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Knysna’s New Hornlee Clinic to Start Full Services in July

Knysna

 

Residents of Hornlee, Knysna and surrounding communities will soon have access to services at the new Hornlee Clinic, which will be fully operational as of July 2026, following its official opening by the Western Cape Government.

 

The R48.7 million facility replaces the previous clinic, which had become overstretched by approximately 30 000 patient visits annually, and forms part of the province’s ongoing investment in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality care.

 

While the facility has been officially opened, services are currently being phased in during June to ensure a smooth transition, with full operations set to commence in July.

 

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the project reflects the government’s commitment to bringing healthcare closer to communities.

 

“Growing communities need growing services. The new Hornlee Clinic is an investment in the health and wellbeing of local residents and forms part of our commitment to ensuring that people can access quality public services close to where they live.”

 

Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger said the new facility will improve both service delivery and working conditions for healthcare staff.

 

“The previous clinic served this community well for many years, but we are very excited that this new facility provides a modern, welcoming environment that will allow our healthcare teams to continue delivering quality care while improving access to services for residents.”

 

Department of Health and Wellness Director for the Garden Route and Central Karoo, Heliza le Roux, described the opening as a significant milestone for Knysna.

 

“This facility will become a cornerstone for primary healthcare services for the community.”

 

The clinic includes chronic and acute care services, consultation rooms, a dispensary, improved waiting areas and upgraded administrative infrastructure aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving patient experience.

 

Bomb Threat Scare Handled Swiftly at Wynberg Girls’ High School

bomb threat at wynberg school

 

A bomb threat at Wynberg Girls’ High School on Friday had little to no impact on the examinations currently underway.

 

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the school received a telephonic bomb threat on Friday morning, but everything was deemed safe following a thorough sweep of the area.

“The school acted swiftly in accordance with its emergency protocols, evacuating all learners and staff within minutes and ensuring they were safely accounted for. The Wynberg South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by the Bomb Squad and K-9 Unit, conducted a thorough sweep of the premises and declared the school safe shortly before midday. Examinations continued thereafter.”

Meanwhile, SAPS confirmed that a bomb threat case has been opened for further investigation.

“Kindly be advised that a bomb threat case was opened at Wynberg police station following a tip-off call received on Friday 05 June 2026. After a thorough search by the Bomb Disposal Unit and K-9 Unit, nothing was found.”

This is the third bomb threat received by the school since November last year. Luckily, no injuries or damage to the school were reported in either case.

 

Hammond has since applauded the management and learners of the school for remaining calm and professional in how they dealt with the incident.

“The school management has commended the calm response of their learners, the professionalism of their staff and the support of the emergency services, highlighting the preparedness and resilience of their school community.”

 

The department has once again appealed to the public to refrain from making false threats, reiterating that such actions are punishable by law.

 

Parklands College Mourns the Loss of Head Boy as Tributes Pour In

Parklands College
Parklands College is mourning the loss of their Head Boy, Connor Niske

 

Parklands College is mourning the death of its Head Boy, Connor Niske, whose passing was announced on Monday, 8 June.

 

The school has described Connor as an “exceptional young man” whose impact on Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary extended far beyond his leadership role.

 

“He was deeply involved in many aspects of college life, including robotics, sound engineering, outreach initiatives and countless school activities. Connor led with kindness, integrity, and humility, bringing joy, warmth and positivity to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

 

In a statement on Facebook, the school further states that Connor’s enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to serve others made a lasting impression on the community.

 

“Connor’s presence could be felt across our campuses, and his absence will be deeply felt by learners, educators, staff and friends alike. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Connor’s family, loved ones, classmates, and all those whose lives he touched.”

 

Parklands College has asked the public to respect the privacy of Connor’s family, who have not released his cause of death.

 

“We also ask our wider community to keep Connor’s friends, classmates, educators, and loved ones in their thoughts, and to approach this period with compassion, understanding and kindness.”

 

His former robotics club, the Hyperion Bots, have also paid tribute to Connor on Instagram.

 

“To us, Connor was so much more than Head Boy. He was a former Hyperion Bots captain — one who led this team with integrity, quiet strength, and a warmth that everyone around him felt.”

 

In April this year, Connor was part of the team that travelled to America for the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, where he was honoured with the Gracious Professionalism Award.

 

“He remained part of this team until the very end. We will carry him with us. Our love and deepest condolences go to his family, his friends, and every learner and teacher who had the privilege of knowing him.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by #18011 (@hyperionbots)

 

The broader school community have also sent their condolences. On Friday, 12 June, Parklands College will hold a Tribute Assembly in honour of Connor. Parklands Alumni have been invited to attend.

 

Two Arrested for murder of Mozambican National in Mossel Bay

migrant
Anti-illegal immigrant protests spilled over into violence in Mossel Bay in early June, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 2 Mozambican Nationals. A South African national was also killed, but this was unrelated to the protests

 

 

Two men have been arrested and charged with murder following the deadly anti-immigrant violence that erupted in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, at the end of May.

 

Western Cape police confirmed that the suspects, aged 19 and 26, were arrested during a tracing operation in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

 

They are accused of murdering 27-year-old Mozambican national Tomas Chunguane, who died after allegedly being assaulted and stabbed during the unrest on 29 May.

 

The pair are expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 June.

 

The arrests come as detectives continue to investigate a series of violent incidents linked to anti-immigrant protests in the area.

 

During the unrest, approximately 50 shacks were reportedly destroyed and set alight, while two Mozambican nationals lost their lives.

 

Police have also taken action against an alleged protest leader. A 30-year-old man, believed to have played a leading role in the violence, appeared in court on Monday on a charge of incitement to commit public violence.

 

He was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on 22 June for a bail application.

 

Meanwhile, detectives are continuing their investigation into the murder of a second Mozambican national, 43-year-old Danilo Muianga, who was killed in KwaNonqaba on 30 May.

 

Police say several leads are being pursued and further arrests are expected as investigations gain momentum.

 

Langa Madressa allegedly targeted in extortion racket

Members of the Cape Town Ulama Board at the Athlone police station as a complainant opens an extortion case. IMAGE: Cape Town Ulama Board/Facebook

 

 

A community Madressa in Langa has allegedly fallen victim to an extortion racket, as police have launched an investigation.  

 

According to the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), members of the non-profit religious school were contacted by people who demanded “a once-off “registration fee” of R3,000.00 alongside ongoing monthly payments of R500.00”. 

 

The CTUB noted that the demands were made under threats of violence.  

 

It is alleged that members of the Madressa, out of fear for their lives, complied with paying the “registration fee”. 

 

“The criminals brazenly stated that all businesses in the area are already being forced to comply with identical demands. The targeted institution is not a commercial enterprise; it is a registered community-based charity providing essential feeding schemes, schooling, and daily transport services to vulnerable children,” read the CTUB’s statement, further noting that the institution operates under the Langa Townships Projects. 

 

The CTUB claims that a representative attempted to open a case at the Diep River SAPS, but “officers on duty reportedly refused to assist or formally register a criminal case”. It noted that it then stepped in to assist and managed to open a case with the Athlone SAPS.  

 

“Recognizing the immediate danger to staff and children, the CTUB Community Guardianship Desk took decisive action. On the night of 4 June 2026, Guardianship Desk leader Colonel Dawood Laing, alongside Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan and Member of Parliament Imraan Moosa, personally accompanied the complainant to the Athlone Police Station.”  

 

 

Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that an extortion case is being investigated.  

 

“An extortion case was registered at Athlone SAPS for further investigation following an incident on 02 June 2026, in Jabavu Street, Langa. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.  

 

Political party Al Jama-ah has also condemned the allegations, adding that its representatives would be engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter gets escalated to the SAPS specialised Extortion Unit.  

 

“Religious institutions, educational facilities, charities, and community organisations should never be subjected to intimidation, threats, or criminal exploitation. Extortion has become a growing threat to businesses, religious institutions, community organisations, and residents across the Western Cape. It cannot be allowed to become normalised,” read the party’s statement.  

 

 

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the Western Cape Extortion Hotline on 0800 31 4444. 

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