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Siren tests at Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant this week

siren test - eskom

 

Eskom has advised residents living near the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station that its annual full-volume siren test will take place on Tuesday, between 10:00 and 12:00.

 

The power utility emphasised that the exercise forms part of routine safety procedures and that no action is required from members of the public when the sirens sound.

 

According to Eskom, each siren will operate for approximately 15 minutes during the testing period. The process will begin with a voice announcement confirming that a test is in progress, followed by the nuclear alarm, described as a slow rising tone.

 

In a statement. Eskom has noted that should maintenance be required, individual sirens may be re-tested on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

“The sirens form an integral component of the Koeberg Nuclear Emergency Plan and must always remain fully operational,” added the power utility

 

The public warning system, which includes both sirens and a public address system, is designed to alert residents and visitors in the unlikely event of an emergency at the facility.

 

Eskom said the system operates through a radio-based communication network linking control centres to individual sirens. Daily communication checks are conducted to ensure functionality, while any siren that fails to respond is repaired as soon as possible.

 

In addition to these checks, weekly silent tests are carried out to activate amplifiers and confirm that equipment remains operational.

 

“Once a year, as required by legislation, a full-volume test is conducted to confirm that the sirens are audible.”

 

Residents within a 16km radius are encouraged to assist by reporting any siren that appears unclear, malfunctioning, or visibly damaged during the test, should they notice any issues while in the area.

 

Eskom reiterated that the exercise is purely precautionary and forms part of ongoing public safety measures.

 

READ MORE: Koeberg unit 1 granted 20-year life extension

64-Year-Old Serial Robber Arrested at OR Tambo International Airport

Couple arrested granted bail
This image is used for illustrative purposes only

 

A 64-year-old serial robber is set to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court tomorrow following his arrest at the OR Tambo International Airport.

 

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the suspect, linked to several other cases dating back as far as 1998, was arrested after he and three others robbed high ranking senior police officers.

 

“The three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four males travelling in a silver Suzuki swift.”

 

Mathe says the robbers posed as police officers. The e-hailing driver pulled over on the side of the R24, unaware of the suspects’ intentions. The suspects then robbed the police general and two other officers of money, watches and cellphones.

 

“Within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the serial robber,” Mathe added.

 

Mathe noted that the arrest of the elderly man, could lead to the dismantling of a syndicate involved in repeated airport robberies.

 

“The vehicle, that is believed to have been used numerous times in the commission of crimes that mostly took place on the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp towards OR Tambo International Airport has been impounded. During the investigation, police discovered that the serial robber has 42 prior cases involving armed robbery, the possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud and impersonating a police officer.”

silver Suzuki swift impounded

A search has been launched for the three other suspects involved in the robbery.

“An investigation is also underway to ascertain how a serial robber of this nature is still roaming the streets of South Africa and not convicted and serving time in a jail cell,” Mathe stressed.

 

Investigation Underway After Police Officer Seen Taking Items During Raid

 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the law applies to everyone, including members of SAPS who are found guilty of misconduct.

 

This statement follows the circulation of a video depicting a police officer placing items into his pockets during a police raid in February.

 

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk says an investigation has since been launched.

 

“Western Cape SAPS management has noted with grave concern a video circulating on social media platforms. As a result, an investigation into the conduct of the policeman has been instituted and is led by a senior police officer.”

The video, dated 20 February 2026, shows a recording inside a room on the premises where the raid took place. In it, an officer is seen nervously placing what appears to be money into the back pocket of his pants.

 

 

Image: Video Screenshot

 

When asked where the incident took place, Van Wyk said such information cannot be disclosed.

 

“The area where the incident occurred as well as the identity of the member are the subject of the police investigation. In addition, the owner/s of premises where the incident happened are encouraged to report it to the police.”

 

Anyone with information that can shed more light on the scenes captured in the video is encouraged to contact the police on 021 467 6008.

 

SAPS has since encouraged anyone who wishes to report corruption within SAPS, to do so using the the Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701.

 

“All information received is handled with the necessary care protecting the identities of those who come forward.”

 

Two young rhinos were rescued

Two young rhino were rescued over the weekend in the Kruger National Park
Photo: KNP Officials as they Prepare for the Young Rhino Rescue Operation.

 

 

Two young rhinos were rescued over the weekend in the Kruger National Park. Management at the Park say they were alerted to the plight of the 12- and 18-months old rhinos by vigilant visitors.

 

Two young rhinos were rescued over the weekend in the Kruger National Park

 

 

The Head of Communications and Spokesperson for SANParks, JP Louw says the two calves were spotted by visitors resting along the road to Malelane section. Park authorities then led a swift response to capture and trans-locate of the two young rhino, to a place of safety. Louw says the incident happened on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

 

Two young rhino were rescued over the weekend in the Kruger National Park
Photo: KNP Officials as they Prepare for the Young Rhino Rescue Operation.

 

To capture and trans-locate of the two young rhinos

 

He says the younger calf was airlifted by helicopter using a sling, and the older calf was safely transported in a crate to a secure facility. Rangers at the Park have extended their heartfelt gratitude to the park visitors, whose swift action in alerting authorities, made this rescue possible. Louw says their commitment to conservation has given the vulnerable calves a chance at survival.

 

Two young rhino were rescued over the weekend in the Kruger National Park
Photo: KNP Officials as they Prepare for the Young Rhino Rescue Operation

 

 

 

Safeguarding these iconic species

 

 

Louw added, that at present, rangers are combing the area to try and find the mother. He says the circumstances surrounding her absence remain unclear. Louw says probes into the matter continue. At the same time, the Kruger National Park issued a statement. In it, it says, it remains dedicated to protecting its wildlife. Staff at the Park also thanked the public for their continued support in safeguarding these iconic species.

 

 

Escalating gun violence in Atlantis; Two shot at the weekend

Atlantis

 

 

Gun violence continues to grip the Atlantis community, just days after a series of fatal shootings that claimed four lives, including a teenage girl.  

 

The latest shooting took place on Sunday morning, leaving two victims wounded in what is believed to be a gang-related attack. 

 

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk, confirmed that police responded to the incident at about 06:45 on 1 March. Officers were patrolling the Dura Flats area at the time when they heard gunshots.  

 

They followed the sound to Bossanger Street in Robinvale, where they gave chase to two people fleeing the scene.  

 

“The members saw that the suspects threw something away and upon returning to the place where the items were thrown, the members found two firearms, a 9mm pistol with two 9mm cartridges and a black Ekol Viper 4.5 revolver,” said Van Wyk.  

 

The suspects evaded arrest, but police recovered the two discarded firearms, of which the 9mm was reported stolen in Gauteng in 1997, and the other firearm was not registered.  

 

After recovering the guns, officers returned to the address in Robinvale, where they found that two men had been injured. They were taken to a nearby medical facility.  

 

“The motive for this shooting incident is believed to be gang related… Both firearms were handed in at Atlantis SAPS as exhibits and for further processing on the two counts of attempted murder case,” said Van Wyk.  

 

Several days prior, on Tuesday, 24 February, two men aged 30 and 42 were gunned down at the Witsand taxi rank. The Provincial SAPS’ Taxi Violence Investigations Unit is probing this, and another fatal shooting that occurred the following day.  

 

On Wednesday, a 42-year-old taxi driver was gunned down in his vehicle, and a 14-year-old girl was caught in the crossfire on the grounds of Atlantis Secondary School. She died on the scene.  

 

READ MORE:  Mayor Hill-Lewis Promises Reward Amid Escalating Atlantis Taxi Attacks – Smile 90.4FM

 

Police have not confirmed arrests in any of the mentioned cases yet.  

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