Gugulethu police have opened a culpable homicide case following a fatal accident this morning at the corner of NY108 and NY1 in Gugulethu.

The victim, a 62-year-old woman, was struck by a Golden Arrow bus while crossing the road.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says the elderly woman was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

“The circumstances of the accident remain under investigation, and no arrests have been made at this stage. We urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS mobile app.”

Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased fell before being hit by the bus.

“Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed a fall by the pedestrian. The exact circumstances are under investigation. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the deceased’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Also read: Ongoing Investigation After Fatal Bus Accident in Woodstock

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has apologised following a widely shared video showing a confrontation between a client and security personnel at its Tyger Valley office, describing the footage as distressing and regretting the trauma caused.

DHA says its records indicate that the individual involved did not have a valid appointment on the official booking system as reported, and may have been misled into purchasing an appointment slot from a third party, a practice the Department says is illegal and exploitative. The matter is now being investigated by the Department’s Counter-Corruption Unit.

The Department has confirmed that the private security guard involved has been removed, and that the circumstances surrounding the incident are under review to prevent similar occurrences. DHA has again warned the public that all Home Affairs appointments are free and can only be made through its official website.

The incident sparked public outrage after claims that three people were forcefully removed from the Tyger Valley office despite believing they had valid bookings. One woman was reportedly injured during the altercation, which was captured on video and circulated widely on social media.

Eyewitnesses and those involved have alleged that officials refused to verify booking reference numbers and that the situation escalated without attempts to de-escalate or treat the individuals with dignity.

Home Affairs has urged the public not to pay anyone for booking slots and to report related scams, while calls continue for accountability and improved service delivery at government offices.

The City of Cape Town has removed approximately 150 tonnes of solid waste from the Kleinvlei Canal during November and December 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal dumping and protect downstream river systems.

The clean-up, led by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, focused on heavily affected sections in Eerste River South, Kleinvlei and Dreamworld, areas known to be prone to persistent dumping. The waste collected included building rubble, plastic bottles and household refuse, underscoring the continued strain on the stormwater network and surrounding environment.

To curb pollution before it reaches the Kuils River, the City has installed and upgraded waste interceptors along the canal.

An interceptor first installed in Eerste River South during the 2024/2025 financial year was recently enhanced to improve durability and capacity, while a second interceptor has been installed further upstream. These upgrades were completed on 2 December 2025.

During the 2024/2025 financial year, the City spent about R841 000 on cleaning and maintenance work along the canal.

A further R1.1 million has been allocated for similar initiatives during the 2025/2026 financial year, including additional clean-ups planned ahead of winter in May 2026 as part of the City’s winter preparedness programme.

The Kleinvlei Canal is an artificial watercourse constructed in 1990 to drain parts of Blue Downs and Blackheath, later expanded to include runoff from Polkadraai Hill. It passes through several communities, including Forest Heights and Eerste River, before discharging into the Kuils River near Baden Powell Drive.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, has urged residents living along the canal to play their part.

“While these clean-up initiatives are ongoing, we urge residents to refrain from illegal dumping and to help protect the area by reporting these incidents,” he said.

The City says regular maintenance, including fortnightly interceptor clean-ups, will continue in an effort to reduce pollution and safeguard Cape Town’s waterways.

A 37-year-old man is set to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of human trafficking and rape.

The suspect was arrested yesterday by the Hawks’ Economic Crimes and Protected Resources team. Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani says he is accused of forcing a 15-year-old girl into marriage and sexually assaulting her over seven months.

“It is reported that in March 2025, a 15-year-old girl travelled to South Africa on her own. On arrival in Johannesburg, she met the suspect, who then travelled with her to Cape Town.”

Hani says the girl was reportedly lured to Cape Town under the pretence of studying, but was forced into marriage.

“After the marriage, she was expected to engage in sexual intercourse with the suspect. When she refused, she was physically assaulted and raped over seven months.”

She further added that the minor escaped in November last year and initially stayed with family. However, her husband tracked her down three weeks later.

“She then travelled to George to visit her brother-in-law, hitchhiking there, and reported the incident at a nearby police station.”