Provincial Disaster Management authorities are on high alert as the South African Weather Service has warned of a Level 8 storm in some parts of the province this Wednesday into Thursday, upgraded from Level 5.

Local Government MEC Anton Bredell says Disaster Management officials were briefed by the weather service today on the severe cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route.

“We are urging residents, businesses, farmers and municipalities to prepare for severe weather conditions expected across the province from Wednesday, 3 June, to Thursday, 4 June,” Bredell said.

According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo likely to be most severely affected. The municipalities of Bitou, Knysna and George can expect accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm.

In the Karoo, the Beaufort West Municipality can anticipate between 60 mm and 80 mm of rainfall over the two days.

The expected heavy rainfall, combined with the impacts of the severe storms that affected the same regions during May, has contributed to the high Impact-Based Warnings issued by SAWS today.

A Level 8 warning has been issued for the eastern parts of the Garden Route, while a Level 4 warning has been issued for the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam.

“Such significant rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments. Given the recent rainfall across the province and already saturated catchment areas, there is an elevated risk of rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services. Rural and farming communities may become isolated if roads are flooded or damaged.

“Along the coast, rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres are expected, posing a risk to small vessels and coastal activities.”

Bredell says provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated and are monitoring developments closely.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives.

Farmers and rural communities are advised to prepare for possible isolation by ensuring sufficient supplies for people and livestock, securing equipment and infrastructure, and moving livestock away from flood-prone areas where necessary.

“Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, remain indoors where it is safe to do so, keep emergency contact numbers readily available, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services,” Bredell said.

South African motorists will face an increase in petrol prices from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, while diesel users will benefit from substantial price cuts.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced that both grades of petrol will increase by 143 cents per litre from 3 June 2026. Diesel prices will decrease by between R2.62 and R3.25 per litre, depending on the sulphur content.

While lower international diesel prices and a stronger rand helped reduce fuel costs, these gains were offset by government tax measures.

National Treasury has scaled back the temporary fuel levy relief introduced to cushion consumers from rising fuel prices. As a result, general fuel levy relief has been reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel for June.

In addition, the slate levy, which is used to recover under-recoveries incurred by fuel retailers when pump prices are lower than actual fuel costs, has increased from 122.70 cents per litre to 157.74 cents per litre.

The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will decrease by R5.96 per litre, while the maximum retail price of LPG gas will also be reduced.

The new fuel prices take effect on Wednesday, 3 June.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested after the South African Police Service (SAPS) uncovered suspected crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated R3 million during an intelligence-driven operation in Diepsloot yesterday.

According to the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, officers acted on information about two men allegedly dealing drugs in the area.

Following an investigation, officers identified and searched a property linked to the suspects.

“The team found a black refuse bag hidden under a mattress containing suspected crystal meth drugs weighing approximately 10 kg, with an estimated street value of about R3 million.”

The 35-year-old man will appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court today.

The president of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association, Siviwe Kiva, is set to appear in a court in Paarl on Monday.

While some reports suggest that it may be related to murder, by Sunday afternoon, the National Prosecuting Authority could not yet confirm the charge against him.

“CATA President is expected to appear at Paarl Magistrates Court tomorrow morning. I have not been able to confirm the charge but have learnt from trustworthy people that it’s related to a murder,” said NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.

According to reports, Kiva was arrested in the Eastern Cape sometime last month. News24 reports that he’s due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

READ MORE: News24 – CATA president arrested on murder, conspiracy charges days after historic taxi peace deal

The arrest follows the unrelated murders of the CATA president’s family members, who were shot and killed in their home in eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape on 20 May. 

Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) confirmed in a statement on Friday the murders of his mother, 65-year-old Mama Nosecond Kiva, and 19-year-old Musawenkosi Nomna.

“According to reports, unknown assailants allegedly accosted the young man while he was studying and forced him to lead them to the elderly woman before fatally shooting both victims in a horrific act of violence,” said Phala.

SANTACO condemned the attack. Phala further advised that they were laid to rest on Saturday.