TrendySA Online

The scorching heat in parts of KwaZulu-Natal has prompted warnings against related injuries. While human can help themselves out of heatwaves, some animals need our help. The SPCA Amazintoti has advised dog owners on early signs to detect a heat stroke. According to the organisation, a heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and can't be cooled effectively.  Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting (progressing to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens), drooling, red gums or tongue, increased heart rate, vomiting, or diarrhoea, being warm to touch, a dry nose, being quiet or poorly responsive. Advanced signs include lethargy, confusion, weakness or collapse, seizures.  Extreme signs can include blood from mouth or in stool, muscle tremors, ataxia (staggering), coma, death.  Here's what to do if you suspect your dog has heatstroke, courtesy of SPCA Amanzimtoti: 1. Remov...

With temperatures soaring to the 30s and some parts of KwaZulu-Natal reaching 40°C, a leading first response service has cautioned about heat-related risks. Parts of Durban and the Midlands are experiencing an unbearable heatwave this weekend. ALS Paramedics took to social media to urge everyone to take precautions. The company advised as follows: * Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or nutrient-rich drinks. * Stay Cool: Avoid prolonged sun exposure; seek shade or air-conditioned spaces. * Care for Vulnerable Groups: Ensure the elderly, children, and pets stay hydrated and cool. * Work Smart: If working outdoors, take regular breaks and stay hydrated. * Heat Stroke Signs: Dizziness, nausea, disorientation, or collapsing.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has provided an update about its latest recruitment intake. This follows numerous enquiries regarding its recruitment process and the selection of entry level police trainees for the 2024/2025 intake. According to SAPS, the final screening phase of this process is currently underway in all nine provinces which includes interviews being conducted with applicants' next of kin and other community members. Applicants are encouraged to give their full cooperation towards finalising this process. "The SAPS will, in due course, issue correspondence to notify those applicants who are successful. "If applicants have not been contacted, please accept that the application was unsuccessful," SAPS notified. Training is expected to commence in the next few coming weeks, the exact date will be communicated in due course. RECRUITMENT SUCCESSES In December 2024, 2 699 newly trained constables graduated and are now deployed to statio...

Image for illustration purposes. Eastern Cape Dept of Transport/ Facebook   A man in his 40s has been arrested for assaulting an on-duty female traffic officer during a road safety operation in Maletswai (Aliwal North) late yesterday, Friday, 3 January. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport alleges that the female officer stopped an SUV driven by a female, travelling south into the Eastern Cape from the Free State direction. Upon inspection, the officer pointed out something illegal with the number plate and informed the driver that the number plates will be confiscated as it was not SABS-approved.  That’s when the suspect in the passenger seat climbed out of the vehicle and engaged with the officer. He got aggressive towards her and slapped the uniformed officer in the face. "That’s when other traffic officers and SAPS stepped in, overpowered the man and arrested him on a charge of assault, obstructing an officer from executing duties and resisting arrest," the dept expla...

SAWS warns of heavy rain. Photo: Pixabay.com The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted motorists returning to economic activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025). The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public, the SAWS warned. RAIN EXPECTED Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, as can be seen in Figure 1 below. These regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. According to SAWS, the likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70 mm (see output of weather model in Figure 2). To this effect, road flooding...

A man was reported to have drowned while swimming in the Umhlatuze River this week. On Wednesday, 1 January, the Empangeni SAPS Search & Rescue responded to the area, due to failing light and the presence of crocodiles, the decision was made to resume the search on Thursday morning. According to Arrive Alive, Empangeni SAPS Search & Rescue, IPSS Search & Rescue, PACSYS and Umlalazi Fire returned to the area on Thursday morning to continue the search. With the use of a drone, rope system and rescue raft (croc), SAPS divers were able to safely locate the body of the victim. His body was recovered, and handed over to Mtunzini SAPS for further investigation.

Metro cleaner sweeping dirt away. Following massive New Year's celebrations, the Buffalo City Metro teams were mopping in full swing to restore the beaches' cleanliness. Teams from the Solid Waste department tackled the Esplanade and the streets of Quigney areas in East London, Eastern Cape. Other teams were deployed on other beaches as well. In ensuring the safety of bathers and visitors, the Metro stated that teams from the safety and security cluster are working together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to patrol all beaches. The amount of beaches made availed to the public during the festive season: * 10 beaches namely Gonubie Main Beach, Bonza Bay Main Beach and Picnic site; Bonza Bay to Nahoon River Mouth; Nahoon Main Beach through Nahoon Corner to Nahoon Reef; Leaches Bay to Hickman’s River Mouth and Beach; Kidd’s Beach Main Beach; Igoda Beach; Kiwane Beach and Kaiser’s Main Beach, Eastern beach * 2 Blue Flag pilot beaches, Gonubie beach and Kidds beach * ...

A 16-year-old girl, arrested for allegedly stabbing her 24-year-old boyfriend, is expected to appear in the Modimolle Magistrate Court today, Friday, 3 January. The police at Modimolle  arrested the 16-old-girl in connection with the fatal stabbing of the boyfriend. According to reports, the incident happened on 01 January 2025 at about 05:20 following a love-triagle dispute. During the altercation, the accused allegedly drew a knife from her bag she was carrying and stabbed her boyfriend who sustained serious injuries on his body. He walked towards his home but succumbed to stab wounds at the corner of Moloantoa and Selemela streets Extension 8 Phagameng in an open field at Modimolle. He was found by his friend at the scene and Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene and was certified dead. A case of murder was registered for further investigation.  This is a developing story.

Government responders at the scene. Aliwal North -  A single-vehicle accident on the N6 near Aliwal North in the Free State has claimed the life of one female and left three others injured. The incident occurred on January 2, 2025, at approximately 09:00, when a silver Ford Kuga overturned. The vehicle, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Orkney in the North West, lost control and overturned. Emergency services responded quickly, transporting the injured patients to Stoffel Coetzee Hospital for treatment. Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic, SAPS, EMS, and Fire Department all responded to the scene. The road remained open, despite the accident.

A black BMW G70, 7 Series of 2023 worth over R2 million.     POLOKWANE - Members were on duty at Beitbridge Port of Entry when the driver of a black BMW G70, 7 Series of 2023 worth over R2 million wanted to pass from South Africa to Zimbabwe on 31 December 2024 at about 20:10. The driver who is a foreign national, had a South African passport. A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle was wanted by one of the banks in South Africa. The driver alleged that the real owner will be flying to South Africa on the 01 January 2025. A 40-year-old foreign national was arrested for possession of suspected stolen vehicle and providing the SAPS with fraudulent documents. The vehicle was seized. He will appear on the 03 January 2025 in Musina Magistrate Court. Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Province, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the members who were vigilant to ensure that the suspect was brought to book to face the full might of the law. She added that it’...

NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew.  On  Wednesday, 1 January, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew and the CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Tableview Beach front. Hein Köhne, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, indicated that  NSRI rescue swimmers, CoCT lifeguards, BBSL (Big Bay Surf Lifesaving) lifeguards, CoCT Law Enforcement, the SA Police Services, ER24 ambulance services, Netcare 911 ambulance services, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) and Cape Town DRM (Disaster Risk Management) responded. West Coast coast watchers were alerted, and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was placed on alert by EMS Metro Control. A BBSL IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) and an NSRI Melkbosstrand JetRib rescue craft were launched and responded. "On arrival on the scene rescuers on the shoreline reported a father and daughter, using an NSRI pink rescue ...

Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade The Cape Malay Choir Board Road March and Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade – two events that showcase Cape Town’s cultural, vibrant heritage and traditions – were held to celebrate passage to 2025. The evening on New Year's Eve began with a procession from Rose Street in Bo-Kaap at 21:30 before making its way down Wale Street for a finish in Adderley Street.  Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, had this to say: "This is always a special time for thousands of our residents who get the opportunity to celebrate and honour longstanding traditions that form part of the fabric of this great city. As the City of Cape Town, we are proud to collaborate with the Cape Malay Choir Board and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association by providing financial and logistical support to ensure we continue to honour these traditions for many more years to come. The City has worked diligently with the organisations and other roleplayer...

POTCHEFSTROOM – Police have launched a manhunt following a cash-in-transit heist that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 31 December 2024. It is alleged that a cash-in-transit van with two security officers inside, was travelling from Moruleng village to Mogwase at about 18:00. Along the way, at Letsheng section, just before the van could go over a speed hump, it was blocked by a Mercedes Benz sedan that came from the side road.   According to information received, a number of heavily armed suspects emerged and started firing shots at the escort vehicle that came to a halt not far from the scene and the crew managed to flee unharmed. Another BMW vehicle blocked the road for other road users. The two security officers inside the cash van were forced out of the van at gunpoint and robbed of their firearms. An unconfirmed number of suspects used explosives to blow up the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of cash. Moreover, the Mercedes Benz and the cash van caught fire a...

South African Government wishes its citizens a Happy New Year A new year brings new opportunities, new hopes, and new beginnings. Let’s start this year with gratitude for the lessons of the past and excitement for the promise of the future. May 2025 be filled with health, happiness, and success for you and your loved ones. Here’s to new adventures, endless possibilities, and making every moment count. Let’s make this year our best one yet! Source: South African Government

"As we embark on a new year, I call on each and every South Africa to be part of the journey towards a better future for all. "I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year. May God bless South Africa and protect her people. " - Ramaphosa Full message below: My Fellow South Africans, As we prepare to enter the new year, we look back on 2024 as a year of change and progress. We marked 30 years since becoming a free and democratic nation on the 27th of April 1994. We celebrated the progress made in building a society founded on the ideals of freedom, equality and human rights. On the 29th of May 2024, We held our seventh democratic elections, peacefully and freely. As the people of South Africa voted for the representatives of their choice, they gave voice to their concerns, aspirations and expectations. Our people, through their votes, called on political parties to put their differences aside and to work together to put our country first. As elected public represent...

Nahoon Beach in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has been closed for swimming after a shark sighting. The Metro advised that it is monitoring the situation closely.  Beach is expected to be reopened tomorrow following safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Metro's security cluster has been overseeing various operations in the Metro including beach safety, roads and traffic control, events management and the enforcement of Bylaws.  The cluster is led by the South African Police Services under the command  of General Wright.  The cluster constitutes of various satey stakeholders that includes multiple SAPS divisions, and Buffalo City departments including Law enforcement, Traffic, Fire, Health Services, Disaster Management, Beaches, Communications, Electricity, as well as government departments like the Department of Social Development, Traffic, Emergency Services, Correctional Services, Conservation Unit, Home Affairs, the National Prosecuti...

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the tragic passing of one of its officers, Metro Police Officer Khensani Mabaso. Officer Mabaso, 32 years old, was on duty at the time of the incident and was found fatally wounded in full uniform with gunshot wounds at her family home in Diepkloof early this morning, according to JMPD. Her fully marked JMPD patrol vehicle was found parked outside her family home. Preliminary observations suggest a possible robbery attempt, as her cell phone was not found in her possession. A case of murder will be opened at Diepkloof SAPS for further investigation. "The JMPD extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Mabaso. We assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice and to find the murderers of our beloved officer," said JMPD Acting Chief of Police Mr Patrick Jaca. This is a developing.

City of Cape Town MMC for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith has sent many praises to volunteer firefighters who stopped at nothing to protect properties this festive season. "And while the sun is giving its last rays over our coast, these volunteers are still at it. With crews from Volunteer Wildfire Services high up on the slopes still, they are going through all the burned vynbos, looking for any burning embers, putting these out so we don't get any nasty surprises through the night," said Smith. "Crews from their base were deployed immediately, with additional volunteers called from standby, from across our city. "These crews will only come back down much later tonight. They won't be getting paid for their service, they are all volunteers, every single one of them. They formed their organisation purely for the purpose of good, to help protect our City against the effects of wildfire, to help protect our natural heritage. "The only way they are a...

WESTERN CAPE - Ongoing festive season operations yielded success when members of the Anti-Gang Unit arrested suspects for the illegal possession of firearms during weekend operations. On, Saturday, 28 December 2024 the members searched a premises in Moray Court, Hanover Park and arrested a 15 year old male when he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol without a serial number with ammunition. He was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. A 19-year-old male who is wanted on an attempted murder case was also arrested. Furthermore, members of the Anti-Gang Unit deployed in the Delft policing precinct due to the ongoing gang violence in the area, searched a premises in Buffalo Street, The Hague on Saturday evening. They confiscated a 9mm pistol with ammunition which was hidden in the roof of the house. A 21-year-old man was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The suspects are due to make their respective court appearances ...

Johannesburg -  On Monday, 23 December 2024, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department ( JMPD ) Tactical Response Unit responded to a report of unauthorized borehole drilling activity in the vicinity of Nugget Street, near the intersection of Main and Fox Streets. Upon further investigation, it was established that two additional buildings along Durban and Delvers Streets also had unauthorized borehole drilling conducted without the necessary documentation or approval from the City of Johannesburg. The operator of the drilling truck at the initial site was arrested along with the individuals involved in the drilling at the other two buildings. The five male suspects were detained at the SAPS Johannesburg Central Police Station for tampering with critical infrastructure. The JMPD has impounded the drilling equipment used at all three locations. The department is following up on the matter and will take appropriate action against all those involved. "The JMPD would like to rei...

POLOKWANE – Operation Vala Umgodi, intelligence-driven joint operation between Sunday, 29 December and early hours of Monday, 30 December 2024, delivered significant results in the fight against crime in Limpopo. On Sunday, 29 December 2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, the team arrived in Musina Town and proceeded to Musina City Centre and China City to carry out Vehicle Check Point (VCP) duties. During the operation in the City Centre, officers successfully arrested a foreign national and confiscated counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R2 million. The 34-year-old suspect was issued a summons and fined R5000, which was paid at Musina SAPS. The counterfeit goods were seized and registered in the SAP 13. The suspect is expected to appear before the Magistrate's Court soon. Additionally, nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. In a separate operation, the Vala Umgodi Task Team in Waterberg District worked alongside the Tactical Joint Operational Centre (...