law Enforcement, SAPS and other safety and security personnel remained on site to ensure the safety of all residents and officials in attendance.”

While the City noted its regret over the incident, it thanked all those who assisted.

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Traffic Officers Strike Blow Against Drug Trade in George Operation

“In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, traffic officers are empowered to act when criminal offences are detected during roadblocks, patrols, and weighbridge operations,” she said.

“These activities are often linked to reckless and dangerous behaviour on our roads,” she said.

Two cold fronts set to hit Cape Town this weekend

“Significant rainfall is expected over these regions, accompanied by strong winds as well as a notable drop in daytime temperatures,”

“More preparation means improved mitigation of major impacts during severe weather spells, which in turn relieves the pressure on emergency, enforcement and other service departments,” added Smith

” – and of course also ensuring that City departments are pulling together through our Winter Readiness Task Team, which meets every two weeks and will switch to weekly meetings from May,” added Powell.

WATCH: South Africa now makes critical molecule for lab-grown meat

Rock Ballads Weekend — powered by BIG Concerts/Bryan Adams LIVE @ GrandWest

WATCH: Chaos, as thousands turn up for job opportunity event in Athlone

“Claims that shots were fired on the crowd are false and unfounded. SAPS Public Order Policing made use of a stun grenade to maintain crowd control outside the stadium,” read the City’s statement.

“The City’s Law Enforcement, SAPS and other safety and security personnel remained on site to ensure the safety of all residents and officials in attendance.”

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