Thursday, 26th of March, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Pilot survives dramatic firefighting helicopter crash in Hout Bay
- Wildfire spreads across Vlakkenberg slopes amid strong winds
- A 67-year-old woman found guilty in 15-year drug case
- Electric taxis set to launch on Cape Town routes
- Stormers brace for test match intensity against Edinburgh this weekend
- Cape Town Sixes Festival returns with free family weekend fun
- Clear skies and calm winds expected across the Western Cape
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Firefighting helicopter crashes on Hout Bay mountain during wildfire operation
A firefighting helicopter crash on the slopes above Hout Bay has drawn widespread attention across Cape Town, after a pilot miraculously survived the incident while assisting efforts to contain an active wildfire.
The aircraft, contracted through the Working on Fire programme, went down on Wednesday evening during a low-altitude water-bombing operation. Early reports indicate that the helicopter clipped the mountainside with its main rotor while manoeuvring in difficult conditions, including shifting winds and reduced visibility caused by smoke and low cloud cover.
Emergency response teams already deployed in the area reacted immediately. Rescue technicians were dispatched to the crash site, navigating steep and hazardous terrain to reach the downed aircraft. The pilot was safely extracted and sustained only minor injuries, in what officials have described as an extremely fortunate outcome given the nature of the crash.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed that multiple emergency units were operating in the Hout Bay and Constantia Nek areas at the time of the incident. He said enforcement personnel secured the crash site shortly after impact, with the South African Police Service and the Civil Aviation Authority expected to take over the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas welcomed the swift response from emergency services and highlighted the ongoing risks faced by firefighting crews working in unpredictable mountain conditions. He also confirmed that a secondary fire, believed to have been triggered by the crash, would be managed once the area is stabilised.
The helicopter formed part of a broader coordinated response to a wildfire burning across the Vlakkenberg slopes, where strong winds have continued to complicate containment efforts.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected areas and comply with all safety restrictions as firefighting operations continue.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba
Vlakkenberg wildfire spreads across slopes as crews battle shifting winds
Firefighters remain locked in an ongoing battle to contain a fast-moving wildfire on the Vlakkenberg slopes, as difficult weather conditions continue to drive flare-ups between Hout Bay and Constantia.
The fire, which started along the Pipe Track above Hout Bay on Tuesday, has already scorched an estimated 160 hectares of vegetation. Overnight wind shifts reignited sections along the left flank, forcing firefighting teams to reposition and intensify containment efforts as the blaze spread across the mountainous terrain.
South African National Parks spokesperson Lauren Howard-Clayton confirmed that more than 70 firefighters have been deployed on the fire line, supported by partner agencies including Volunteer Wildfire Services and municipal response teams. An additional 30 ground crew members were brought in on Wednesday to strengthen operations.
Aerial firefighting resources have been deployed where possible, with helicopters conducting water drops over active fire lines. However, persistent low cloud cover and smoke have at times grounded aircraft, limiting the effectiveness of air support and placing greater pressure on ground crews navigating steep and rugged terrain.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said the fire has crested the mountain ridge and is now moving towards the Klein Constantia area. Despite its spread, authorities have confirmed that the fire remains high on the slopes and does not currently pose a direct threat to residential properties.
City Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said the fire zone has been divided into two operational areas, allowing teams to coordinate efforts more effectively on both the Hout Bay and Constantia sides. Multiple fire engines, water tankers and specialised response units remain on site.
Recent rainfall has provided some relief by slowing the fire’s advance, but strong winds and difficult access conditions continue to hamper containment efforts.
Officials have urged the public to respect all trail closures and avoid the affected areas while emergency crews continue their work.
Fire management officials have noted that late-summer conditions, combined with dry vegetation and shifting coastal winds, have created a volatile environment across the Cape Peninsula. These factors have increased the likelihood of rapid fire spread, particularly in mountainous areas where access is limited and terrain complicates suppression efforts.
Environmental teams are also monitoring the ecological impact of the blaze, as the Vlakkenberg area forms part of the Table Mountain National Park system, which is known for its unique fynbos vegetation. While fire is a natural component of the fynbos ecosystem, uncontrolled burns of this scale can place pressure on biodiversity and recovery cycles.
Authorities have reiterated that while no evacuations are currently required, the situation remains dynamic. Fire crews are expected to remain on high alert as weather conditions continue to shift, with ongoing assessments guiding further deployment of both ground and aerial resources.
Source: Constantiaberg Bulletin – Tara Isaacs
67-year-old Cape Town woman convicted after 15-year R12 million drug case
A 67-year-old woman from Kenilworth has been convicted on multiple charges of drug dealing and money laundering, bringing to a close a complex case that has spanned nearly 15 years and involved more than R12 million worth of illegal substances.
Grace Kunjana was found guilty in the Khayelitsha Regional Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of dealing in drugs and 14 counts of money laundering. The case dates back to March 2011, when police acted on intelligence suggesting large quantities of drugs were being stored at properties linked to her in Kenilworth and Wynberg.
During the initial investigation, law enforcement officers uncovered just under 25 000 mandrax tablets hidden in potato bags at a Kenilworth residence. Further searches in Wynberg revealed more than 260 000 mandrax tablets, alongside over 2 kilograms of tik and significant amounts of cash concealed on the property.
The case later took on constitutional significance when Kunjana challenged the legality of the warrantless searches conducted by police. The matter escalated to the Constitutional Court, which ruled that certain provisions allowing searches without a warrant were unconstitutional, as they infringed on the right to privacy. However, the ruling did not apply retrospectively, allowing the prosecution to continue with the case.
In 2018, Kunjana was again linked to a separate drug-related incident, where she and her daughter were arrested in Somerset West while allegedly offloading drugs into a storage facility. Authorities seized additional narcotics, cash and equipment believed to be connected to distribution activities.
Prosecutors argued that the case extended beyond drug dealing, highlighting a pattern of financial activity used to conceal proceeds from illegal operations. This formed the basis for the multiple money laundering charges brought against her.
The conviction marks the conclusion of one of the more prolonged drug-related cases in the Western Cape, reflecting both the scale of the operation and the complexity of the legal process involved.
Kunjana is expected to return to court for sentencing in May.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Tauhira Ajam
Electric minibus taxis set for Cape Town rollout as transport sector shifts
Electric minibus taxis are set to begin operating on selected Cape Town routes by October, marking a significant step toward modernising the city’s public transport system.
The rollout will start in Century City, where initial routes have been identified in collaboration with local taxi associations. The project is led by GoMetro, a South African-founded fleet management technology company, with plans to gradually expand electric vehicle integration across key urban corridors over the next three to four years.
According to GoMetro Chief Executive Officer Justin Coetzee, the first phase will focus on testing the vehicles under real operating conditions. The selected routes serve more than 25 000 commuters who travel to and from Century City daily, making it a suitable environment to evaluate performance and reliability.
The electric taxis are designed specifically for short to medium-distance urban routes, offering a range of between 180 and 220 kilometres per charge. This allows them to complete both morning and afternoon peak periods, with vehicles expected to recharge during midday downtime when demand is lower.
Supporting infrastructure is already being developed, including fast-charging stations capable of recharging vehicles within approximately one hour. This approach aims to ensure minimal disruption to service schedules while maintaining operational efficiency for taxi operators.
The initiative forms part of a broader push to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability within South Africa’s transport sector, while preserving the flexibility and accessibility of the existing minibus taxi network.
Industry stakeholders have also highlighted the potential economic benefits, including lower long-term operating costs and reduced fuel dependency, although the transition will require careful coordination with taxi associations and regulatory bodies.
If successful, the project could see up to 120 electric taxis operating within the Century City precinct, with the potential for expansion into other parts of Cape Town in the future.
Source: Traffic Updates – ITWeb – Staff Writer
Stormers prepare for high-intensity clash against Edinburgh at DHL Stadium
The Stormers are preparing for a demanding encounter against Edinburgh this weekend, as they look to build on their strong position in the United Rugby Championship standings while addressing key areas in their performance.
The Cape Town-based side currently sits second on the table following a 29–21 victory over the Dragons, a result that reinforced their momentum but also exposed areas requiring improvement. Despite controlling large portions of the match, the Stormers were unable to fully capitalise on their attacking opportunities, crossing the line four times while leaving several scoring chances unconverted.
Attack coach Dawie Snyman said the focus in training has been on refining decision-making, timing and execution in the final phases of play. He noted that while the team’s ability to create opportunities remains a strength, improved precision will be essential against stronger opposition.
Edinburgh arrive in Cape Town under pressure after a heavy defeat to the Lions, but are expected to field a strengthened squad with several players returning from international duty. Among them are Pierre Schoeman and Darcy Graham, both of whom have previously proven influential and are likely to add experience and attacking threat.
The Stormers are anticipating a more structured and physical contest, with Snyman describing the Scottish side as a team that approaches matches with a “Test match mentality”. This is expected to place additional emphasis on discipline and efficiency in key moments of the game.
Injury concerns will also play a role, with wing Seabelo Senatla ruled out for several weeks due to a calf strain, reducing options in the backline.
With home advantage at DHL Stadium, the Stormers will be aiming to deliver a more clinical performance as they continue their push near the top of the table.
Source: WP Sport – Rugby 365 – Leezil Hendricks
Cape Town Sixes Festival returns with sport, music and free family weekend
The Cape Town Sixes Festival is set to return this weekend, bringing a mix of sport, entertainment and lifestyle experiences to the Western Province Cricket Club in what has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, the festival combines multiple sporting codes, including cricket, golf and padel, while also incorporating additional activities such as rugby, squash and hockey in previous editions. The format allows both social and competitive teams to participate, creating a unique environment where emerging talent can compete alongside experienced players and former professionals.
Organisers have positioned the event as more than just a sporting tournament, with a strong emphasis on creating a full-day experience for attendees. The venue will host a range of gourmet food trucks, curated craft drink offerings and live music performances, showcasing local South African artists and contributing to the festival atmosphere.
The event is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with free entry for all visitors. This approach has contributed to its growing popularity, drawing large and diverse crowds from across Cape Town and surrounding areas each year.
Beyond entertainment, the festival also provides opportunities for local businesses and vendors to engage directly with the public, supporting small enterprises and promoting local products within a high-traffic environment.
The programme runs from 08:00 to 22:00 on Saturday and from 08:00 to 19:00 on Sunday, offering a full weekend of activity for families, sports enthusiasts and social groups alike.
With favourable weather conditions expected, organisers anticipate strong attendance and a vibrant atmosphere across both days of the event.
Source: Local Events – The Sixes Festival – Event Listing
Financial Markets:
Clear skies and calm conditions expected across the Western Cape on Friday
Friday is expected to bring stable and clear weather conditions across the Western Cape, with mild temperatures and light winds creating a comfortable start to the weekend.
Cape Town is forecast to reach a high of 23°C with a low of 16°C. Inland areas will be warmer, with Paarl expected to climb to 28°C and Stellenbosch to 27°C, while overnight temperatures in these regions will drop to 13°C and 12°C respectively.
Skies are set to remain clear throughout the day, from morning through to the evening, with no rainfall expected and a 0% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels are forecast at around 85%, contributing to slightly humid early morning conditions before easing during the day.
A light south-easterly wind, ranging between 10 and 15 km/h, will provide gentle coastal airflow without significantly impacting outdoor activities.
Ocean conditions are expected to remain moderate, with a swell of approximately 1.2 metres and a nine-second period from the south-west, offering relatively manageable conditions for maritime and recreational use.
Tide times for Cape Town begin with a low at 05:20, followed by a high at 11:27, and another low at 17:54.
Sunrise is expected at 06:55, with sunset at 18:47, while the UV index is forecast at a high level of 6, indicating the need for sun protection during peak hours.
Overall, the day is expected to deliver clear, calm and pleasant conditions across the region.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
City News – Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba
Provincial News – Constantiaberg Bulletin – Tara Isaacs
Crime Report – Cape {town} Etc – Tauhira Ajam
Traffic Updates – ITWeb – Staff Writer
WP Sport – Rugby 365 – Leezil Hendricks
Local Events – The Sixes Festival – Event Listing
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
