The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre has placed the province on high alert following an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

According to SAWS, an intense cut-off low-pressure system is expected to affect the province from Tuesday afternoon (5 May), peaking on Wednesday (6 May), and continuing into Thursday (7 May). Most of the country will experience adverse weather. 

The Garden Route District is expected to be the most severely affected, with rainfall totals of up to 150–200mm possible in parts of the region. High-intensity rainfall over short periods could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Areas that suffered from wildfires during the summer months are particularly vulnerable now, and heavy rain could result in mudslides.

In addition to heavy rain, the system is expected to bring:

• Strong to gale force winds
• Very rough sea conditions, particularly between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay
• Dangerous waves posing a risk to coastal infrastructure and public safety
• Cold conditions, with possible snowfall over high lying areas and mountain passes

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre, together with municipalities and emergency services, has activated monitoring and preparedness measures across affected districts. Dam and river levels are being monitored continuously, particularly where dams are already close to capacity.

Residents are urged to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the weather event.
• Stay away from rivers, streams and flooded roads.
• Refrain from coastal and marine activities.
• Secure loose items around homes that might become dislodged during strong winds.
• Follow official warnings and updates from authorities.

Emergency services are on standby, and the province will continue to issue regular updates as conditions evolve. For emergencies, residents are advised to contact their local authorities.

Western Cape Weather Outlook (Next Few Days):

Tuesday (5 May):

• Heavy rain develops over the Central Karoo and eastern Garden Route (Level 4 warning)
• Localised flooding and service disruptions possible
• Snow expected in Karoo Hoogland and Beaufort West from evening into Wednesday

Wednesday (6 May):

• Conditions worsen significantly
• Very heavy rain in the eastern Garden Route (Level 8 – highest warning)
• Flooding risks increase across Central Karoo, Kannaland and Hessequa (Level 6)
• Strong, damaging winds inland
• Rough seas begin along the southern coastline

Thursday (7 May):

• Continued heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Garden Route
• Coastal areas from Cape Agulhas to Plettenberg Bay face damaging winds and waves (Level 6)
• Smaller harbours between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas may be disrupted
• Muddy, difficult driving conditions on dirt roads in parts of the Overberg and Cape Winelands

An illegal street race in Bellville South led to the arrests of seven people as the City of Cape Town works to rid the streets of reckless and negligent driving.

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate says two drivers were intercepted while taking part in an illegal street race last night, while five others were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says they were among 374 arrests made by the City’s enforcement agencies in the past week.

“The Traffic Service’s Ghost and Random Breath Testing Units disrupted an illegal gathering in Bellville South last night. Two racing motorists were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Five other motorists were arrested for driving under the influence as a crowd of about 500 people dispersed following the officers’ arrival.”

Smith says another area prone to illegal racing was patrolled, but no incidents or arrests were reported.

“Officers also patrolled another known hotspot on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone, but the area was quiet.”

Smith says illegal street racing is one of the many challenges that the City has to deal with. He adds that not only is this an illegal activity, but it also poses a danger to those frequenting the area and road users.

“The City has, over time, worked to create safe, legal spaces for this activity, but still it persists, and that is why we are beefing up the traffic by-law to impound vehicles for offences like reckless and negligent driving.”

South Africans are urged to brace themselves as cold, wet and windy weather is expected over large parts of the country from today until Thursday.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has attributed the inclement weather to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to make landfall over the western parts of the country.

“The system is expected to initially affect the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning,” SAWS said.

 

Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for continued rainfall, strong winds, and a noticeable drop in temperatures over the coming days.

“Widespread rainfall is anticipated over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, extending into the Free State, with 24-hour rainfall accumulations likely to exceed 100–200 mm in places. This may result in widespread flooding. In addition, damaging winds and very rough sea conditions are expected, particularly along the south coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coastline,” the weather service warned.

The Western Cape Department of Mobility has since advised the public to exercise caution when travelling, especially in areas prone to flooding or reduced visibility.

Maxine Bezuidenhout, the Department’s Traffic Chief, says roads will be slippery and has stressed the importance of adhering to road safety measures during adverse weather conditions.

“Both motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution in the current wet and rainy conditions. Roads are slippery, visibility is reduced, and stopping distances are longer. Drivers must reduce speed, increase following distances, and ensure their vehicles are in a safe condition. Pedestrians should remain visible and only cross at safe, designated areas. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and responsible road use will save lives,” Bezuidenhout stressed.

As police investigate the abandonment of a newborn baby girl, who was later found deceased in Grassy Park, another similar report has come to light. 

Ward 45 councillor, Many Marr, announced on social media that the body of a baby was found on Vrygrond Avenue in Vrygrond on Monday morning. 

“Please stay clear of the area while emergency services remain on the scene to conduct their investigation,” said Marr.  

Police confirmed that a foetus was discovered while members of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) were working in the area.

“She was busy cleaning the area (open field on Vryground Avenue) when she was pulling the dirt using a rake and between the dirt appeared the foetus. The motive is believed to be concealment of birth,” said Western Cape Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape SAPS have yet to confirm if there’s been any development in a child abandonment case from Grassy Park. 

This case initially came to light on Saturday, when community social media channels began circulating a missing person’s report for a newborn baby girl. According to the poster, the baby was last seen with her mother, who had later that day returned to her Lotus River home without the baby.  

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that a child abandonment case had been opened, and a 31-year-old woman arrested. At the time, police said she would appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court once charged.  

On Sunday, Twigg confirmed that the baby was found deceased in a stormwater drain on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Antelope Street, Lotus River.  

The suspect was also confirmed to be the infant’s mother. 

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. The mother of the child remains in custody,” said Twigg on Sunday.  

The Grassy Park Community Policing Forum’s Nicole Jacobus noted that the group was also involved in the search for the baby on Saturday evening and was shocked by the news. 

“I would like to urge the community to please respect the family and not make any speculations around the incident. As we know, the incident is under investigation at this stage,” said Jacobus.  

In response to enquiries on when the suspect is due in court and if the charges against her had changed, considering the baby’s confirmed death, this is what the SAPS had to say: 

“Kindly be advised that this office will inform you once the charge has been officially change[d],” said Twigg, in correspondence with SmileFM on Monday morning.  

The civil rights group, Action Society, said this case must place heightened focus on the protection of children. Head of the organisation Action Centre, Kaylynn Palm, called for a thorough and urgent investigation.  

“This child was only a day old and lost her life under heartbreaking circumstances, a life that had barely begun… When a child’s life is lost in this way, it raises urgent questions about how we, as a society, are failing to protect our most defenceless. While the circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation, the reality is that this baby did not get the chance to live, to be safe, or to be protected,” said Palm.  

She also noted that “this cannot become just another case”.  

“This tragedy highlights the need for stronger systems that identify and protect at-risk children from the very beginning of their lives… Every child matters, and every child deserves a chance to live and be safe.” 

ALSO READ: Grim pattern continues, with body of another baby found in CT – Smile 90.4FM

*This article has been updated to include comment by the Western Cape SAPS Media Office regarding the incident in Vrygrond.