Within hours of the launch of the Western Cape Department of Mobility’s Easter Road Safety campaign, two motorists were arrested, sending out a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated.

Maxine Bezuidenhout, Western Cape Department of Mobility Chief Director, says the suspects were arrested in Khayelitsha in unrelated incidents.

“On Spine Road, a driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after blowing 0.53, more than twice the legal limit. In a separate incident, a 17-year-old taxi driver was arrested after he collided with a road sign and tried to flee the scene. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads.”

 

Bezuidenhout warned motorists that they will have a zero-tolerance approach against drivers who are found to act outside the law.

“This is a high-risk period, in which we see an increase in traffic flows and, too often, an increase in fatalities. We are intensifying operations and strengthening our presence during this time to ensure law and order on our roads.”

Motorists and pedestrians alike are urged to adhere to the rules of the road and proceed with caution.

“To our motorists, slow down, obey the law, and don’t drink and drive. To pedestrians, cross the roads safely, be alert and visible, and don’t take chances.”

Two more suspects have appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court in connection with a multi-million romance scam involving an elderly woman.  

This follows the arrest of three people on 19 March, allegedly implicated in defrauding the women of over R14 million.   

The trio, 39-year-old Asanda Dwesini, 32-year-old Nomphelo Fetman and 47-year-old Shan Gabrelle Lewis, made their first court appearance on the same day as their arrest, and were in police custody after their case was postponed to Thursday for bail information.  

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks) confirmed that they were joined by the two additional suspects, Lavina Oppel and Brazil Astor Hendricks.  

According to the Hawks, the victim connected with a fake profile on a dating platform and stayed in communication from 2017 to 2018. This is allegedly part of a scheme the suspects were involved in to manipulate the woman into providing money. 

“It is reported that the alleged lover lured the victim by using flirtatious language making her believe that they are in a genuine relationship… Once trust was established he would ask for money,” the Hawks said in a statement on 20 March. 

The suspects are accused of having invented reasons like “failed trips or urgent fines” to ask the victim for money.  

“The victim transferred money into various bank accounts shared by the alleged lover.” 

The Hawks say an investigation was launched by the Bellville Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, alongside the National Intervention Unit, after the victim eventually became suspicious. These units carried out the arrests.  

“The fraudsters gained the victim’s trust and built a relationship with her. He made everything about the romance to feel normal, but his aim was to extort her.” 

They’re facing charges of fraud and money laundering. The Hawks confirmed on Thursday that Oppel and Lewis have since been released on R4,000 bail. 

“Asanda Dwesini, Nomphelo Fetman and Brazil Astor Hendricks remain in custody to appear on the 9 April 2026 for bail application,” read the Hawks 26 March statement. 

This incident prompted the Hawks to urge the public to trust their gut and not to make money transfers if they are not certain.   

The Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato, said the public must be wary of rushed payments or being made to feel panic before questionable transactions. 

“It is okay to reject or ignore any requests. As criminals will often try to rush or make you panic. If you believe you have fallen for a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to the nearest authorities,” said Makgato.

*This article has been edited to include the latest information in the case, namely the additional arrest, the name of the suspects and details from their last court appearance on 26 March 2026.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is making an urgent and heartfelt appeal to communities to help protect schools during the Easter holiday.

As schools across the province close today, marking the end of the first academic term, concerns are growing about the safety of school properties left unattended.

MEC David Maynier says that while measures have been put in place to secure schools, additional eyes and ears from the community are welcomed.

“While we have subsidised holiday security at 443 schools, the best defence against burglary and vandalism is a watchful community. Please report anything suspicious in and around school properties to the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately.”

Maynier further stressed the importance of safeguarding schools, describing it as a valuable asset.

“As schools close for the Easter break, we wish our learners, teachers, and parents a peaceful holiday. Our schools are valuable community assets, and we all have a role to play in protecting them.”

The second term is set to commence on Wednesday the 8th of April.

Rescue operations in the water have come under pressure. This is due to the global surge in fuel prices. The National Sea Rescue Institute says the escalating costs are placing pressure on its ability to train volunteer rescue crews and deliver lifesaving services.

NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774

Rescue operations in the water under pressure

The CEO of the NSRI, Mike Vonk, says they will never stop responding to emergencies. Vonk added that if fuel costs continue to rise sharply, the pressure shifts to the systems that keep their crews ready and their prevention work active. This helps to save lives before emergencies happen.

“There will always be fuel for rescues. That is non-negotiable,” says Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.

Global Fuel Price Surge Puts Pressure on NSRI Rescue Ops

Vonk added that the global surge in fuel prices will have real consequences for all South Africans. The surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He says that for the NSRI, it will place growing pressure on the organisation’s ability to train volunteer rescue crews and deliver lifesaving services.

“Fuel doesn’t just power our boats,” says Vonk. “It powers every part of our ability to save lives – from training and readiness to prevention in communities.”

 

The organisation says current projections point to a significant rise in both petrol and diesel prices. Their rescue vessels, vehicles and training all depend on fuel. So a fuel price surge will have a direct and material impact on its operations. This includes training, readiness and prevention activities.

Boat running costs exceed R5.5 million annually

The NSRI’s Communications Manager, Andrew Ingram, says their latest reports show boat running costs exceeding R5.5 million annually. He says based on current projections, rising fuel prices could add significant additional cost pressures. Ingram says to manage this responsibly, the NSRI is tightening fuel use, prioritising critical operations, and refining training to ensure every session delivers maximum value.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774 or dial 112 from any mobile phone.

Safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters

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