Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
Public urged to remain vigilant
Hunt on for prison escapee
The Department of Correctional Services has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.
According to the department, the 35-year-old man, Yanga Wayithi, was assigned to work within a team maintaining the grounds of the facility.
Wayithi is serving a six-month sentence for theft and trespassing.
While Correctional Services were not clear on when the escape took place, a Facebook post by the local councillor for Ward 71, which covers Pollsmoor, said it happened on Monday, 10 February 2025.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of escape from lawful custody. The Correctional Services’ tracing team is actively working to ensure a swift rearrest.
“Additionally, an internal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the escape, with the findings informing any further action to be taken,” Correctional Services said.
The public is warned to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities”.
SA men's football team to take on Lesotho
Bafana to host WC qualifier
BAFANA Bafana will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane next month.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges will face their COSAFA neighbours in Polokwane on Friday, 21 March 2025.
Bafana will then fly to Benin by charter to face the West Africans in the second qualifier a few days later.
The kick-off time and ticketing information will be communicated by SAFA in the coming days. –SAnews.gov.za
'Government must take new approach'
Calls for shutdown against crime
THE non-profit organization, Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA), has called on the South African government to implement a multi-sector strategy to stop the carnage of innocent people.
FACSA said in a statement: “The Cape Flats, townships and every other community affected by gang violence are under siege. We refuse to continue to watch as innocent lives are lost while government turns a blind eye.”
The FACSA executive committee’s statement noted that while President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 7 February 2025, gang wars occurred a mere 20 kilometres away.
“Mass shootings, targeted executions and indiscriminate violence continue unchecked. How can government claim progress while children are being shot and entire families wiped out in their homes?”
FACSA referred to several confirmed shootings, including in Lotus River, Rylands, Westridge, Manenberg, Ravensmead and Atlantis.
“The time for appeals and empty promises is over. FACSA is leading the call for a mass shutdown across the Cape Flats, townships and all areas affected by gang violence until the government takes real and immediate action.
“We are engaging with key stakeholders, community leaders and organizations to plan and execute a shutdown that forces government intervention. We reject any intervention that does not include direct input from affected communities.
“We demand a real, long-term strategy to address not only gang shootings but also the root causes of gangsterism, which is nothing short of domestic terrorism.”
FACSA demands the immediate deployment of the SA National Defence Force and a declaration of a State of Emergency.
“Finally, we demand the implementation of a multi-sector strategy. Law enforcement alone is not enough. Government must commit to a holistic approach involving social development, education, housing and economic empowerment to dismantle the conditions that fuel gang activity.
“Shut down to silence guns!” said FACSA.