Western Cape dam levels report for Monday, 14 April 2025
Western Cape dam levels dropped slightly to 62.8% on 14 April 2025. Major and minor dams continued to decline, while light rainfall offered limited relief.
Cape Town Buzz
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 29, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
The Joshlin Smith trial continues today with Jacquen Appollis expected to face further cross-examination as the state challenges the credibility of his shifting testimony.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 28
Day 28 of the Joshlin Smith trial saw Jacquen Appollis take the stand to challenge his alleged confession, but under cross-examination, inconsistencies in his testimony were exposed by the State and the presiding judge.
News
Five Chris Hani quotes that are still relevant in 2025
Reflecting on the life and words of Chris Hani, we examine how his quotes remain relevant and influential in today’s society.
News
Paul Mashatile warns of a soon-coming Cabinet reshuffle
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed a possible Cabinet reshuffle and says the Government of National Unity will continue even if the DA steps away.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 28, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
Judge Erasmus is expected to hear final arguments today on whether the accused’s confessions will be admitted as evidence in the main trial.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 27
Day 27 of the Joshlin Smith trial featured the final cross-examination of Captain Philip Seekoei and renewed focus on Kelly Smith’s medical condition, with the trial-within-a-trial nearing its end.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 27, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
Captain Seekoei’s cross-examination is expected to conclude today, with final arguments in the trial-within-a-trial likely to begin as the court decides on the admissibility of key confessions.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 26
Day 26 of the Joshlin Smith trial focused on the cross-examination of Sgt Fortuin and Captain Seekoei, with the defence challenging the legitimacy of Steveno van Rhyn’s alleged confession.
Crime
Zanzou alleged torture suspect granted bail
A bouncer linked to the alleged Zanzou torture case was granted bail, as questions around the nightclub and the death of Kamogelo Monkwe continue to swirl.
Travel
Universal set to open UK’s first-ever theme park
Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced plans to open its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, UK, with backing from the British government.
News
ANC expects DA to exit the GNU: Here’s what happens if that’s the case
The ANC says it is expecting the DA to exit the Government of National Unity after the DA voted against the budget.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 26, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
Day 25 of the Joshlin Smith trial saw intense cross-examination of Sgt Fortuin over the police’s interrogation strategy, setting the stage for today’s focus on Captain Seekoei and the admissibility of key confession videos.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 25
Day 25 of the Joshlin Smith trial focused on the cross-examination of Sgt Fortuin, with defence probing procedural flaws and police conduct during the alleged confessions of Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn.
Crime
Man killed outside Wynberg court: Here are the latest updates
A man was fatally shot outside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town; the motive is suspected to be gang-related.
Technology
Researchers use modern genetics to rebirth the dire wolf
Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have brought back the dire wolf using ancient DNA and modern genetic technology.
News
SABC pulls the plug on Afrikaans news bulletin
The SABC pulled its Afrikaans news bulletin without warning, sparking public backlash and prompting the DA to demand answers.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 25, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
The Joshlin Smith trial continues in Cape Town as police testimony on how confessions were obtained from two accused faces scrutiny in the court’s bid to determine the admissibility of key statements.
Crime
Ethiopian man accused of raping Hendrina six-year-old makes first court appearance
An Ethiopian man accused of raping a six-year-old girl in Hendrina appeared in court for the first time, with the case postponed for a bail hearing and interpreter.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 24, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
The Joshlin Smith trial resumes with cross-examination of Captain Phillip Seekoei over a contested confession, as the court weighs whether statements from the accused were obtained lawfully.
Crime
Police turn to public for help in Gugulethu mass murder
Four men were gunned down in Gugulethu on Friday night, prompting a murder investigation and a public call for help from police.
Viral News
Gerda Steyn wins sixth Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in a row
Gerda Steyn has won her sixth consecutive Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, finishing with the third-fastest time in the race’s history.
News
The AFRIKANER Act: What it means, who can apply, how it affects white South Africans
A new US bill proposes giving special refugee status to white South Africans—here’s what it means, who qualifies, and how it may affect those applying.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 23
Day 23 of the Joshlin Smith trial focused on video recordings of alleged confessions by Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, exposing disturbing claims about Joshlin’s disappearance and Kelly Smith’s alleged role.
Technology
Capitec app blackout: Here’s what the bank revealed
Capitec users across South Africa were unable to access their banking app as the bank confirmed a service outage.
News
Court grants Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula access to State’s discovery in fraud case
The Gauteng High Court has ruled that former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is entitled to access key parts of the state’s sealed investigation docket in her fraud case.
Technology
Uber app goes down: Here’s everything we know
The Uber app has stopped working in South Africa, leaving passengers unable to confirm ride requests.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 23, how to watch live in South Africa [video]
Day 23 of the Joshlin Smith trial resumes with cross-examination of Captain Seekoe, as the court focuses on the admissibility of video-recorded statements made by Steveno van Rhyn amid concerns over poor audio and incomplete transcripts.
Crime
Joshlin Smith trial watch: Here’s what happened on Day 22
Day 22 of the Joshlin Smith trial featured the state’s video evidence of Steveno van Rhyn’s alleged confession, which was criticised by the judge for missing crucial content and poor audio quality.
News
New data shows Eskom is struggling to contain unplanned breakdowns
Energy analyst Chris Yelland warns that Eskom’s unplanned breakdowns remain dangerously high, risking more loadshedding despite earlier improvements.