The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in the Western Cape has secured a court order to forfeit R11 million after a senior Foschini Retail Group (TFG) accountant was tricked into paying millions of rand into fraudulent bank accounts.

The High Court in Cape Town heard how scammers impersonated TFG Chief Financial Officer Ralph Buddle in February last year. The fraudsters contacted senior treasury accountant Johanna Rademan via WhatsApp, using Buddle’s profile photo to appear legitimate. They claimed urgent, confidential payments were needed following a board meeting and convinced her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Rademan was then guided through so-called “tranche payments” by a man posing as a lawyer involved in a company acquisition. She was instructed to arrange two payments, R11.785 million and R11 million, to bank accounts linked to a company called ICUBED Distribution.

Later that evening, Rademan grew suspicious and checked the phone numbers on Truecaller, which showed names that did not match the people she believed she had been communicating with. She alerted TFG’s Group Financial Controller, who confirmed the company’s CFO would not issue instructions via WhatsApp.

The company immediately contacted its banks, which managed to freeze the funds. One bank returned nearly R12 million, while the remaining R11 million was preserved through a court order in August 2025. That money has now been officially forfeited to the state.

Investigators confirmed that Buddle had no knowledge of the payments and had not communicated with Rademan. His real cellphone number was different from the one used by the scammers.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, praised the AFU for tracking and reclaiming stolen funds. Authorities say civil forfeiture powers are increasingly being used to recover money from fraud cases, even when suspects have not yet been arrested.

The City of Cape Town says teenage pregnancies remain a growing concern, with new figures showing a slight increase in the number of girls under 18 accessing antenatal care at public health facilities.

According to City Health, 22,097 women visited City clinics for basic antenatal care in 2025. Of those, 1,230 were teenagers under the age of 18, a 1.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said the rise forms part of a longer-term trend.

“These pregnancies can be at higher risk for medical complications and have a significant socioeconomic impact for both the mothers and their families,” she said.

Higham added that City clinics provide Adolescent and Youth-Friendly services, aimed at helping sexually active teenagers access contraceptives and reproductive health advice in a supportive environment. A range of contraceptive options is available at all facilities, and young people are encouraged to speak to healthcare professionals about their choices.

Despite the rise in teen pregnancies, there is some encouraging news. Over the past three years, City Health has recorded a slight drop in the number of women booking their first antenatal visit after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Health officials say early antenatal care (before 20 weeks) is crucial for improving outcomes for both mother and baby. During these visits, clinicians monitor key indicators such as blood pressure, weight, urine tests and foetal growth to detect potential complications early.

The City is also urging pregnant women to focus on healthy eating, and to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances. Mental health support is equally important, as growing research shows that poor mental health during pregnancy can affect both mother and child later in life.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to speak to clinic staff about HIV prevention options such as PrEP, as well as postpartum contraceptive choices. Partners are also welcome to attend antenatal visits where possible.

Residents can register for antenatal care or contraceptive services at their nearest clinic, or book online through the City’s Healthcare Appointment System.

A primary school teacher from Hanover Park has been ranked among the best educators in the world. 

Charnelle Arendse, a multi-award-winning teacher at Belmor Primary School, has been named one of the Top 50 finalists for the 2026 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. 

She was among teachers from around the world who were honoured at an event in Dubai on Monday, alongside 49 other finalists. 

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the accolade follows a selection process of more than 5,000 applications worldwide.  

“I am a living, breathing testimony that you can thrive in Hanover Park despite the tsunami of challenges! This award serves a tangible testament of being able to overcome adversity for every learner in my community,” Arendse said in a statement by the WCED.  

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) described Arendse as “a national symbol of resilience, innovation and educational excellence”, after 15 years of teaching at Belmor Primary.  

“Her journey stands as a testament to a revolutionary professional who is equal to the task of creating and shaping a learning nation,” read the SADTU statement.  

The Global Teacher Prize is an internationally respected award that celebrates educators who make a meaningful impact on learners and communities and awards a cash prize of US$1 million.  

The WCED said the global recognition also validates Belmor Primary’s commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching.  

“Nationally, this recognition highlights the excellence emerging from under-resourced communities. By sharing Belmor’s successful approaches like community engagement, literacy routines and social-emotional learning, Arendse hopes to inspire and support other schools facing similar challenges. Her participation in global teacher networks will also bring new pedagogical practices, shared resources and cross-cultural projects to South African classrooms,” read the WCED statement.