Tuesday, 31st of March, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Surge in violent crime as Cape Town records 22 shootings
- Cape Town moves to cut Eskom reliance with private power
- Firefighters tackle Signal Hill blaze as Vlakkenberg fire flares
- Seven suspects in court in R100 million bus extortion case
- Travel warning as fans head to Bafana match at Cape Town Stadium
- HYROX Cape Town brings global fitness race to CTICC
- Warm partly cloudy conditions expected across the Western Cape
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Cape Town Records 22 Shootings Over Weekend As Violent Crime Surges Across Metro
Cape Town has recorded a sharp spike in violent crime, with 22 shooting incidents reported over the weekend, raising renewed concerns over public safety, law enforcement capacity, and the growing circulation of illegal firearms across the metro.
The surge comes amid a broader increase in emergency activity, with the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre handling 1,464 incidents over the same period. Priority policing cases, which include serious offences such as armed robbery, housebreaking, metal theft, smash-and-grabs and shootings, nearly doubled from 34 to 61 compared to the previous week.
This sudden escalation has intensified pressure on emergency services and enforcement agencies already stretched across multiple high-risk areas.
City officials have warned that the figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the crisis. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said many violent incidents go unreported, particularly in communities affected by gang activity and entrenched criminal networks.
“This is what is reported, but the reality is often far worse,” Smith said, pointing to persistent challenges in policing and intelligence gathering.
During the same period, enforcement operations were ramped up significantly, resulting in 423 arrests across the metro. Metro Police accounted for 167 arrests, including 57 for driving under the influence, while broader enforcement teams responded to a wide range of criminal activity and public safety violations.
Traffic services recorded 69,233 traffic violations, impounded 208 public transport vehicles and executed 656 outstanding warrants, reflecting the scale of enforcement action over the weekend.
Authorities also confirmed several firearm-related arrests, highlighting the ongoing flow of illegal weapons into communities. In Hanover Park, a 29-year-old suspect was arrested with a 9mm pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition, while a 23-year-old was detained days later for illegal possession of a revolver.
These arrests have once again raised questions around firearm supply chains and the effectiveness of national efforts to dismantle them.
Smith said the continued rise in shootings underscores the urgent need for stronger, coordinated intervention at a national level, particularly in targeting organised crime networks responsible for the distribution of illegal firearms.
The spike in violence comes as national authorities prepare to deploy the South African National Defence Force to identified crime hotspots, a move seen as a short-term stabilisation measure.
However, City officials have cautioned that sustainable long-term solutions will depend on improved investigations, successful prosecutions, and the disruption of criminal supply networks.
For Capetonians, the latest figures reinforce growing concerns about safety, as communities continue to face the daily reality of violent crime.
Authorities have urged residents to report all life-threatening emergencies immediately, as efforts continue to contain the surge and restore stability in affected areas.
Source: IOL – Wendy Dondolo
Cape Town Moves To Buy 500MW From Private Power Traders To Cut Eskom Reliance
Cape Town is moving to reduce its reliance on Eskom by procuring up to 500 megawatts of electricity from private energy traders, in a strategic shift aimed at stabilising tariffs and protecting consumers from rising electricity costs.
The City has issued a formal tender inviting licensed energy traders and aggregators to supply power at rates below Eskom’s Time-of-Use tariffs, marking one of the most significant steps yet in its long-term energy reform programme.
The move comes as electricity remains the City’s single largest cost driver, with approximately 70% of tariff revenue currently spent on bulk purchases from Eskom. This heavy dependence has left both the municipality and consumers exposed to repeated tariff increases.
With Eskom increases of around 9% expected to take effect from July, some estimates suggest households could face monthly increases of between R200 and R300, placing additional pressure on already strained budgets.
Against this backdrop, the City’s latest intervention is being positioned as both a cost-containment measure and a long-term strategy to reduce exposure to future price shocks.
Mayoral Committee Member for Energy Xanthea Limberg described the initiative as a “pioneering step” towards securing cleaner and more affordable electricity, while reducing dependence on Eskom’s pricing structure.
Under the proposed model, the City will appoint a panel of approved energy traders, who will then compete through a secondary bidding process to secure Power Purchase Agreements of up to 10 years.
Only traders licensed, or in the process of being licensed, by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa will be eligible, ensuring regulatory compliance and oversight.
The model also positions Cape Town to participate in the emerging South African Wholesale Electricity Market, where electricity can be traded more competitively between suppliers.
However, any financial relief for consumers is not expected in the short term. According to the tender specifications, successful bidders will only begin delivering electricity within 36 months of signing agreements.
Final pricing will be determined through competitive bidding among shortlisted traders, creating some uncertainty around the level of savings and how much of these will ultimately be passed on to residents.
The City has included safeguards within the procurement process, including the ability to reject bids that are not cost-effective or fail to meet required criteria.
The 500MW tender forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Cape Town’s energy mix, improve resilience, and reduce long-term dependence on Eskom, while supporting the integration of renewable energy and private sector participation.
Over the past few years, the City has expanded support for small-scale embedded generation and rooftop solar, as it continues to push for greater municipal energy independence.
The tender closes on Wednesday, 13th of May, after which submissions will be evaluated and a panel of traders appointed, marking the next phase in Cape Town’s transition towards a more flexible and competitive energy system.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
Signal Hill Fire Contained As Vlakkenberg Wildfire Continues To Threaten Southern Suburbs
Firefighters are battling multiple wildfire incidents across Cape Town, with a vegetation fire breaking out on Signal Hill while crews remain stretched by the ongoing blaze in the Vlakkenberg area near Hout Bay.
Ground teams from South African National Parks are actively working to contain the Signal Hill fire, assessing its spread and establishing control lines as part of ongoing firefighting operations. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and while no injuries or property damage have been reported, authorities have warned that conditions remain unpredictable.
The incident adds further pressure to emergency services already engaged in containing the Vlakkenberg wildfire, which began along the Hout Bay Pipe Track on Tuesday, 24th of March, and has since spread across mountainous terrain toward the Constantia Valley.
Despite light rain earlier in the day, flare-ups have continued due to shifting wind conditions, particularly along the left flank of the fire. These changing weather patterns have made containment efforts more difficult, allowing the blaze to remain active across large sections of vegetation.
At least 160 hectares of land have already burned, with more than 70 firefighters deployed on the fire line, supported by additional ground crews and aerial resources when weather conditions permit.
Aerial firefighting efforts have been intermittently hampered by low cloud cover, limiting helicopter visibility and delaying water bombing operations at critical moments.
Residents in surrounding areas, including Constantia and Tokai, have reported visible smoke plumes and a strong smell of burning vegetation, with authorities advising those with respiratory conditions to remain indoors and keep windows closed.
SANParks has urged the public to avoid all hiking trails and access routes in the Constantia, Constantia Nek and Vlakkenberg areas, warning that unauthorised access could endanger both civilians and emergency crews.
Officials have also appealed to the public not to gather to observe the fire, stressing that clear roads are essential for emergency vehicle access.
The wildfire continues to be closely monitored as crews work to prevent further spread, with changing wind conditions remaining the biggest risk factor in ongoing operations.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba / Angelica Rhoda
Seven Suspects Face 125 Charges In R100 Million Bus Extortion Crackdown
Seven suspects are set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court following a major breakthrough in a multi-year investigation into the extortion of long-distance bus operators, with authorities estimating the value of the criminal operation to exceed R100 million.
The arrests, carried out across Cape Town, Matatiele and Nelspruit over the weekend, mark the culmination of a four-year investigation led by Western Cape Serious Violent and Organised Crime detectives, supported by multiple national law enforcement agencies.
Police allege that the suspects were part of a coordinated criminal network that targeted major bus operators between 2021 and 2023, using intimidation, coercion and extortion to control routes and operations.
According to investigators, companies were forced to pay substantial sums of money in exchange for protection and permission to operate safely along licensed routes. In some cases, the financial demands placed on operators were so severe that businesses were forced to shut down or scale back services, directly impacting commuters.
The investigation further revealed alleged collusion involving individuals with financial interests in the transport sector, with suspects accused of dictating operational decisions, including the number of trips and passenger volumes allowed.
Authorities say the case highlights the growing influence of organised crime within the transport industry, where extortion networks have increasingly disrupted services and undermined legitimate operations.
The suspects now face approximately 125 charges, including intimidation, extortion, money laundering, interference with essential infrastructure, and managing a criminal enterprise under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, the Tactical Response Team, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Financial Intelligence Centre and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Police have described the arrests as a significant milestone in dismantling organised criminal structures that operate across provincial boundaries.
The case is expected to draw further attention to the need for sustained enforcement efforts to protect critical transport systems and ensure safe, reliable services for commuters.
Source: Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
55,000 Fans Expected At Cape Town Stadium As Authorities Urge Use Of Public Transport
Cape Town is preparing for a major influx of football fans as approximately 55,000 spectators are expected to attend the international friendly between Bafana Bafana and Panama at DHL Cape Town Stadium, with officials urging the public to use rail and shuttle services to avoid severe congestion.
The match, scheduled for the evening, coincides with peak midweek traffic in the city bowl and Green Point precinct, placing significant pressure on transport infrastructure and traffic management systems.
Authorities have warned that driving directly to the stadium is likely to be the slowest option due to limited parking availability and extensive road closures around the venue.
In response, Passenger Rail Agency services have been increased across all major lines into the city, marking a continued effort to restore commuter confidence following years of disruption caused by vandalism, cable theft and infrastructure damage.
A free MyCiTi shuttle service will operate for ticket holders from the Civic Centre and Thibault Square, with services running from the late afternoon and return trips available after the match.
Western Cape Mobility officials have encouraged fans to make use of these public transport options, highlighting recent progress in bringing key rail routes, including those connecting Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, back into operation.
For those travelling by car, park-and-ride facilities will be available at various train stations along the Northern and Southern lines, while additional paid parking can be accessed in the central business district.
Dedicated e-hailing pick-up and drop-off points will also be in place along Helen Suzman Boulevard, providing an alternative transport option for attendees.
Authorities have advised fans to arrive early, allow additional travel time, and avoid leaving immediately after the final whistle to reduce congestion at transport hubs.
The match is expected to serve as a key test of Cape Town’s ability to move large crowds efficiently, as efforts continue to rebuild trust in the city’s public transport network.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
HYROX Cape Town Brings Global Fitness Race To CTICC This Weekend
Cape Town is set to host the internationally recognised HYROX fitness competition, as the high-energy global event arrives at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for a three-day showcase of endurance, strength and community-driven competition.
The event, scheduled from Friday, 3rd of April to Sunday, 5th of April, is expected to attract a wide range of participants, from first-time competitors to experienced athletes, all taking part in a standardised race format that has gained rapid popularity worldwide.
HYROX combines endurance running with functional workout challenges, creating a demanding but accessible competition designed to test both physical strength and stamina.
Participants complete eight rounds of one kilometre runs, each followed by a workout station that includes exercises such as sled pushes, rowing, lunges and burpees, forming a structured and repeatable race format used across all global events.
The competition is open to individuals, doubles teams and relay groups, making it inclusive for athletes at varying fitness levels and encouraging broader participation.
Organisers have emphasised the event’s focus on community engagement, with a strong atmosphere of support and shared achievement expected throughout the weekend.
Spectators can attend to watch the competition unfold, with the event designed to create an energetic environment that blends competitive sport with a festival-like experience.
The arrival of HYROX in Cape Town reflects the growing popularity of fitness-based events in South Africa, as more participants seek structured challenges that combine endurance training with functional performance.
Tickets are available for both participants and spectators, with strong turnout expected across all three days at the CTICC.
Source: HYROX South Africa – Event Listing
Financial Markets:
Warm And Partly Cloudy Conditions Expected Across Cape Town And Surrounding Areas
Cape Town is expected to see warm and partly cloudy conditions tomorrow, with stable weather across the region and no rainfall anticipated.
Temperatures in the city will reach a high of 24 degrees, dropping to around 16 degrees overnight. The day will begin with partly cloudy skies, continuing through the afternoon before clearing into a calm evening with clear conditions.
Inland areas will experience significantly warmer temperatures, with Paarl expected to reach a high of 32 degrees and a low of 14, while Stellenbosch is forecast to peak at 28 degrees with an overnight low of 13.
Humidity levels are expected to remain high at around 90 percent, which may create a slightly heavy and humid atmosphere, particularly during the early morning and evening periods.
Winds will be light, coming from the south at approximately 10 kilometres per hour, helping to maintain generally stable conditions across the metro and surrounding areas.
Along the coast, ocean conditions are expected to remain moderate, with swell reaching around 1.4 metres and a south-westerly period of 14 seconds.
Tide conditions will see high tides at 02:56 and 15:15, with low tides at 09:12 and 21:16.
Sunrise is expected at 06:59, with sunset at 18:41, while the ultraviolet index is forecast at a high level of 6.
Overall, conditions are favourable for outdoor activity, although the high humidity may be noticeable throughout the day.
Source: South African Weather Service – SAWS
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Crime Report – IOL – Wendy Dondolo
Provincial News – IOL – Murray Swart
City News – Cape {town} Etc – Sibuliso Duba / Angelica Rhoda
Traffic Updates – Cape {town} Etc – Staff Reporter
WP Sport – IOL – Murray Swart
Local Events – HYROX South Africa – 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
