Twelve suspects are due to appear in the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 June 2026, following their arrest in connection with attempted abalone poaching in the Cape Point section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

The arrests were made on Tuesday during an intelligence-driven enforcement operation conducted by South African National Parks (SANParks) in collaboration with its Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI) unit.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the operation formed part of follow-up actions linked to an ongoing investigation into illegal marine resource exploitation.

“During the operation, two suspicious vehicles were intercepted and searched.”

Louw says the arrests prevented a coordinated poaching attempt inside a protected area.

“A significant quantity of diving equipment was discovered, indicating preparations for illegal abalone harvesting within the protected area. This operation is regarded as a major success, effectively preventing a coordinated group from entering a national park to carry out illegal poaching activities. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to combat environmental crime and protect South Africa’s marine resources.”

Assistance is needed in connection with the murder of a police officer. To this effect, officers have released two sketches of the suspects being sought in connection with this case. The Anti-Gang Unit detectives are seeking the Kraaifontein community’s assistance to identify the people portrayed in the attached sketches. Officers believe those people depicted can help them with their investigation into the murder of a police official.

Assistance is needed in connection with police officer’s murder

Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana says Constable Masibonge Fezile Nqwaba was sitting in his car on 26 November 2016 in Bloekombos when he was killed. The suspects had pulled him out of the vehicle and then fled the scene in the car. The murder occurred on Daza Street.

Assistance needed

Police members have called on the public in Kraaifontein to come forward with any information regarding the case, and also, if you know the whereabouts of those depicted in the sketches. People can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Jerome Kleinbooi, on 071 673 1800. You can also contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Commuters across the Western Cape are set to benefit from a range of service improvements following PRASA Western Cape’s updated train timetables, which took effect on 8 June 2026.

Among the most significant changes is the expansion of services on the Wellington Line, which has increased from eight to 19 trips per day. The update is expected to ease congestion and improve access for daily commuters travelling between key economic and residential hubs.

New early-morning services have also been introduced, including a train from Strand to Cape Town and another from Nolungile to Cape Town, aimed at improving access for early commuters and reducing peak-hour pressure.

Operational adjustments have also been made on the Central Line, with revised scheduling intended to reduce delays and improve reliability. On the Cape Flats Line, peak-hour services have been restructured to improve efficiency and reduce overcrowding during busy travel periods.

The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, says the changes are designed to improve the overall commuter experience by making train travel more predictable and efficient.

“By improving train services, we can make it easier for more residents to choose rail as a safe and reliable way to travel, with shorter waiting times and more reliable journeys.”

He added that the timetable changes are part of ongoing efforts to rebuild trust in passenger rail services and encourage greater use of public transport as an alternative to road travel.

“Reliable public transport is essential for connecting residents to work, school and other opportunities. These timetable changes are an important step towards rebuilding confidence in passenger rail and encouraging more residents to use trains, helping to reduce road congestion and make daily travel easier.”

A man has been charged in connection with the crash that claimed the life of cyclist Landon La Grange and is due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday. 

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the accused was charged on 21 May 2026 with culpable homicide, more than a month after La Grange’s death on 7 April.  

“An adult male was charged on 21 May 2026, for culpable homicide and was warned to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court on Friday, 12 June 2026,” said Twigg. 

La Grange passed away in the hospital, having sustained severe injuries after being struck by a minibus taxi on Victoria Road in Camps Bay a day prior.  

READ MORE: UPDATE: Culpable homicide probe, after fatal cyclist crash in Camps Bay – Smile 90.4FM

With the case now officially before the court, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) said it would be attending the court appearance in support of La Grange’s family and friends.  

La Grange’s wife, Annmarie, has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with how long the process has taken. Speaking at a gathering for the cycling community in April, Annmarie said she was hopeful that the tragedy would prompt the government to implement “meaningful changes” that would protect all road users.  

PPA CEO, Neil Robinson, said that Annmarie and the La Grange family are prepared for the lengthy court process that lies ahead.  

The accused is due to make his first court appearance, whereafter the legal process gets underway.  

“Due to the crowded court dockets, this will not be a quick process, sadly, and it will be dragged out based on resources and the court’s time,” said Robinson.  

Despite the challenges, Robinson said the family is prepared for the process and remains focused on securing justice. 

“Annmarie is very aware of what this process could be in terms of the time it takes and the challenges along the way, but the family are ready for it. They just want justice for Landon, and I think we all want that,” he said. 

Robinson added that many in the cycling community hope the case will send “a clear message out there that this kind of behaviour on the road will not be tolerated”.