A fire ripped through the Vrygrond area yesterday, destroying 38 informal structures and leaving around 60 residents without homes.

Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Charlotte Powell says aid organisation, Gift of the Givers is on site providing immediate humanitarian relief.

“We have also alerted the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch, the National Human Settlements Department, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The City’s Solid Waste Department is clearing fire debris.”

Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that no injuries were reported and that the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The fire has left families grappling with the loss of homes and belongings, and relief teams are working to provide support as the community begins to recover.

Three men arrested in connection with murder and attempted murder cases on the Cape Flats are set to appear in court today, as police continue their fight against gang violence in the area.

Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) detectives carried out late-night operations across Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchell’s Plain over the weekend, targeting suspects linked to a string of gang-related shootings.

These incidents include cases dating as far back as 2017 and as recent as 3 December 2025, when a man was shot and killed outside the Athlone court, and minutes later another man was injured in nearby Kew Town.

Acting Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Tertuis Simmers, has welcomed the recent arrests, stressing that they send a strong message that gang violence will not be tolerated.

“The attacks at and around the Athlone Magistrate’s Court were brazen and showed a total disregard for human life. It is essential that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) respond quickly to all gang groups.”

 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa says the arrested men, aged 28, 36, and 38, face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). She added that more charges could follow as investigations continue.

“This operation is part of a wider effort by SAPS in the Western Cape to tackle gang violence and make our communities safer. Targeted operations at known gang hotspots have resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms, which remain the weapon of choice in gang-related shootings on the Cape Flats.”

The City of Cape Town says a motorist, caught on camera in a littering incident that went viral on social media, has come forward and paid his dues.

Earlier this week, the City became aware of the video showing a motorist littering while stationary at an intersection. A tour guide in a bus right behind him then approached him, picking up the litter and tossing it back into his car.

The motorist threw the litter back out of his car, giving the tour guide a middle finger as he drove off. The video, filmed by a passenger on the bus, quickly went viral, and the City set about trying to find the motorist through an appeal on social media.

Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed that the man came forward of his own accord and has paid the admission of guilt fine of R500 in terms of the City’s Integrated Waste Management By-Law.

The motorist had already been identified by several people on social media by the time he came forward.

“The City thanks the motorist for doing the right thing and reminds the public to please refrain from littering or any other by-law transgressions. These might seem like minor infractions, but the law is the law and applies to all, without fear or favour.”

Security patrols have been increased on Signal Hill and its surrounds after a woman and her dog were stabbed by an unknown assailant on the lower slopes of Signal Hill on Boxing Day at around 17:00.

Cape Town police say the woman was walking her dog on Signal Hill footpath near the big rocks when she was approached by a man with a knife. He was wearing a green hoodie at the time.

He demanded that she hand over her cellphone, after which he started to stab her.

The dog bit the suspect, and the man then stabbed the dog too. The assailant grabbed the victim’s Apple iPhone and ran away.

The complainant’s dog sadly died due to a stab wound. She sustained a stab wound to her left arm.

Police have registered a case of robbery with a weapon other than a firearm. No arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, SANParks has advised visitors and residents to avoid this area for now and to remain vigilant, especially around Signal Hill, Tamboerskloof and Bo-Kaap.

SANParks says it is working closely with SAPS and Law Enforcement, and visible patrols and aerial surveillance have been increased to support the investigation and ensure public safety.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has welcomed 171 babies across public health facilities on Christmas Day 2025. Among the newborns were 80 boys and 91 girls.

On Christmas Day 2024, the Western Cape’s public health facilities welcomed 172 babies (93 boys, 79 girls).

The first three 2025 Christmas babies arrived just after midnight. At Helderberg Hospital, Zizibele Silo gave birth to a 3.5kg baby girl at exactly 00:00.

Minutes later, at Khayelitsha District Hospital, Alena Nkayi welcomed a 2.1kg baby girl at 00:04.

The third Christmas baby, also a girl, was born at Worcester Hospital at 00:18 to mother Enid Asjan.

“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, a reminder of hope and renewal during this season of joy,” said Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger. She praised healthcare workers who ensured safe deliveries even while away from their own families.

The Department emphasises that the first thousand days of a child’s life are critical for development, with proper nutrition, immunisations, and early stimulation laying the foundation for lifelong health and learning.

Wenger congratulated all the families on the safe arrival of their little ones and thanked staff, including midwives, for their dedication on Christmas Day.

Nationally, 714 babies were born on Christmas Day 2025 between midnight and noon in public health facilities.

*This article was updated to reflect the final number of babies born on 25 December 2025.