Saturday, 4th of April, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- 96 percent of children in crashes were not buckled up
- Power theft crisis deepens as Cape Town loses 49 million rand
- Deadly shootings rock Salt River and Mowbray as suspects flee
- Thousands queue as 16 million rand in fines cleared in Athlone
- 14 thousand runners set for iconic Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
- Cavendish Square launches Easter garden party for families
- Cloudy and cool conditions expected with rough seas along the coast
Watch Today’s Bulletin
Do Support Cape Town News on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/capetownnews
96% Of Children In Crash Injuries Were Not Restrained In Western Cape, Health Officials Warn
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has issued an urgent call to parents and caregivers to prioritise child safety on the roads, warning that preventable injuries continue to place children at unnecessary risk.
The warning follows findings from the African Brain Child clinical research group, based at the Paediatric Neurosurgery Unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, which showed that 96% of children admitted to intensive care with severe traumatic brain injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents were not restrained at the time of the crash.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger said the data reflects the real human cost behind road incidents involving children.
“Behind every number is a child whose life has changed forever and a family navigating the consequences. Every child deserves to be safe and protected,” Wenger said.
She urged parents and caregivers to make seatbelt use non-negotiable, adding that even short trips carry significant risk.
“Before setting off on the road, every child needs to be strapped in. Children that are not buckled up are at serious risk of serious injury. Something as simple as a seatbelt can be the difference between an ordinary day and a life changed forever.”
At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, approximately 2,000 children are admitted each year for suspected head injuries, with road traffic accidents responsible for the most severe cases. As a specialised referral centre for paediatric trauma, the hospital receives complex cases from across the province and beyond, often reflecting the most critical outcomes of road crashes involving children.
Associate Professor Ursula Rohlwink from the University of Cape Town said the clinical evidence is consistent and alarming.
“We see the devastating impact of preventable injuries every day. The fact that 96 out of 100 children with severe head injuries in crashes were not restrained shows just how critical this behaviour is.”
She added that seatbelts and appropriate child restraints remain among the most effective interventions available to protect children.
“Seatbelts and appropriate child restraints are one of the most effective ways to protect a child’s brain and their future,” she said.
Health officials also highlighted the broader systemic impact of preventable injuries, noting that cases of this nature place additional pressure on emergency medical services, first responders and specialised hospital care.
From prevention programmes in communities and schools to the work of emergency services and trauma units, authorities say road safety requires coordinated effort across the entire health system.
With increased traffic volumes expected over the Easter period, the department is calling on all road users to take responsibility and ensure that every child is properly secured.
Officials emphasised that prevention remains one of the most powerful tools available, noting that it takes less than a second to buckle a seatbelt, but can protect a lifetime.
Source: Western Cape Government – Department of Health and Wellness
Cape Town Battles R49 Million Power Theft Crisis With New Anti-Vandalism Technology Pilot
The City of Cape Town has launched a series of research-driven pilot projects aimed at protecting critical electricity infrastructure, as losses linked to theft, vandalism and illegal connections have already exceeded R49 million this financial year.
The initiative forms part of the City’s broader Protect Your Power campaign, which focuses on reducing outages, improving supply reliability and safeguarding essential services across the metro.
City officials say the situation has reached a critical point, with infrastructure frequently damaged, repaired and then targeted again in what has been described as an unsustainable cycle. The impact is felt across communities, with thousands of electricity-related faults recorded each month, often linked directly to criminal activity.
Mayoral Committee Member for Energy Xanthea Limberg said the pilot projects are designed to test solutions under real-world conditions before being rolled out more widely.
“The insights gained from these projects will play an important role in informing future interventions for more effective and long-term solutions to protect our power infrastructure,” Limberg said.
While details of the technologies being tested remain confidential due to agreements with private sector partners, the City confirmed that the broader programme includes increased law enforcement visibility in hotspot areas and ongoing efforts to replace copper components with materials that carry lower resale value.
The financial burden continues to grow. In the previous financial year, losses exceeded R62 million, placing significant strain on municipal resources and limiting the City’s ability to invest in new infrastructure and maintenance.
Officials warn that beyond the financial cost, the repeated damage to infrastructure undermines service delivery and contributes to prolonged outages, affecting households, businesses and public facilities.
Residents are being urged to report suspicious activity, particularly in areas where electricity infrastructure is located near homes or public spaces, to help reduce response times and prevent further damage.
The City maintains that community cooperation remains a critical component in addressing the issue, as it continues efforts to protect essential services and stabilise electricity supply across Cape Town.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
Multiple Shootings In Salt River And Mowbray Leave One Dead As Police Hunt Suspects
Police are investigating multiple shooting incidents that took place over the past week in Salt River and Mowbray, with authorities yet to make any arrests.
In Salt River, a 25-year-old man was found dead inside a bullet-riddled tow truck at the corner of Lower Main and Chatham Road. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene. Police have opened a murder case, and the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Provincial police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that officers responded to reports of the shooting shortly after 7pm, discovering the vehicle with the deceased inside.
In a separate incident in Shelley Street, also in Salt River, a 40-year-old man was shot multiple times late at night. According to police, the shooting occurred after 11pm, and the victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Provincial police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukwana said an attempted murder case has been registered.
“He was taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. No arrest has been made yet regarding this incident. The investigation is ongoing,” Mpendukwana said.
Meanwhile, in Mowbray, a 30-year-old man was gunned down in broad daylight at the corner of Victoria Road and Queen Street.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 11am.
“Upon arrival on the scene, they found the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds to his body,” Twigg said.
The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. According to police reports, the suspects approached in a vehicle before opening fire and fleeing.
“The motive for the attack is yet to be established,” Twigg added.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked, but investigations into all three cases remain ongoing.
Police have appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the suspects, urging witnesses to contact Crime Stop or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
Aource: South Suburbs Tatler – Staff Reporter / Wesley Ford
Thousands Flock To Athlone Roadshow As Cape Town Processes R16 Million In Traffic Fines
The City of Cape Town has reported a strong public response to its latest traffic fine roadshow, with more than 3,600 motorists attending the six-day outreach event in Athlone.
The initiative, which forms part of a series of roadshows hosted several times a year, provides residents with a convenient, community-based platform to resolve outstanding traffic fines, address warrants and submit representations to reduce penalties.
City officials confirmed that approximately R4.1 million was paid directly in fines during the event, while a further R11.5 million was processed through representations, allowing qualifying motorists to have penalties reviewed or reduced.
The roadshow is coordinated through a partnership between the City’s Traffic Service, Municipal Courts, Revenue Services and other internal departments, creating what officials describe as a “one-stop shop” for motorists.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the increasing turnout reflects both the demand for accessible services and the scale of traffic violations across the metro.
“The traffic fine roadshow is clearly growing in popularity and our Traffic Service will continue to take these payment opportunities to communities,” Smith said.
He added that the turnout also serves as a reminder of the volume of daily traffic transgressions recorded in Cape Town.
“The turnout is a reminder once more of the sheer number of driving transgressions and related fines generated on a daily basis.”
Smith urged motorists to reflect on the experience.
“So, while we are grateful to those members of the public who have now handled their business, we sincerely hope that the hours in the queue and the money that was parted with are enough motivation to pay closer attention to the rules of the road.”
The roadshow comes ahead of the Easter long weekend, when traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly and enforcement operations are intensified across the Western Cape.
City officials say the initiative plays an important role in reducing administrative backlogs while encouraging greater compliance with road regulations.
Source: IOL – Staff Reporter
Two Oceans Ultra Marathon Set To Draw 14,000 Runners Across Cape Peninsula
The Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon will once again bring the Cape Peninsula to life as approximately 14,000 runners take on the globally recognised 56 kilometre route.
Widely regarded as Africa’s most loved road race, the event attracts a mix of elite athletes, seasoned competitors and recreational runners from across South Africa and abroad. Its reputation extends beyond competition, with the route itself offering one of the most scenic race experiences in the world.
Participants will travel through a series of well-known coastal and suburban areas, including Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Constantia and Newlands. One of the most anticipated highlights remains Chapman’s Peak, often described as one of the most spectacular coastal drives globally, presenting both a visual landmark and a demanding climb for runners.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the marathon plays a significant role in Cape Town’s economy. Recent estimates indicate that the event contributes up to R1.5 billion annually, driven by tourism, accommodation, hospitality and related services.
The race is run under the auspices of World Athletics, Athletics South Africa and Western Province Athletics, ensuring international standards and oversight.
Runners will start in Newlands in the early morning hours, with the race concluding at the University of Cape Town’s upper campus in Rondebosch, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather.
Organisers say the continued success of the event reflects both its global appeal and its deep connection to Cape Town’s sporting culture.
Source: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon – Official Release
Cavendish Square introduces a family-friendly Easter garden party featuring treats, workshops and interactive activities.
As part of its seasonal programme, Cavendish Square has introduced a garden party activation aimed at providing a safe, engaging and family-friendly environment during the Easter period.
The experience is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, with a combination of complimentary treats and interactive activities creating a relaxed and festive setting inside the shopping centre.
Children are greeted with a range of sweet offerings, including ice cream, sweet packets and marshmallows distributed by the Easter Bunny, while face painting adds to the overall atmosphere.
Beyond the treats, the activation places a strong focus on participation, offering a selection of creative workshops where visitors can engage in hands-on activities. These include Krispy Kreme donut personalisation, ceramic painting and pot plant painting, allowing families to spend time together while creating something tangible to take home.
Organisers say the event is structured to encourage connection and shared experiences, particularly during a period when families are looking for accessible activities over the long weekend.
The indoor setting also ensures that the event remains unaffected by changing weather conditions, making it a reliable option for families planning outings.
Tickets are priced at R50 per person and are available through Quicket, with limited walk-in availability for those attending on the day.
The activation forms part of a broader calendar of Easter events taking place across Cape Town, reflecting a growing demand for community-focused, family-oriented experiences during holiday periods.
Source: Cavendish Square – Event Release
Financial Markets:
Cloudy And Cool Conditions Expected Across Western Cape With Rough Seas On Sunday
Cape Town will see overcast conditions throughout most of Sunday, with skies remaining cloudy from morning into the afternoon before gradually clearing later in the evening.
Temperatures in the city are expected to reach a high of 19 degrees, with a low of 16, creating a mild and steady day overall. While conditions remain dry, humidity levels are expected to sit high at around 80 percent.
Further inland, Paarl will experience warmer conditions, with a high of 23 degrees and a low of 12, while Stellenbosch is forecast to reach a high of 19 degrees, also dropping to 12 overnight.
Winds across the region will remain light, coming from the south at approximately 5 kilometres per hour, contributing to relatively calm inland conditions.
However, along the coastline, sea conditions are expected to be significantly more active. A south-westerly swell of 3.6 metres, combined with a 14-second period, will result in rough seas, particularly affecting coastal and ocean-based activities.
Tide patterns will see high tide at 04:48 in the morning and again at 17:08 in the evening, with low tide at 10:56 and later at 23:02.
The sun is expected to rise at 07:01 and set at 18:35, with a UV index of 7 indicating high exposure levels during peak daylight hours.
While no rainfall is expected, conditions remain cool, making for a typical early autumn day across the Western Cape.
Cape Town News is funded by you.
If you value independent local reporting, please consider supporting us.
TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Provincial News– Western Cape Government – Department of Health and Wellness
City News– IOL – Murray Swart
Crime Report – South Suburbs Tatler – Staff Reporter / Wesley Ford
Community News – IOL – Staff Reporter
WP Sport – Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon – Official Release
Local Events – Cavendish Square – Event Release
Weather Forecast – South African Weather Service – SAWS
MONEY MARKET SOURCES:
Currencies: FNB FX – FirstRand Bank Ltd
Commodities: Goldbroker.com – Gold Broker Ltd
Crypto Market: Binance.com – Binance Holdings Ltd
CTNews will continue to track these stories and bring updates as new information becomes available. For the latest bulletin remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit ctnews.co.za for daily coverage and special features
Chief News Editor: Mark Botes-Lashmar
Written by: CTNews team
Publisher: Cape Town News
Region: Cape Town and Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: editorial@ctnews.co.za
