Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Court Ruling Strengthens Public Transport Safety

By Lee Yandra Paulsen Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku has welcomed a Western Cape High Court ruling that found the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA), the Khayelitsha Somerset West Local Taxi Association (KSWLTA), and 23 individuals in contempt of court. The ruling follows an interim court order that prohibited the affected taxi associations and their members from interfering with public transport services, intimidating transport operators, […]

24 July 2026

Local

PSA Urges Increased Funding for IPID Following High-Profile Precious Stones Heist Arrests

By Odwa Mkentane The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called on the National Treasury to allocate sufficient funding to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure that its investigators are properly equipped and supported. This comes after suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Witness K, who previously testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, were added as accused in the alleged R15-million precious stones […]

22 July 2026

Local

Toxicologist Warns of Surge in Illegal Hazardous Pesticides in South Africa

By Odwa Mkentane Toxicologist Dr Gerhard Verdoorn has warned that the country is facing a serious problem with the illegal importation and distribution of highly hazardous pesticides. Verdoorn says some undocumented migrants bring banned pesticides across the northern and eastern borders to trade for local currency. He also notes that some communities mistakenly believe highly toxic pesticides such as aldicarb and terbufos are effective rodenticides, despite the severe health risks […]

20 July 2026

Local

Western Cape Offers Free Vehicle Safety Checks for Scholar and Public Transport

By Ragheema Mclean The Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from Tuesday to Thursday this week as part of efforts to improve road safety for learners and commuters. The Provincial Mobility Department says the initiative aims to encourage drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles before mechanical problems arise. Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said preventative vehicle […]

20 July 2026

Local

Golden Arrow Driver Suspended After Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Cape Town

By Odwa Mkentane Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) has confirmed that one of its bus drivers has been suspended following a fatal accident at the corner of Plein and Strand streets on Thursday morning. A woman, who has not yet been identified, was knocked down by a bus while crossing the road. GABS spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the investigation is ongoing and that the company is fully cooperating with the […]

17 July 2026

Local

SAPS rejects Heritage Occupation allegations, says resident arrested after assaulting officer

By Oyisa George The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to allegations made by residents of the Heritage Occupation in Cape Town's city centre, disputing claims that one of the occupation's leaders was unlawfully arrested during a series of police operations earlier this month. The response follows a previous VOC News report in which residents alleged they had been subjected to repeated police raids, intimidation and unlawful arrests at […]

16 July 2026

Local

Experts Urge Sustained Action Despite 1,000 Arrests Under Operation Prosper

By Ragheema Mclean More than 1,000 suspects have been arrested in just three months since the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to gang hotspots across the Western Cape as part of Operation Prosper. Authorities have described the operation as a success, confirming that 1,054 suspects have been arrested for serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and drug-related crimes. Western Cape police spokesperson André […]

16 July 2026

Local

Calls Mount for Old Age Grant to Increase to R5,000

By Ragheema Mclean Renewed calls are mounting for South Africa's Old Age Grant to be increased from R2,400 to R5,000 a month, as civil society organisations warn that the current grant is no longer enough to meet the basic needs of millions of elderly South Africans. The issue has gained renewed attention following protest action in Mitchells Plain earlier this week, where pensioners and community members called on the government […]

15 July 2026

Local

Labour Expert Warns of Job Security Risks After De Beers Pauses Venetia Mine

By Odwa Mkentane Following De Beers' announcement that it intends to pause production at its Venetia mine in South Africa for two years, labour law expert Hugo Pienaar says the effects of the current economic climate, coupled with changing mineral demand and evolving business portfolios, are already being felt across South Africa's mining sector. He notes that modified business strategies, asset sales and large-scale retrenchments are already underway. The announcement […]

15 July 2026

Aneeqa Du Plessis

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