After surviving explosions at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and multiple attempts to get a flight home, a Cape Town photographer was in tears as recalled his ordeal.

Cape Town - After surviving explosions at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and multiple attempts to get a flight home, a Cape Town photographer was in tears on Saturday as recalled his ordeal.

Parow Valley resident Ference Isaacs was at the airport on Tuesday when he heard a loud “boom” and saw people running to safety.

He had travelled via Istanbul to Bordeaux, France, earlier last month. Within minutes of two explosions at the airport - claimed to be the work of the Islamic State - news spread online.

Friends and family wanted to know whether Isaacs was safe while he was stuck inside the airport with hundreds of other passengers without any internet connection.

“I had a couple of hours before my flight, so I was browsing and decided to have some Turkish coffee,” he said.

“Then I saw some people running at the airport. And I thought this is odd. Why would people be running at theairport? “Where we were, no one was aware of what was happening because the airport is big.”

Isaacs stopped at a Turkish Airlines office and asked what was happening.

“A woman working there said there was a bomb scare.

“Then when I continued walking, I saw people running a second time,” he said.

“People were falling over each other. Luggage was just all over the place. Old people were falling to the ground.

“Children were screaming. It was like something out of a movie.”

Isaacs’s instinct was to run with people.

“Then we heard a loud boom and everybody just fell to the ground.

“My instinct was that there were guys inside the airport shooting.

“The police told people to run to one side of the airport.

“The airport is huge and he was telling people to run to the side that was safer. Everybody was running.”

News reports confirmed that a gun battle had taken place between Turkish police and gunmen wielding AK-47s.

There were multiple explosions in which 41 people were killed and 239 injured.

Gunmen wearing explosive vests had apparently tried to pass through X-ray machines at Europe’s third busiest airport, when police stopped them.

“They started shooting and police returned fire.

Isaacs told Weekend Argus how “people were just beside themselves”.

“A sight that almost broke my heart was seeing a father consoling his children.

“He was just crying. It was really a horrible experience.

“Police were everywhere. They were telling people to go to the food court area. They were trying to make sure everybody was in one section.”

The airport was evacuated and Isaacs and other passengers were taken to hotels, where they were told to wait until the airport was operational again.

At the hotel, Isaacs posted a video on Facebook to tell family and friends he was alive.

On Thursday, Isaacs was sent back to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town.

“When people knew they were going back to the airport they were crying and had be consoled.”

Isaacs only managed to get a flight home on Friday morning and landed in Cape Town later that day.

“Sitting in the aeroplane, I couldn’t believe it when the pilot said we were ready to land in Cape Town.

“I saw Table Mountain and just reflected on my holiday and this experience. I realised that I could have been dead.

“My eyes were filled with tears. I was just happy.”

Weekend Argus

Businessman Irshaad Laher, accused of supplying guns to gangs, has sold his shares in restaurants after calls from the public to boycott the establishments.

Cape Town - A wealthy Cape Flats businessman accused of supplying guns to gangsters has sold his shares in four restaurants after calls from the public to boycott the establishments.

Meanwhile, the People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) have slammed the courts for granting Laher bail, while their crime fighters rot in jail.

Rondebosch businessman Irshaad Laher, charged with corruption, theft of firearms and ammunition, possession of prohibited firearms and money laundering, was the co-owner of Spur branches in Observatory and Ottery, as well as the Nando’s restaurants in Belgravia and Gardens.

Laher has been fingered as the middle man between a former police colonel who stole firearms from a police armoury and the Cape Flats gangsters who bought them.

He is out on bail of R100 000.

Speaking to Voice of the Cape news on Thursday, Laher said he chose to sell his franchises because it was affecting the reputation of the companies and staff.

“I’ve distanced myself from these businesses because so many people’s lives have been hurt because of this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Radio 786 reports that shares in Nando’s Belgravia have been sold to Fayaaz Ahmed Parker, of Airports Meat Company, and Reaaz Ahmed, the owner of Good Hope Meat Hyper in Salt River.

Laher’s decision comes after calls by the Gangsterism Must Fall group for the public to boycott his businesses.

Former cop Christiaan Prinsloo of Vereeniging was recently sentenced to 18 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to 11 charges, including theft, racketeering and money laundering.

He had been in charge of the police armoury and stole 2 400 guns over almost a decade.

It is alleged he met Laher in Gauteng when he was a policeman and Laher a reservist.

Investigators testified that Prinsloo sold about 2 000 guns to Laher.

The case has been postponed to July 22.

Meanwhile, Pagad spokesman Haroon Orrie slammed government for not acting sooner on Pagad warnings, made 19 years ago, “about the smuggling of drugs and guns between police officers and prominent Cape businessmen”.

“The government, politicians and the police must take full responsibility for every child, man and woman that are killed in gang warfare” said Orrie.

Regarding Laher’s bail, he said: “We will continue to question the discrepancies in the justice system between rich and poor. Laher, and others like him, deserve to pay the ultimate price.”

Daily Voice

A reclaimed Constantia farm, which was at the centre of a protracted land restitution battle, looks set to become a R250m Shoprite Checkers shopping complex.

Cape Town - A reclaimed Constantia farm from the early 1900s, which was at the centre of a protracted land restitution battle, looks set to become a R250 million Shoprite Checkers shopping complex.

But residents of the area are unimpressed, saying another retail development was not needed.

Bounded by Kendal, Spaanschemat River Road and Ladies Mile and the M3, the two properties which made up the farm, span an area of 14 562m².

More recently it has served as waste drop-off point for the city.

The proposed retail development would cover an area of 7 811m², with a maximum height of 15m.

The Solomon family, who farmed the land from 1902, occupied the farm for 65 years before they were removed under the Group Areas Act.

They developed the land into a self-sustaining, commercially productive land unit - growing flowers, vegetables and fruit for export - and raised livestock and poultry.

The Constantia Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (CRRA) is now conducting an online opinion poll about future plans for the site, but so far, those who have commented on its Facebook page have not warmed to the proposal.

They say the development would cause traffic chaos and that the retail chain was not suited to Constantia.

“What do we want another shopping centre for... and right in the middle of a residentially zoned area!! Traffic will also be too much for the area to absorb... And please don’t try and fool us by saying it’ll be upmarket... there’s absolutely nothing upmarket about Shoprite!!!,” commented Adrian Stevens.

Added Kirsten Ralph: “Shoprite does not fit in the profile of the area. Go back and do your homework people.”

Others seemed oblivious to the fact that the two erven belong to the Solomons family as a result of a restitution claim, suggesting that the area be preserved for public use.

“So unnecessary... what we need to do is preserve the rural feel of Constantia... they should rather build beautiful stables and a stunning arena for horses!!” said Annette Cowley-Nel.

Replied Nick Legg: “It is all very well for people who don’t own the land to propose community projects of whatever nature. Perhaps they should club together and buy the land from the owner.

“Then they could have a say in what sort of equestrian or leisure centre should be established.”

The Solomon family initiated the restitution process in 1996 and, 10 years later, the Land Claims Court concluded a Deed of Settlement with the Hadjie Abdullah Solomon Family Trust and the Hadjie Ismael Solomon Family Trust.

In a statement contained in the motivation document, the family said it was looking to unlock the economic opportunities it had been denied.

“As it is impossible to fully restore the historic character of the land, the family has carefully considered the type and nature of redevelopment which will be able to function as a financially viable standalone entity and to serve as a catalyst for the development of the remaining restitution sites,” said Rashad Solomon, the founder and chairman of the trust.

By the time the family left the property, it contained an 11-roomed Victorian-style house, a seven-roomed colonial-style house, eight family houses and workers cottages and outbuildings.

The leasing of the shopping centre would provide the Solomon family with a sustainable income to cross-subsidise their residential development on their land east of the M3.

It is hoped that the city council will restore the mixed land use rights on the reclaimed land and approve the consolidation of the two erven.

According to the motivation report, the development would “kick-start the re-establishment of Constantia’s historical economic hub” and “make a positive contribution to the economic empowerment in Cape Town”.

The buildings would have a modern farm, homestead architecture.

A new traffic circle is proposed at the Ladies Mile/Spaanschemat River Road intersection.

During the construction phase, an estimated 150 jobs will be created and the shopping centre is expected to employ up to 350 staff once fully operational.

The CRRA chairman did not want to comment on the plans, but on its website the association said based on the outcome of its opinion poll, it would propose alternative uses for the site, list the pros and cons of the proposal and submit a formal letter of comment to the city.

It would also call for a presentation by the developers and the professional team to explain the proposal in more detail and to answer questions.

But one resident, Etienne Braun said the poll was pointless and that the proposal was surely a done deal.

lindsay.dentlinger@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

One of the Mitchells Plain fire victim wakes up from his coma with 99 percent burns to his body.

Cape Town - The first thing fire survivor Lance Minnies heard when he woke up from a week-long coma was: “Did you know that you died?”

The 16-year-old suffered 99 percent burns to his body, and his mom Rita Minnies says it’s a miracle that he is alive.

Lance survived the blaze that claimed the lives of eight people in Mitchells Plain on June 11.

Read: Three survivors of Mitchells Plain blaze in ICU

Rita says her son was so badly burnt that paramedics feared he wouldn’t make it to the nearest hospital a few kilometres away.

The mom says machines kept her son alive as everyone prayed for his recovery.

He woke up by himself a week later, and a doctor asked him if he knew he’d been dead.

Doctors believe the teen is out of danger for now.

Rita says: “The doctors were going to take him to Tygerberg [Hospital] first but chose Victoria on the day of the fire because traffic was bad, they didn’t know if he could survive the distance.”

Lance, a Grade 11 pupil at AZ Berman High School, was visiting his friend in Macbeth Street, Eastridge, when the fatal fire broke out.

Alfonso Swartz, 35, his daughter Tamia Swartz, 22 months, Tamia’s siblings Cameron Fredericks, six, Elmarie Fredericks, five, their cousins, siblings Nikita Abrahams, three, Joshua Abrahams, 13, Kyle Abrahams, 18, as well as their cousin Arafaat Madatt, 14, all died in the inferno.

Four other people - homeowner Patrick Abrahams, 54, who lost three children and three grandchildren, his ex-wife Verona Abrahams, 52, their daughters Gloria Abrahams, 31, and Shanice Abrahams, 22, and a friend Nawaal Erasmus, 23, also survived.

Alfonso was the last to be laid to rest on Saturday.

Rita says Lance underwent his first treatment of skin grafting last week, but got an infection, and he was placed in intensive care again.

Skin was removed from his stomach and placed on one of his badly injured legs.

A heartbroken Rita says she’s only been able to visit her son a handful of times, because she can’t afford the trips to hospital.

“Lance had his first skin graft on Thursday and I last saw him on Wednesday, I do not have money for petrol or taxi to see him because when you ask a person to take you, you need to provide petrol money,” the mom says.

The poverty-stricken family of nine all live in a single room in a house in Eastridge, which they also share with fourteen other people.

Rita says her husband Henry, a construction worker, has been unable to go back to work after he was shot last year.

Henry and her sons Yornick, 4, and Edwin, 18, were caught in gang crossfire outside their home last August.

Edwin was hit in the leg, and recovered, while Henry has been left disabled after being shot in the foot.

The family survives on odd jobs while Rita does char work.

Rita says it’s a battle to see Lance, who “needs our motivation and support”.

“When they brought him into hospital, he was so bad, I couldn’t even touch him, I had to look at him through a window,” she adds.

“He only learnt last week that his friends and others died in the fire. When he woke from the coma, he was very disorientated, he thought he was still in the fire.”

“But Lance is a fighter, he knows it wasn’t his time to go, he has dreams which need to be fulfilled.”

* If you can assist the family please contact them on 063 560 8272.

Daily Voice

Professor Brian Williams is set to take his expulsion from the University of the Western Cape's council to court.

Cape town - Professor Brian Williams is set to take his expulsion from the University of the Western Cape's council to court.

Responding to news of his expulsion, Williams said the council's decision was “unlawful” and he would take the matter to the Western Cape High Court.

“UWC is once again brought into disrepute because of the latest unlawful decision which is brazen and crude.

“What lies at the heart of our unlawful suspensions (Songezo Maqula and I) and the illegitimate action against us, is the anti-democratic pressure to silence our critical voices as the representatives of all the graduates and academics at UWC.

“The unlawful suspensions that were made in November 2015 against Songezo Maqula and I will be heard in the High Court in the next six weeks.

“Given the clear of the breach of the rule of law and the violations of various statutes, the court will rule against our unlawful suspensions,” Williams said.

Last November, Williams and Maqula were suspended for their “perceived engagement” with student protesters.

The suspension was taken in light of serious allegations, including the alleged misconduct of Williams, earlier in the year.

At the time the council said the suspension was “considered the best way forward in order for council to be able to focus on the very urgent and serious matters facing the university and its council”, but the decision was opposed by many, including president of the convocation Mlungisi Noludwe.

Noludwe had reportedly said the decision was “unlawful” and the convocation was looking into taking the matter to court. He called for the suspension to be dropped.

The council had set up an ad-hoc committee which would look into the conduct of the two members.

Luthando Tyhalibongo, UWC’s spokesman, said Williams and Maqula failed to present their cases to the committee, despite numerous invitations to.

But Williams denied having received those invitations.

He said: “No invitation was issued to me to be present at the meeting where the unlawful decision was made and that decision was made in my absence; no charges have ever been put to me; no findings of guilt based on any charges and I had no opportunity to respond to any charges.”

In a statement issued by the chairman of the council, Mthunzi Mdwaba confirmed that the expulsion decision had been made on Thursday.

“A decision was taken to expel Mr Brian Williams from council, with immediate effect. A decision was also taken to suspend Songezo Maqula from council with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing process. These decisions were not made lightly, but were taken in the best interest of the university and its community. The president of Convocation was informed accordingly and we trust that we would be able to meaningfully engage convocation members to unite all stakeholders of the university,” Mdwaba said.

Mdwaba also referenced a statement he sent out in March where he indicated that they were determined to build an environment that was conducive to ensuring the excellence of the university.

“Irresponsible and malicious attacks on our vice-chancellor or the executive shall not be tolerated and shall be dealt with the contempt they deserve,” he said.

zodidi.dano@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

City rolling out SMS technology that will enable motorists to pay fines by phone, tablet or PC.

Motorists in Cape Town will soon be able to settle their outstanding fines with smart pay-as-you-go technology, the city officials said on Monday.

The City's mayoral committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith said a SMS service that notified motorists about their traffic fines had been been taken up a notch.

“The City of Cape Town's Traffic Service is adding another technological advancement to its arsenal with the roll-out of smart SMS technology that will allow motorists to pay fines via their cellphones, tablets or personal computers,” said Smith. He said a service provider which has been testing the SMS technology for the past few months and “who is responsible for generating and sending fine notices” was looking at streaming the technology online.

Smith said motorists would be able to click on a link that appears in the SMS they receive and view their fine through putting in their identification number. Motorists, he said, would have “additional options to download or e-mail the fine or even pay it directly from the link”.

Smith said the aim of the technology was “to make life easier for our residents and take the pain out of paying traffic fines”. He noted that the technology would ensure motorists received their fines timeously, without any postal system delays. He added that through this technology, the City would be able to “monitor exactly how many people have received the text message, opened it, and downloaded or paid the fine”.

Smith emphasised that the new smart technology would not “replace the traditional mailing of first notices as these will still be sent via the South African Post Office”.

The website used to enable motorists to view their fines is https://fines.capetown.gov.za/4/test. Smith said the pay-as-you-go service was available on Android, Windows, IOS, Blackbery, Symnbian and Linux and was compatible with desktops and mobile devices.

African News Agency (ANA)

The number of independent schools in the Cape have increased exponentially over the past five years, and this growth is expected to continue.

Cape Town - The number of independent schools in the Western Cape have increased exponentially over the past five years, and this growth is expected to continue with at least six new schools expected to open next year.

Information provided by the Western Cape Education Department shows that there were 65 independent schools registered in the province five years ago.

This number has increased to 244 and 55 804 pupils attend these schools.

Asked how many independent schools were scheduled to open in the province next year, Millicent Merton, a spokeswoman for the department, said: “Fifteen applications for registration were received of which six have been approved and nine are still pending”.

She said that in terms of the South African Schools Act, all independent schools had to be registered with the department.

Sheena Crawford-Kempster, managing director of the Reddam House group of schools, said the Western Cape had become a desired location to live and as more people came into the city, the demand for schools also increased.

There are now three Reddam House schools in the Western Cape - Atlantic Seaboard, Constantia and Somerset West - with a fourth school, Chesterhouse, currently undergoing rebranding into a Reddam House Preparatory School with a new college campus under construction and scheduled to open in Durbanville next year.

“There are a number of developments happening in the province, creating a need for more schools in some of these areas like Durbanville and Somerset West.”

The Leadership College in Manenberg started in 2010 with only 47 pupils. Founder Ashra Norton said the school, which doesn’t charge fees, now had a pupil enrolment of more than 600.

The school’s excellent matric results in 2014 made the headlines and received a mention in Premier Helen Zille’s state of the province address last year.

In her speech, Zille said the school had achieved an impressive 87.5 pass rate, almost double the average of 46.2 percent for other high schools in the greater Manenberg area.

“It is significant that the Leadership (College) is an independent school that charges no fees at all. It draws its learners from one of the poorest and most violence wracked communities in this province. It has far fewer resources than most of the other schools in the area has, yet it produces far, far better results.”

Norton said the care that the teachers provided to pupils, including extended hours, was among the factors that had contributed to the school’s success. There was also a strong focus on the study path after school, including visits to universities, and Norton said many former pupils were excelling at university.

The school receives a government subsidy and relies on funders for the remainder of its funding.

Asked why she believed the number of Western Cape parents opting for independent school education for their children was growing, she said it could be the smaller class size. The average class at the college had between 30 and 35 pupils.

The independent education group Curro Holdings has also been increasing its number of schools in the province. The first school opened in a church building in Durbanville in 1998 and 28 pupils were enrolled.

According to the group, they now had 12 schools in the province and a pupil enrolment of 6 968.

Information provided by the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa last year showed that the fees charged by their member schools ranged from no fees to R219 500 (including boarding) a year.

ilse.fredericks@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

A suspect has appeared in court in connection with the slaying of 18-year-old Gerdo Karelse in a holding cell at Beaufort West police station.

Cape Town - A suspect has appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court in connection with the slaying of 18-year-old Gerdo Karelse in a holding cell of the police station of the Karoo town.

But the 29-year-old Zuko Mqungquthu, who was held in the cell with Karelse, did not plead to a charge of murder. Mqungquthu was arrested and appeared in court on Thursday.

Karelse’s sister, Carmen Karelse, said the family had not received any new information from police since they were informed of his death.

“Only the Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson came to us. We do not know how far the investigation is, only that the suspect was in court,”said Karelse.

Beaufort West CPF Chairperson, Mohammed Adams, said senior police officials were demanding that the postmortem be completed as soon as possible.

“That this could happen within the police station is frightening. We have to find out if there is any fault on the part of the officers on duty, and if this tragedy could have been avoided,”said Adams.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga asked to meet the family during a visit to Beaufort West.

ANC Central Karoo secretary Windy Plaatjie said Motshekga offered her condolences to Karelse’s mother, Sannie Wyles, vowing the investigation would be done to the letter of the law.

IPID spokesperson, Robbi Raburabu, said: “If there is any proof of any misconduct or procedures not followed by officers on duty, we will release those findings to SAPS officials,”said Raburabu.

Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie said the investigation was continuing.

“A disciplinary investigation will determine whether members, if found to be involved, will be suspended. The result of the autopsy is not available at this stage,”he said.

Mqungquthu’s next court appearance will be on July 5.

Anyone with information can contact IPID on 012 399 0000.

Cape Times

Lawyers and the provincial government are at loggerheads over an extension for a decision on the proposed sale of the Tafelberg site land.

Cape Town - Lawyers representing Sea Point workers objecting to the controversial sale of the Tafelberg site, and the provincial government are at loggerheads over an extension for a decision on the proposed sale of the land.

The Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU) Law Centre has strongly refuted claims by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille’s office that the organisation refused to grant it more time and had failed to provide reasons for the urgency its clients attach to its decision about the sale of the site.

This came after Zille’s spokesperson Michael Mpofu said NU declined to agree to a request to extend the period for provincial government to consider public comments.

Mpofu said the high volume of comments received could not practically be considered within the current time frame of June 9 to July 9.

About 5 000people commented during the recent second public-consultation period on the proposed sale and every comment deserved a fair and proper consideration, according to Mpofu.

The sale of the site to the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School for R135 million was stopped after an agreement between provincial government and NU lawyers for Reclaim the City supporters was made a high court order in April. Reclaim the City and its supporters wanted the land to be used for affordable housing.

Mpofu said no one foresaw having to consider about 5 000 representations within a period of one month when the terms of this order were agreed to.

“The attitude taken by Ndifuna Ukwazi to our request is most unfortunate. It also appears to contradict the position they and their clients have taken to date, that their comments on the proposed sale must be taken into account before any decision is made,” he said.

While the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School has agreed to an extension, the provincial government will be forced to approach the high court for an order on the extension if NU does not reconsider the extension, said Mpofu

“We have no doubt the high court will agree with us, and further agree that a reasonable amount of additional time to consider all public submissions is warranted and should have been agreed to by Ndifuna Ukwazi.”In a statement, NU said it has responded in writing to request for an extension, and has proposed an extension of the decision until July 31.

“Further delays are consistent with the Western Cape Provincial Government’s dismissive approach in this matter since correspondence began between the parties in February 2016 despite the fact that provincial government knew it was in breach of the law in the disposal of the Tafelberg site, as the settlement order correctly states,” the statement read.

The organisation said the provincial government was aware of the arguments on the Tafelberg matter during the submissions period.

“In addition, NU compiled, read, sorted and indexed 937 written submissions for the convenience of the province and to facilitate diligent decision without delay as is constitutionally required. Additional submissions were signatures on a petition.”

siyavuya.mzantsi@inl.co.za

Cape Times

Turning out 1 000 loaves on its first day of operation, Brandvlei prison’s new bakery aims to help the correctional services department fulfill its goal of becoming self-sufficient.

Cape Town - One bread at a time. That is how Brandvlei prison in Worcester plans to fulfil the department of correctional service's aim of becoming self-sufficient and ensure food security.

The department officially opened the prison bakery - established in October - on Friday. Celebrating the start of Madiba month and giving back to the community, the offenders baked 1 000 loaves of bread that were donated to community organisations in the area.

Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Thabang Makwetla said: “Our gathering here today, is about celebrating one of our biggest milestones in making the ideals of uTata uMandela a reality, with offenders gaining critical life and technical skills in food production and bread making, while at the same time we are using what we have to make a difference in needy communities surrounding Brandvlei Correctional Centre.”

He said the baked bread provided an opportunity to create jobs and skills development for offenders.

“This bakery has the capacity to produce up to 1 700 loaves of bread per day to supply offenders in this centre as well as those housed in Breede River Correctional Centre. The bakery will deliver a loaf of bread at one-third of the open market rate and will help save up to R400 000 per year,” said Makwetla.

Bakery manager Leonard Bruce said the project was another way of reducing crime.

“The project is not only focusing at saving money for the department, it is also another way of fighting the rise in crime.

“We give them skills so they can be employed by companies or start their own businesses after serving their sentences.”

Bruce said: “Keeping the offenders busy also helps arrest chances of violence inside the cells.”

Prison warden, Natashia Moile, said she found working with the offenders in the bakery easier than in the cells.

“I always enjoy working with the offenders because they always show courage and commitment at what they do.

“They always appreciate the knowledge we are passing on to them, and they are always calm and easy to work with.”

The department aims at accrediting the bakeries, to ensure that offenders working in the bakeries would, in future, receive accredited training and a certificate as evidence of the skills acquired.

Wellington Gudu, 30, serving eight years, said: “It makes him feel happy to work in the bakery.

“I feel very easy at heart when I know someone out there needs my help, because some of the bread we make here is for donation to community organisations.”

songezo.ndlendle@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

The Hawks are probing whether a 25-year-old man nabbed in Sea Point could be a contract killer responsible for several murders and attempted murders.

Cape Town - The police’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) are investigating whether a 25-year-old man arrested in Sea Point could be a contract killer responsible for several murders and attempted murders in the Ravensmead area.

Alfonso Plaatjies appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of reckless and negligent driving and the illegal possession of a firearm, but he could face a raft of other charges if investigators can positively link a gun, found in his possession, to other crimes.

The alleged hitman, who was wearing a black and white tracksuit with a green hoodie, looked straight ahead while standing in the dock clutching a purple beanie.

A tattoo was visible on the left side of his neck.

Prosecutor Andy Hess asked that the matter be postponed until July 13 for further investigation.

Hess confirmed that the gun found in Plaatjies’s possession had been used in at least four gang-related murders in Ravensmead.

Plaatjies was arrested by police in Sea Point on Friday morning after allegedly driving recklessly. Upon further investigation, officers found the loaded gun in the vehicle.

He has applied for Legal Aid.

The prosecution said investigators would need to follow up on the crimes linked to the firearm before a bail application could be heard.

After court, Hawks spokesman Lloyd Ramovha said: “At this point, pending further investigations, we cannot divulge much. Investigations are continuing.”

Meanwhile, the Ravensmead Community Policing Forum’s David Olivier said gangsterism was a big problem in the neighbourhood, but singled out Uitsig in Ravensmeadas the “red zone”.

“It is a very problematic and high crime area. Gun shootings happen there every other day,” Olivier said.

Olivier said he did not know Plaatjies, but urged police to thoroughly investigate the case.

“There have been at least 20 fatal shootings in the Uitsig area since the beginning of this year.

“We have discussed the problem in our monthly meeting.”

siyabonga.sesant@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

The mom of an alleged Cape hitman linked to four murders said he is no killer, but a rapper with a message of peace for the youth. [VIDEO]

Cape Town - The mother of an alleged hitman linked to four murders said he is no killer, but instead a rapper with a message of peace for the youth.

Alfonso Plaatjies, 25, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of murder and the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Plaatjies was arrested near Sea Point on Friday morning after police stopped and searched his vehicle.

During the search, cops found a loaded handgun which could be linked to four recent gang-related killings “in and around Ravensmead”.

But Plaatjies’ mom Mary-Ann Plaatjies, said her son is simply a struggling musician trying to inspire the youth through his music.

She said Alfonso started a group called YBT Recordz (Young Bone Thugs), who produce rap songs about peace and harmony.

The mom believes the youngest of her six children is no killer and has been framed by jealous rivals.

“He was taken in by police last week Wednesday and they let him go,” she revealed.

“(On the day of his arrest) he was with other people in a vehicle when the driver accidentally drove into oncoming traffic.

“Police found a gun which wasn’t his and said he is involved on all these cases.

“My son and that people were going to see the liggies (lights) in the City.”

She added: “My son cuts hair from home (to earn money) and he produces his own music, he is known as YBT.

“He then raps about peace and mentors children in the community, you can even find him on the internet where he made a music video.

“My son wasn’t involved in any of those murders, he isn’t a gangster.

“He raps against gangsterism. But I have faith because my son is innocent.

“People are just jealous of him.”

During Plaatjies’ brief appearance, State Prosecutor Andy Hess said the firearm “is linked to murders, attempted murders as well as gang-related attacks in and around Ravensmead.”

Hess said the State needed more time to gather evidence.

The matter was postponed to July 13 for bail information.

A YBT Recordz song that was posted on YouTube is all about how they came up with their name.

Plaatjies also dedicated a song to his mother, called Mother’s Day, about how she raised him to be a good and law-abiding child.

He raps: “As ek val, was dit mammie wat my optel en omhels. As ek verkeerd gedoen het, was ek geslaan en geskel.

“Ek kan nog onthou, hoe Mary-Ann Plaatjies my vasgehou, die mooiste vrou, ek verlang na haar arms… my mammie is my ma.”

His latest song, called Don’t Join, is not out yet, but his mom said it is about how youngsters should not join gangs and get involved in criminal activity, and rather work hard for a better life.

Daily Voice

Using its eyes in the sky, the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police arrested a suspect moments after he had allegedly carried out a smash-and-grab.

Cape Town - Using its eyes in the sky, the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police arrested a suspect moments after he had allegedly carried out a smash-and-grab on Jakes Gerwel Drive near Bonteheuwel, the City’s Safety and Security directorate said on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old suspect is believed to be linked to a number of other smash-and-grab incidents along the major Cape Town road and was previously arrested by Metro cops.

“We hope that he is denied bail and that he is convicted and sent away for a long time,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.

“The fact that this suspect has been arrested by the same officers before is an indictment on the criminal justice system. We need to start taking these types of crimes more seriously and holding those responsible to account if we’re ever going to put a stop to it.”

Smith was referring to the crime and subsequent arrest that occurred on June 13. From the smash-and-grab to the capture, the City’s Camera Response Unit (CRU) was able to track the unfolding events and assist in the arrest on the ground.

The CRU members were “on patrol” in Langa – roughly an eight minute drive from the crime scene – when they received information about the suspect’s whereabouts.

They were, as is seen in the video (https://youtu.be/1Q-DUyxSwLs) uploaded by the City to its YouTube account, able to follow the suspect running towards his sister’s home where the arrest was made by police on the ground.

According to the City, the suspect was previously arrested for other smash-and-grab incidents and can also be linked to several other recent incidents along Jakes Gerwel Drive. They further allege that the suspect could be responsible for recruiting young people to commit similar crimes.

African News Agency

Two female traffic officers were shot in Harare, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate said.

Cape Town - Two female traffic officers were shot on Tuesday morning in Harare, Khayelitsha, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate said.

One of the officers was shot in the stomach while the other was shot in the leg.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said both officers were rushed to the Melomed Hospital in Mitchell’s Plain.

The shooting happened in front of the library in Harare and was carried out by unknown suspects.

African News Agency

A Bo-Kaap non-profit organisation is threatening legal action against plans by a local jewellery manufacturer to start operating a gold refinery in the area.

Cape Town - A Bo-Kaap non-profit organisation that treats health problems, including trauma and chronic illnesses, is threatening legal action against plans by a local jewellery manufacturer to start operating a gold refinery.

A draft environmental impact assessment currently being circulated for public comment says the proposed development would have no impact on people’s health and well-being.

But residents who live around the OroAfrica building in Buitengracht Street, are sceptical, and will be meeting a legal team on Tuesday to discuss interdicting the process.

The Brave Foundation is two blocks away from Lueven Metals, which operates from the OroAfrica building, and also treats patients with respiratory problems such as asthma and tuberculosis.

“This is presented as a Bo-Kaap issue but it is a city problem. We need to be opposed to any emissions in our city.

“Any amount of toxic emissions in a residential area is unacceptable,” said Brave Foundation chief executive Robyne Conway.

Lueven Metals wants to refine scrap jewellery and “old” gold for local and export markets.

The machinery which will be used in the process is already on site.

Environmental consultants say information obtained from the technology suppliers indicate that the gas released from the equipment is not regarded as noxious or as risk activity.

Their air quality screening assessments have also confirmed that emissions will conform to the SA National Air Quality Standards.

“The level of process activity in many cases mirrors or is even less than that of a normal university laboratory,” said the report.

It further says that the proposed development would be considered “practical”, since the activity falls within the zoning of the area.

According to environmental law, residents have been given 30 days until July 25, to comment on the draft EIA.

But Conway and chairman of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Residents’ Association, Osman Shaboodien said this was not enough time. Conway said concerned parties needed more time.

In her view, the EIA did not address the effects of all chemicals and emissions such as water and heavy metal residues involved in the process.

“We need to investigate all the traces however small they may be,” she said.

Shaboodien said it was not possible for lay people to go through and understand an 80-page technical document and provide comment in such a short space of time.

Residents had also requested an extension on the comment period for the scoping report which was submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs in April.

Conway said the mixed-use zoning of the area needed to be challenged because any form of jewellery manufacturing should be considered industrial.

“Strange smells” had emanated from the property at least three times over the last month and a half, she added.

Shaboodien said no consideration had been given to the numerous schoolchildren who walked past the factory on their way to school just higher up the road.

“It is ludicrous to have a smelter in an urban area close to schools,” he said.

Despite the draft EIA saying the proposed activities at Lueven Metals would not cause a disturbance, residents regularly complained about noise from activities at the OroAfrica building.

lindsay.dentlinger@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

The prosecution may have finally unlocked two iPhones and an iPad which could shed more light into the murder of American tourist Gabriela Kabrins Alban.

Cape Town - The prosecution in the murder case of Guatemalan national Diego Novella may have finally unlocked two iPhones and an iPad which could shed more light into the murder of Novella’s murdered girlfriend, American tourist Gabriela Kabrins Alban.

If cellphone data is damning, Novella may be charged with premeditated murder.

Alban was found dead at the upmarket Camps Bay Retreat hotel on July 29 last year following an alleged sex and drug session gone wrong.

The State on Monday argued for another final postponement in the matter, saying depending on what was found on the devices, the body could charge Novella with premeditated murder.

Police have reportedly been able to partially unlocked a third iPhone which had been found at the murder scene.

Prosecutor Louise Friester-Sampson told the court that police were now extracting data from all the devices.

Friester-Sampson said the other devices have been unlocked with the help of Israeli authorities after the FBI reportedly refused to assist.

She said this would take at least another two weeks before the case could betransfered to the Western Cape High Court for trial.

Defence attorney William Booth took exception and argued his client endured unfair treatment and that further postponements could not be tolerated.

“This was supposed to be the final postponement. I object to another unreasonable delay. My client was arrested almost a year ago and has been in custody for a long period of time. I ask that this matter be proceeded with speedily,” Booth said.

Booth said Novella had given the state the PIN numbers and passwords to the devices “right at the beginning”, meaning there was no need for the phones and the iPad to be sent abroad to be decrypted.

However, the prosecution told the court the accused was initially not forthcoming and told the investigating officer he could not remember the passwords.

The State said it had also been given a number of possible PIN numbers by Novella’s family members, which were incorrect.

“This ended with the devices blocked,” Friester-Sampson said.

Magistrate Joe Magela agreed with the prosecution that had Novella given the correct PIN numbers and passwords at the beginning, the investigation would now have been at advanced stage. Novella is expected back in court on July 20.

Cape Argus

Although corporal punishment is illegal, 501 allegations of corporal punishment were reported to the Western Cape Education Department in a year.

Cape Town - More than 200 Western Cape teachers have been found guilty of meting out corporal punishment to pupils over a period of a year, statistics provided by the provincial Education Department has revealed.

Although corporal punishment is illegal in terms of the South African Schools Act, 501 allegations of corporal punishment were reported to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) during the 2015/16 financial year.

Spokesman Paddy Attwell said the department found there were no grounds to press charges in 205 cases.

“Teachers were found guilty in 222 cases, while 74 cases were still pending by the end of the financial year (March 31).”

During the previous financial year, the department received 430 reports of corporal punishment and 204 were dealt with at disciplinary hearings.

Asked what sanctions teachers could face if found guilty of meting out corporal punishment, Attwell said: “Final written warning, coupled with a fine or suspension, and dismissal in serious cases of assault”.

Recently, an audit by advocacy group Equal Education also focused attention on the issue of corporal punishment.

The group said its audit of 244 schools in the province showed, among other things, that corporal punishment had taken place at 83 percent of the participating schools.

Some of the participating pupils reported that teachers were using sticks, batons and other objects to beat them.

Jonavon Rustin, provincial secretary of the SA Democratic Teachers Union, said the union was concerned about the number of cases of corporal punishment in the province and was working with education authorities to help address the issue.

“The union has made it clear that this is something we can never condone.

“I think the department can place more focus on helping teachers to positively deal with the behaviour of learners.”

Last month, the Congress of SA Students in the Western Cape called for a shutdown of Western Cape schools on July 22, and said one of its main grievances was that teachers in the province were using corporal punishment.

Attwell said the department viewed incidents of corporal punishment in a serious light and fully investigated alleged cases reported to it.

All findings were reported to the South African Council of Educators.

“The Western Cape Education Department provides extensive training and support on discipline and positive behaviour programmes via our district offices.”

Attwell said the Western Cape had the lowest incidence of corporal punishment in the country according to Stats SA figures for six provinces for the period 2009 to 2012.

“Stats SA figures for these provinces are as follows: Eastern Cape: 30.3 percent, KwaZulu-Natal: 21.4 percent, Free State: 18.4 percent, Mpumalanga: 11.5 percent, Gauteng: 4.6 percent and Western Cape: 4.5 percent.”

In a statement released last week Education MEC Debbie Schafer said every corporal punishment complaint received by the department was investigated and action taken.

“We strongly urge learners to report any form of abuse or assault at their school to us.

“They can call our Safe Schools hotline on 0800 45 46 47. All these cases are investigated and dealt with in terms of the necessary procedures.”

The department has indicated that it was planning to meet with Equal Education this week.

Cape Argus

The Muslim Judicial Council has cautioned Muslims to be vigilant as they commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadaan.

Cape Town - The Muslim Judicial Council has cautioned Muslims to be vigilant as they commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadaan.

The president of the MJC, Shaykh Irfaan Abraham, said he was devastated after the co-ordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia on Monday, in which four people died and five others were wounded.

“We principally condemn all these acts of violence against our people.

“What makes it even more sad is that it happened on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.”

Explosions were reported in the cities of Jeddah and Qatif, before the suicide bomb attack in Medina, which is considered one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Abraham, who studied in Medina for nine years before graduating in 1987, said it was the most extreme attack to take place at the Prophet’s Mosque in the city.

“There have been a few things that have happened, but nothing ever of this magnitude. Medina is close to the entire world, so anyone who touches Medina touches the entire world. Medina is special to all Muslims.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the MJC said: “We thank the Almighty God that the police were vigilant in all these attacks and that the perpetrators did not enter the Holy Mosque in Medina where thousands of worshippers were observing the evening prayer.

“Of deep concern is that these vile acts come at a time when the global Muslim community have dedicated the entire month of Ramadaan to fasting, increasing service to humanity and strengthening our love for all of mankind and increasing our obedience to Almighty Allah (God).”

The MJC also said it was shocked and in a state of mourning following the attacks, and has called the perpetrators “cowards”.

“Their objective is to destabilise and divide Muslims, create suspicion and distrust amongst Muslims, cause mayhem and chaos in Muslim lands,”the statement read.

Monday’s suicide blast in Saudi Arabia is the third reported incident to take place in that country this year.

siyabonga.sesant@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

At least three candidates contesting in the local government elections in the Northern Cape are facing criminal charges.

Kimberley - At least three candidates contesting in the local government elections in the Northern Cape are facing criminal charges.

DA deputy chairman, Michael Kaars, appeared in the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault on Tuesday and was granted bail of R300.

He was arrested on Monday at about 7am after he allegedly became involved in a fight with a 27-year-old man on Friday night.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Dimakatso Mooi, said the suspect was charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case was postponed until July 14 for him to arrange for legal representation.

Kaars is the number two candidate for the DA on the Frances Baard District Municipality’s list.

Phokwane DA ward councillor in Hartswater, Sinah Lewis, was charged with assault, arson and public violence in Hartswater and will appear in court on August 22.

ANC Sol Plaatje municipal councillor candidate, Santa Johnson, was arrested on charges of assault in Kimberley.

Mooi on tuesday stated that the charges were struck off the roll in February as Johnson was sick and did not appear in court.

“The case has been placed back on the court roll and Lewis will return to court on September 14.”

DA provincial leader, Andrew Louw, took note of the allegations made against Kaars.

“As a party that believes in the rule of law, we will allow the due processes to take its course. We do not want to pre-empt the outcome of the court case and we will comment fully once the case has been concluded.”

The ANC previously indicated that anyone convicted of an offence and not sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment, without an option of a fine, was not considered eligible to be a councillor.

The party stated that no one was regarded as sentenced until an appeal against a conviction or sentence had been finalised or expired.

DFA

Dam levels across the Western Cape have increased following two weeks of good rainfall with more on its way, but there is still cause for concern, say experts.

Cape Town - Dam levels across the province have increased following two weeks of good rainfall with more on its way, but there is still cause for concern, say experts.

Anton Bredell, the MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said dam levels had increased to an average of 42.2 percent which is down 20 percent on this time last year, but around 4 percent higher than last week.

Figures released showed that the Berg River Catchment had increased to 45.18 percent this week; the Breede River to 36.76 percent; Gouritz River remained about the same at 45.3 percent; and the Olifants/ Doorn River up to 71.09 percent.

The dams supplying the city had also mostly increased, with Steenbras Upper at 82 percent; Steenbras Lower at 41.3 percent; Wemmershoek at 55.5 percent; Voelvlei at 33.2 percent; and Tweewaterskloof at 37.4 percent.

Bredell said while they were happy about the rain, there was still some way to go for dams to reach more comfortable levels.

“We’re also glad about the snowfall we’ve seen in the province. The snow plays an important role in supplying the system with water once it starts melting.”

He said the South African Weather Service was forecasting more rain for the Western Cape over the coming month, with good rainfall expected for Cape Town over the next two weeks.

However, Bredell added that the province was not out of the woods yet.

This was echoed by Dr Kevin Winter from UCT’s Environmental and Geographical Science Department, who said dam capacity was still 25 percent below the norm.

“We anticipate having enough rain to take us through until the end of September but what happens at the end of October?”

He said that worldwide it appeared as if the El Niño weather pattern was abating, but that it could still take a while before good rains could be expected again.

Winter added that traditional climate models were not as reliable as before because of issues such as climate change and El Niño.

Last week, the Western Cape government identified a number of priority areas for drought mitigation following a two-day drought indaba hosted by Bredell and Economic Opportunities and Agriculture MEC Alan Winde.

The goal was to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of the drought on the Western Cape’s agriculture sector.

More than 100 delegates, including farmers, analysts, national and provincial government officials, Agri-Western Cape, and academics took part.

Some of the top priorities identified were addressing the issue of bridging finance to keep emerging farmers on farms, optimising water usage, more accurate predictions of droughts and disaster, developing a social security net to support mostly rural communities and farmworkers adversely affected by droughts.

Priorities also included revisiting water management and policies that are meant to build new infrastructure like dams.

helen.bamford@inl.co.za

Cape Argus