A stabbing incident at a school in Durbanville is the subject of a disciplinary and criminal investigation.  

According to reports, the victim is a 13-year-old learner attending a primary school in the Morningstar area of Durbanville. The learner was allegedly stabbed during the incident on 23 February. 

A spokesperson for Western Cape Education Department, Bronagh Hammond confirmed that it is aware of the incident, noting that the learner was “injured with a sharp object”.  

“Staff responded immediately, provided first aid, and took the learner to two local day hospitals for further medical care,” said Hammond.  

Hammond further noted that the family was immediately informed. 

Hereafter, a disciplinary process ensued with the school governing body (SGB), which is still ongoing, said Hammond. 

“The outcome is still pending.” 

A criminal investigation followed, with Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirming that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was registered.  

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under [investigation] and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.  

Hammond added that the school is cooperating with the police investigation.  

She further advised that an implicated learner has been suspended.  

Controversial South African couple, Peet and Mel Viljoen, have been arrested in Florida in the US, on accusations that they have been running a supermarket theft scheme.

The Real Housewives of Pretoria stars, who courted controversy in South Africa before moving to America, were arrested by police in Boca Raton on 10 March 2026.

They were apprehended at a traffic stop involving their black Range Rover.

Investigators say the vehicle had been linked to multiple alleged theft incidents at a local Publix supermarket.

Police claim the couple stole more than $5,300 worth of groceries from a Publix store on South Federal Highway through a tactic known as “ticket-switching” at self-checkout counters.

Authorities say the alleged scheme took place between August 2025 and March 2026, during which investigators recorded 52 transactions where low-priced items were scanned while more expensive goods were bagged without being paid for.

Police reports state that 392 items were not scanned, with 369 of those incidents captured on CCTV footage. The items allegedly taken included groceries such as sparkling water, wine, soft drinks, produce and household essentials.

Among the items stolen are La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water, and Coca-Cola Zero.

Investigators also allege that the pair sometimes worked together, with Peet distracting staff while Mel used the self-checkout to bypass scanning certain items.

During questioning, Peet denied intentionally stealing or switching price labels. Mel Viljoen reportedly told detectives she had acted alone and was in “survival mode”, claiming she was unable to work in the United States because she did not have a visa.

Police say surveillance footage contradicts that claim and shows both individuals involved.

Publix estimates the total loss at $5,302. Both Melanie and Peet Viljoen now face charges of aggravated grand retail theft under Florida law.

They were booked on Tuesday afternoon at the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach, and bail was set at $10,000 each. It is not clear whether they have made bail.

The Viljoens previously operated Tammy Taylor South Africa, which grew significantly before the legal disputes arose. Last year, a US court ruled that they must pay the real Tammy Taylor $4 million for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract.

A 28-year-old Ethiopian man from Atlantis has died in a drowning incident at Bloubergstrand Beach in Table View.  

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said it received a call for assistance at the beach at around 15:37 on Wednesday, after eyewitnesses reported “a drowning in progress”. 

“CoCT lifeguards, BBSL (Big Bay Surf Lifesaving) lifeguards, NSRI Melkbosstrand, NSRI Table Bay, Community medics, Netcare 911 ambulance services, ER24 ambulance services, WC Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services and CoCT Law Enforcement, responded.” 

The station commander at NSRI Melkbosstrand, Rowan Marais, noted that lifeguards were first on the scene, as several other rescue teams made their way there.  

“CoCT lifeguards, arriving first on-scene, assisted family members, of a 28 year old male, to recover the casualty from the water to the shoreline,” said Marias in a statement.  

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts ensued as soon as the man was brought to shore, but Marias said efforts were exhausted.  

“Sadly the man was declared deceased by paramedics.”

Authorities believe the man may have been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.  

Police have since opened an inquest docket, and the body has been taken into the care of forensic pathology services. 

Rescue teams have conveyed their condolences to the man’s family. 

ALSO READ: Be safe in the waters, as you seek relief from the heat – Smile 90.4FM

A case of culpable homicide is under investigation after a woman was struck by a taxi earlier this morning in Halt Street, Elsies River.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala says the woman was crossing the road when she was hit by the vehicle.

“She was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. Police registered a case of culpable homicide for further investigation.”

According to reports, the woman was allegedly running away from robbers when she ran in front of the taxi, however SAPS has not confirmed these claims.

In a dramatic turn of events, the taxi was set alight by unknown bystanders. Luckily, no one else was hurt in the incident.

Gwala added that no formal case has been registered regarding the fire.

“The vehicle that was involved in the accident was set alight by unknown bystanders. The owner of the motor vehicle has not opened a case yet.“