Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Elsie’s River community gripped by fear following shooting of 14-year old boy

The Elsies River community has been devastated by yet another shooting incident on 18th Avenue and Norwood Street, which claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy on Friday. Five suspects aged 16, 21, 23, 27, and 30 are scheduled to appear in Goodwood Magistrates' Court on Monday after being arrested on murder charges. SAPS Spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk believes the motive is gang-related, stating: "Members responded to a shooting […]

21 September 2025

Local

Six Suspects to Appear in Court After Firearms and Drug Bust in Mfuleni and Delft

Six suspects, aged between 22 and 31, are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates' Court on Friday following their arrest on Thursday for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and drugs in the Mfuleni and Delft areas. SAPS spokesperson F.C. Van Wyk confirmed that members of the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence, executed the operation after […]

19 September 2025

Local

Public Service to lose 3.9bn on Ghost Workers

By Rachel Mohamed The public service is estimated to lose nearly R4 billion each year due to ghost employees. This figure was presented to Parliament and highlights the extent of systemic fraud currently being investigated by the National Treasury, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), and the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). In an interview with VOC News, Dr. Sysman Motloung, a Lecturer in Political Studies and International […]

18 September 2025

Local

Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s Bid for ANC Leadership

By Rachel Mohamed Deputy President Paul Mashatile is campaigning for the leadership position of the African National Congress (ANC) to become the party president by 2027. However, his campaign has faced setbacks due to a recent investigative report alleging that his two sons have significant connections to companies that benefited from a Gauteng tender worth 91.4 million, as well as his Cape Town property. In an interview with VOC News, […]

18 September 2025

Local

Home Affairs ETA Enables Online Visa Extensions, Curbing Overstays

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has unveiled the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which uses artificial intelligence to combat corruption. Speaking at the Sun City Tourism Leadership Conference, he explained that the digital platform will automate visa applications, passport verification, and selfie-to-passport matching. Initially, the system will apply to tourist visas of less than 90 days, aiming to improve efficiency, border security and promote tourism and investment. "The system […]

18 September 2025

Local

Treasury to Use Biometric Data to Root Out Ghost Workers

Ayanda Hlatshwayo, National Treasury's acting chief data analytics officer, has told Parliament that they are using a methodology that links biometric and photo data with the Home Affairs Department to flag officials who do not have valid ID numbers. According to Hlatshwayo, the system detects anomalies in salary and administrative datasets, as well as bank account information. She confirmed that preliminary checks are being conducted with the South African Revenue […]

17 September 2025

International News

UN report concludes Israel is committing genocide in Gaza

By Rachel Mohamed Amnesty International South Africa has welcomed the UN Human Rights Council's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, which found that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Amnesty International South Africa's Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, told VOC News that Israel has dismissed the report. Mohamed further stated that the Commission of Inquiry joins an increasing number of bodies and […]

17 September 2025

Local

Western Cape Mobility Department gives update on the closure of key taxi routes

By Rachel Mohamed The Western Cape Mobility Department MEC, Isaac Sileku, has decided to close several key taxi routes along the Khayelitsha-Somerset West route to ensure commuter safety due to ongoing violence that poses a threat to the commuters and the community. Speaking to VOC News, Ntobeko Mbingeleli, the interim spokesperson for the Western Cape Mobility Department, clarified that the closures will begin at midnight tonight and that they are […]

16 September 2025

Local

President Ramaphosa addressed the Councillor Roll Call at FNB

By Rachel Mohamed Recently, nearly 5,000 ANC councillors from across the country gathered at FNB Stadium in Nasrec for a Roll Call event. The event was led by party president Cyril Ramaphosa, with Secretary General Fikile Mbalula also addressing the audience. The National Executive Committee (NEC) presented an action plan aimed at reviving the ANC-run municipalities. Speaking to VOC News, Hlumelo Xaba, a public governance researcher and political analyst, commented […]

16 September 2025

Aneeqa Du Plessis

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