Two people are due to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of drugs, and dealing in drugs.

The couple, aged 23 and 36, were arrested in Woodlands last night after members of Operation Lockdown III followed a tip-off about drugs being stored at a residence in Swallow Road.

Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala says the team immediately proceeded to the address and located the couple inside the house.

“A search of the premises led to the discovery of a yellow plastic bag hidden in the ceiling containing 1,500 mandrax tablets, 625 sachets of cocaine, and 30 sachets of crystal meth, with an estimated value of R191,100.”

 
Further investigation led to the discovery of a second plastic bag containing two pistols, one of which had its serial number removed.

“Officers also seized 186 rounds of ammunition, R20,580 in cash, and R5,460 in collection receipts.”

Wildfires leave lasting scars. The devastating impact of wildfires on the Western Cape landscape is under renewed focus. This follows the release of a special fire series by CapeNature, and in the spotlight, one of the most destructive fire seasons in recent years.

Wildfires leave lasting scars on Cederberg as CapeNature highlights growing climate risks

The most severe blaze tore through the Cederberg Wilderness, igniting on 22 December 2025 at Uitkyk Pass and burning an estimated 53 000 hectares. It was contained on 5 January 2026. The fire swept across protected areas and neighbouring private land, leaving extensive ecological damage in its wake.

The flames have been extinguished

Although the flames have been extinguished, the consequences are far from over. Large sections of the wilderness remain closed, including hiking trails, wild camping areas and key sites. Authorities are assessing safety risks, carrying out rehabilitation and allowing fragile ecosystems time to recover. In fire-prone fynbos landscapes, recovery can take many years – and in some cases decades. The loss of vegetation has already affected biodiversity, tourism and local livelihoods such as farming and small-scale harvesting.

Fire remains a natural part of fynbos ecosystems

Against this backdrop of destruction, experts warn that climate change is intensifying the scale and frequency of wildfires. Unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged heatwaves, shifting wind systems, and irregular rainfall are extending fire seasons. This also increases fire intensity across the province.

The consequences are far from over

CapeNature conservation manager Monique Ruthenberg says fire remains a natural part of fynbos ecosystems, but its behaviour is changing rapidly. She points to human pressure near protected areas, vegetation build-up after recent floods, and longer, hotter summers as key drivers of more severe fires. Climate specialists, including contributors from the World Wildlife Fund South Africa, echo these concerns. They also note that warming temperatures and prolonged dry spells are reshaping fire regimes both locally and globally.

Emergency fire series of the Green Noise podcast

These realities are explored in depth in a newly released emergency fire series of the Green Noise podcast. This went live in April 2026. Through firsthand accounts from firefighters, aerial crews, conservationists and climate experts, the series captures the scale, complexity and human toll of battling wildfires in rugged terrain like the Cederberg. It also examines the environmental and economic fallout long after the smoke has cleared.

The podcast’s impact has gained international recognition

The podcast’s impact has gained international recognition, with Season 3 named a finalist at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2026. This underscores its role in giving voice to nature, sustainability and the realities of climate change.

The Green Noise fire series is available on CapeNature’s website and all major podcast platforms, offering listeners a sobering look at how fire damage, climate change and emergency response are increasingly intertwined in the fight to protect the Western Cape’s natural heritage.

The 18-year-old accused of raping a 3-year-old in Capricorn appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he abandoned his bail application.

He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance on 12 May.

The suspect was arrested earlier this month. While the exact details pertaining to the attack remain unknown, it is confirmed that the sexual assault took place in March this year. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that not many details can be shared due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. This office cannot divulge any further details regarding the investigation.”

The director of Where Rainbows Meet, a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Vrygrond, Mymoena Scholtz, says residents of Muizenberg are in uproar. She says the child was reportedly with the alleged perpetrator for several hours, during which the abuse is believed to have taken place.

While there are speculations that the child was kidnapped by the perpetrator, neither police nor community activists could confirm this.

Scholtz described the incident as deeply disturbing and says it has left the community shocked and traumatised.

“The perpetrators have more rights than the victims, as this comes across very strongly due to the justice system. It was extremely painful hearing what happened to this innocent child. He (the suspect) had her with him for five hours and still had the nerve to drop her off at home like nothing happened.”

The Muizenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) says the strong turnout by community members in support of the victim sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.

Wayne Turner, CPF Media Liaison Officer, says more than 100 people were present at the court proceedings to support the family. He adds that the strong support from the community shows how united the community is against crimes of this nature.

“We commend the community for demonstrating lawful, peaceful, and united opposition to crimes against children. The CPF also acknowledges the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all stakeholders involved in ensuring that justice processes continue without disruption. Crimes against children are among the most serious offences in our society.”