A man who used a pitbull to intimidate and rob a resident in the Kensington area has been sentenced to six years’ direct imprisonment, with the City of Cape Town lauding its Animal Control Unit (ACU) for helping to secure the conviction.

The incident occurred in July last year, while the victim was sitting in a park in the area.

The suspect initially walked past the complainant with a pitbull before returning moments later and demanding the complainant’s cellphone. The suspect used the dog to intimidate the victim.

Community members later assisted in identifying the suspect, who was known in the area for committing robberies using the dog as a weapon.

The City’s MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the Animal Control Unit was instructed by the prosecutor in the case to remove the dog from the suspect’s home.

“Despite challenges in locating the suspect at home, officers made multiple attempts before successfully removing the animal, bringing an end to a series of robberies committed in and around Kensington.”

Smith says Pitbulls are not inherently dangerous dogs, but humans turn them into dangerous animals.

“Ensuring there are consequences for owners who cruelly abuse these animals and use them as weapons is key to stopping this destructive culture.”

He has commended the Police and the Animal Control Unit for their persistence and dedication in ensuring the successful removal of the dog and supporting the investigation that led to the conviction and sentencing of the offender.

Locals adversely affected by last week’s floods can, from today (18 May 2026), get some much-needed essentials at the Newlands Cricket Stadium.  

This is because the Gift of the Givers is partnered with the Western Province Cricket Association to make humanitarian aid accessible to flood victims.  

Adverse weather began in some parts of the province in the latter part of the first week of May, but it affected the entire province last Monday and Tuesday, resulting in widespread infrastructure damage and the displacement of families. 

The adverse weather also claimed the lives of several people. In Cape Town alone, more than 100,000 people were affected. 

READ MORE: More than 100,000 people in Cape Town affected by storms – Smile 90.4FM

Now, Gift of the Givers and the Western Province Cricket Association (WCPA) are offering a beacon of hope to the many people building back their lives.  

People can collect essential items such as hygiene products, non-perishable foods, water and clothing at the Newlands Cricket Stadium.  

The WCPA CEO, Corrie Van Zyl, said they are proud to partner with the Gift of the Givers for this initiative.  

“While Western Province Cricket Association and Newlands have also felt the effects of the recent storms, it has not been as traumatising as it has been for many communities across the Western Cape. Our hearts go out to those in smaller and rural areas who have suffered immense loss. I’ve personally witnessed the devastation, and it is deeply moving,” said van Zyl. 

The public has also been urged to participate in the initiative, but by donating some of the essentials needed or by making financial contributions via Gift of the Givers or Backabuddy. The stadium will also serve as a drop-off point for donations.

“Through this partnership, Newlands will become a drop-off point for much-needed supplies, as many people have lost their livelihoods and currently have no access to basic necessities such as water, food and blankets. We urge the public to support Gift of the Givers in reaching those who need it most.”

The Gift of the Givers’ Ali Sablay said this follows days of relief efforts across the province.  

“Since the onset of the disaster, teams have been assisting major informal settlements across the Cape Metropole, while additional teams have been deployed to outlying regions including the Breede Valley, Cape Winelands District, Cape Agulhas Municipality, and Langeberg Municipality. Since Monday, Gift of the Givers teams have distributed in excess of 150,000 hot meals, along with blankets, hygiene packs, mattresses, and baby care supplies to affected residents.”  

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A 17-year-old boy remains missing after a drowning incident at Monwabisi Beach on Saturday morning, while four other teenagers were rescued from dangerous surf conditions.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), emergency crews were activated shortly after 11am following eyewitness reports of multiple swimmers in distress at the popular False Bay beach.

NSRI Strandfontein station commander Nicolette Whitehead said five local teenage boys, believed to be between the ages of 13 and 17, had reportedly been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.

By the time rescuers arrived, four of the teenagers had already been brought ashore by members of the public. One bystander, believed to be a lifeguard and reportedly wearing a lifeguard shirt, used an NSRI pink rescue buoy stationed at the beach to save one of the boys. Surfers at the scene also assisted, using their surfboards to help rescue three others.

The four rescued teenagers were found on the beach suffering from symptoms linked to non-fatal drowning. Two were reported to be in stable condition, while two others were described as serious but stable. All four were transported to hospital by ambulance and are expected to recover.

A large-scale search operation was launched involving NSRI rescue swimmers, police, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, EMS rescue crews, Law Enforcement and Police Water Policing and Diving Services.

Despite extensive sea and shoreline searches, no sign of the missing teenager had been found by Sunday. Police divers continue ongoing search efforts.

The NSRI commended the eyewitness who raised the alarm, as well as the unidentified Good Samaritans and surfers who helped save lives before emergency services arrived.

Police have opened an investigation into the incident.