DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette – E-Edition – 22 July 2026

Four shot in Asanda Village

Abloody start to theweekend left four people dead in separate shooting incidentsin

AsandaVillage, Lwandle,during theearly hours of Saturday (18 July)

The outbreak of violence has drawn fierce condemnation from theacting provincial policecommissioner, Major General Luyanda Damoyi,who described the fatal attacks as a“blatant disregard for human life”.

Lwandle policehave launched afull-scale murderinvestigation following the two separate incidents, which occurred less thanakilometre apart in Nombula and Ntanga streets.

In Nombula Street, three victims aged between 29 and 33, including awoman, werefatally wounded, whileinNtanga Street a36-year-old man was shot and killed in aseparate attack.

Preliminary police reportsindicate that between three and four armed suspectsengaged in brief arguments withthe victims before openingfire and fleeing.

Damoyi assuredthe communitythatpolice are mobilising all necessary resources to track down the gunmen

“The loss of life under these circumstances is deeply concerning. We will utilise all available resources to ensure thatthose responsible are identified, apprehended and brought before court,” he said.

Lwandle detectives have opened four murderdocketsand are actively pursuing allavailable leads. Authorities are calling on anyone with information regarding the shootings or thewhereaboutsofthe suspects to come forward.

.ReportanonymouslytoCrimeStopon 0860010111orthroughtheMySAPSmobileapp. Policehaveconfirmedthatallinformationwillbe confidential.

Tallevraenáseun verdrink

BarendWilliams

Terwyl’nCasablanca-ma rou oor haar vyfjarige seunwat op Sondag 12 Julie verdrink het, eisdie gemeenskapantwoordeoor veiligheidstekortkomings by die Rusthofbegraafplaas-uitbreiding.

Die Strand-polisie het aanvanklik ’n geregtelike doodsondersoek geopen, maar ’n woordvoerder bevestig dat die ondersoek nou as ’n moordsaak voortgaan.

Dit kom nadat ’n verdagte van Strand in verband met die verdrinking in hegtenis geneemis.

Avril Peters is in diep rou gedompel nadat haar seuntjie in ’n poel water verdrink het

Die poel het ontstaan in uitgrawings op ’n ontwikkelingsterrein agter Bridgotte-straat ná swaar reënval.

Peters verduidelik dat haar seun die middag van die voorval buite hulhuis in Nadia-straat gespeel het. “Ek het vir sy pa gesê: ‘Jong, die kind bly nou te lank weg’,” vertel Peters.

Sy pa het hombydie parkie gaan soek. ’n Buurman het hom toe aanbeveel om by die ontwikkelingsterrein te gaan soek.

“Dis toe dat sy pa die blou jas wat hy aangehad het, uit die water sien steek,”sê Peters. “My man het homtoe uit die water gaan haal.”

Die seun is op die toneel deur nooddienste dood verklaar.

Terwyl die polisieondersoek voortduur, worstel die gemeenskap met onbeantwoorde vrae oor hoedie seun toegang tot die terrein kon kry.

’n Gemeenskapsleier, Brent Louis, het die tragedie op die dag van die voorval op sosiale media aangekondig, wat skokgolwe

deur die gemeenskap gestuur het

Op Dinsdag14Julie het ander gemeenskapsleiers ’n vergadering by die ontwikkelingsterrein gehou, waar hulle ernstigevrae oor die veiligheid van die terrein geopperhet.

Hulle het spesifiek na die gebreekte palisadeheining verwys, wat volgens hulle kinders toegangtot die terrein gegee het

“Hoe kanjynet veiligheidstou daar sit om kinders te keer?” vra die gemeenskapsleier Fransina Lukas.

BrendonAlloys en RonaldHendrickshet ook die skare toegespreek en beklemtoon dat die kontrakteur van die ontwikkelingsterrein verantwoording moet doen oor die gebrekaan behoorlike veiligheidsmaatreëls.

Die gemeenskaphet belowe om alle werk by die terrein te stuit totdat ’n vergadering tussen die betrokke gemeenskapslede en die kontrakteur gereël word.

“Moet nooit lojaal bly aan ’n maatskappy wat van jou en die gemeenskap neem en net krummels teruggee nie,” sê Lukas.

Daar is ook geëis dat die Wyk-100-raadslid Sean Stacey en gemeenskapskakelbeampte(CLO) Evolino Simons verantwoordelik gehou moet word, omdat hulle glo nie die veiligheidstekortkominge voor die

tragedie aangepak het nie.

Die gemeenskap beskuldig Simons verder daarvan dat sy die CLOwas terwyl sy ’n proporsionele-verteenwoordigingsraadslid vir die subraad 18 is.

Simons verwerp die bewerings en sê sy het in Desember 2025 as CLObedank voordat sy as PR-raadslid ingesweer is.

Sy verduidelik datdie CLO-rolkommunikasie inhou, nie veiligheidsbestuur nie –dit is die kontrakteur se verantwoordelikheid. Sy het haar meegevoel met die familie uitgespreek

Stacey het verledeMaandagaand (13 Julie) die seun se familie besoek om sy meegevoel te betuig.

Hy sê hy is nie bewus vanenige gemeenskapslede wat van hom verantwoording eis nie, en dat geen inwoners voor die voorval veiligheidsbekommernisse by hom gerapporteer het nie.

“Sover ek weet,isdit ’n moordondersoek, en die familie het nie dieskuld op die kontrakteur, dieStadKaapstad of op my gepak nie,”sêStacey Hy het duidelikheid van Stadsbeamptes versoek oor waarom daar nie veilige omheining aangebring is nie.

Die Stad het bevestig dat hy bewus is van die voorval en dat dit tans ondersoek word, maar konteen druktyd nie verdere besonderhede verskaf nie.

DistriksPos &Helderberg Gazette het navrae aan die kontrakteur gestuur, maar kongeen reaksie kry nie. Tegniese probleme is as rede verskaf

Intussen het die verdagteopVrydag 17 Julie in die Strand-landdroshof verskyn en die saak is totDinsdag 28 Julie uitgestel .Enigiemandmetaddisioneleinligtingwatdie polisieondersoekkanhelpbevorder,wordversoek omdieStrand-polisiekantoorby0218549115te skakel.

Introducingtheneworiginal RecreationalActivityVehicle. Wanttoheadoutforacampingtrip?TheRAV4 isyourcar.Needtoheadoffforagameofpadel? TheRAV4hasgotyoucovered…becauseit’s madeforthosewholivetherecreationalkind oflife.Designedwithasportinspiredexterior moonroof*orpanoramicroof*,andanintuitive interior-theRAV4letsyoutravelinstyleand comfort.Availableasa2.0ℓpetrol,a2.5ℓHEV or2.5ℓPHEV**,theRAV4hasapowertrain madeforeverykindofadventurer

*Availableonselectedmodels. **PHEVComingSoon

Declan putspen to paper

JameyGordon

At just 12 years old Somerset West’s Declan Oppermanhas achieved what many aspiring writers dream of, publishing not one, but four books.

Inspired by his English teacherat De Hoop Primary School, Damian Baumgart, whom he admired for his ability to write about anything that came to mind, Declan began his writing journey last year. “I wanted to be like my teacher,” he shared, reflecting on the spark thatignited his passion for storytelling What followed was awhirlwind of

themes in his stories, Declan said: “I wanted to help children who areconstantly doing naughty stuff and hopefully encourage them to stop. Kids aged fourto seven areeasier to helpbreakbad habits, while it’sharder for older kids. Ialso really wanted to helpyounger kidslearn to read while learning alifelesson at the same time.”

Declan hopes his bookswillencourage young readers to reflect on their actions and make better choices. “I would like them to tell themselves, ‘Wow, Ishould really stop doing that, otherwise something bad will happen’.”

Hisfavourite book in the series is Boo’s Square Eyes,which holdsa specialplace

hobbies and writing by jotting ideas down during class. “I like to write ideas for future books in class, so when Iget home Ican start writing withoutthinking about whatit’s about.”

ASOURCEOFJOY

For Declan writing is asource of joy and motivation. “I love to see people happy, and my happinessiswriting.”

He plans to continue the Boo’s Adventures series foraslong as possible. “I do plantocontinue the series for a long time, well, at leastaslong as Istill can.”

Looking ahead,Declan hopes to expand his audience. “I would liketowritefor

‘SDie byna geneem onge is set-W

Jul R5 stemming appelle dat 08: too plaasgev Kruge Die na weegbr later sie nadat keersb ’n omdat polis wa gel was op bestuur rybewys en vryg sk in str Domestic

Ad Visser impr guilty fro March mi the

Dogfoodfor

Achorus of excited squealsechoed through Glen GrazeRescue SanctuaryonSaturday18July, as the Nosh forJoshFoundation’sneurodiverse students arrived to celebrateMandelaDay.The initiative began earlylast week, when students bakedan impressive 1700 dog biscuitsunderthe guidanceof Sandy and Josh Pekeur,assisted by ChefAnthony. Thesetreatsbecame part of acommunityexchange: visitors who donateddog food received apacket of the homemade biscuitsinreturn.The community responsewas overwhelming. Donations of dog food, blankets, beds, toys and essentialsupplies poured in, easing the burdenofcaring forthe sanctuary’s rescued animals. Theevent showcased powerful communityspirit whilehighlighting the abilities and compassion of the neurodiverse students, who ledthe project to success. Special appreciation was extendedtoAnimal WelfareSocietyHelderberg, Hope to Rescue Directory,Yasiam Learning, Circle Coffee,Curbside Chef, Groomers Corner, the Uyanda Serve in Faith Movement and Kolskoot Radio for their valued support.The 67 Minutes forPawsand Clawsinitiativeprovedthat smallactsofkindness canhavea lasting impact,one donation and one wagging tail at atime.

LEFT:Students preparing the cookies.

Takinghands fora lastingimpact

Helderberg organisations marked Mandela Day by dedicating 67 minutes to serve communities,from feeding children to rescuing animals

International Nelson Mandela Day (18 July) encourages individuals to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to helping others. One minute for every year Mandela devoted to public service. This year’s theme was “It Is In YourHands”.

Strand police gotanearly start on Friday (17 July),splitting their 67 minutes between two communities to share Mandela’s spiritofcaring in Casablanca and Erijaville.

The police officers first collaborated with Phoenix Sports Academy, which runs afeeding programme in Casablanca.

Established in 2018, the programme feeds between 30 and 40 children daily, providing morning meals that help them focus at school and prevent absenteeism

Sergeant Janine Memeza explained that povertyisacritical issue in Strand communities, which is why they joined forces withthe programme to showtheir support.

For the second half of the initiative, the police, together with the Strand CommunityPolicing Forum,distributedfoodin Erijaville to both children andadults.

In another corner of the Helderberg, Unashamedly Ethical, asocial justice organisation, andHope &Light Children’s Village spent more than67minuteson their Mandela Dayproject, but theextra time honoured Mandela’s belief thatchildren should be treasured.

The organisation unveiled anew library at the children’svillage in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village on Friday. The village, which opened its doors in 2009, provides foster care andasafe livingspace for 25 children agedsix to 12 who have been removed from their homes.

Unashamedly Ethical and Hope &Light partnered to create aspace where children canunwind.

Internationalartist andSomerset West resident Charlie Vettori donated her time to brightening awall withage-appropriate artwork,while local construction company ThePowerGroup refurbished three bookcases.

The project brings to life Mandela’s words “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are ourfuture.”

Roto

rolls up sleevesfor MandelaDay

SeniorsofReach Out To Others (Roto) commemorated Mandela DayonSaturday(18 July) by serving hearty soup to communities in Kramat andMacassar Pictured from left is BabaraPersent,Gail David, MackieAdams andRelda Sias, who ensured that young andold received a nutritious meal.

SW cricketer bags nationalaward

Yaseen Gaffar

Fromwalkingthe grounds of De Hoop Primary as ascholar to playing on the international stage for Ireland, Reinhardt Strydom’scricket journey has come full circle.

LastTuesday night(14 July), the 49-year-oldSomerset West local added another crowning achievement to his decorated career when he was awarded the prestigious Veterans’ Cricket Award at the official Cricket South Africa(CSA) Awards ceremony in Johannesburg

Thenationalaccolade followsanoutstandingcampaignatlast year’sVeteran World CupinPakistan, where Strydom represented the SouthAfricanover-40 team. Delivering astellar all-roundperformancewith bat andball, he earned a coveted spot in the tournament’sofficial World XIsquad.

Strydom also plays forthe Stellenbosch Strikers in the Boland veterans’ cricket league

Reflecting on the recognition, Strydom expressed deepgratitude forthe honour.

“Itwas agreat honour andprivilege to be there and represent veterans’cricket in South Africa. Receiving the awardis up there with oneofmygreatest achievements, if not the best,” he said in an interviewwith DistrictMail &Helderberg Gazette

Despite South Africa falling just short in ahard-fought semi-finalagainst Australia, Strydompraised the atmosphere andwarmth of the host nation.

“Theatmosphere was amazing; everywhereyou went, you were warmlygreetedbythe peopleofPakistan. The hospitality wasofthe highest level –wewere treated like VIPs. Formyself, it was just

oneofthose tournaments whereeverything went well,especially the bowling, where the ball justcameout nicely.”

Strydom’s path to the top of veteran cricket is builtondecades of high-level experience. Raised in Somerset West, he attended De Hoop Primary andPaul Roos Gymnasium before studying at Stellenbosch University

Hiscricketing talents eventually took him overseas, where he spent several years playing professionally in Ireland. Hisperformances earned himaspot in the Irish nationalteamand opportunities to tourglobally with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

However,a holiday back home inspired him to return to South Africa permanently. In 2018, Strydomstepped back onto the grounds where hisjourney began, accepting the role of head cricket coach at De Hoop Primary.

“It’s an amazing feeling walking onto those fields,with all the old memories coming back,” Strydomshared.“De Hoop was very good to me when Iwas a scholar,and nowit’sgreat to give back anduse my experiencetohelpimprove the young cricketers at the school.”

For theyoung playersatDeHoop, havinga World XI selection andnational award winner as amentor hasbeen a source of inspiration.Strydomsaid the reaction from learnersand parentsalike hasbeendeeply heart-warming.

When asked what core lesson he aims to pass downtohis young proteges, his message is simple: “Enjoy everything you do in life andworkharderatyour passion thananyoneelse.”

For fellow cricketers over40who mightbelieve their competitive daysare behind them, Strydomoffers strongencouragementtostay in the game: “Join aveterans’cricket league; you will make alot of newfriends andreunitewithold teammateswhile still playing competitive cricket with plenty of opportunities attachedtoit.”

Evenwith anational award in hand, Strydomhas no intention of slowing down.

Hissights areset on the upcoming over-40 World CupinGuyana, taking place from 17 to 31 October.Asthe tour is self-funded, he is actively seeking local sponsorsand planning fundraisinginitiativestorepresentSouth Africaonthe world stage again.

On thehomefront, Strydomplans to expand hisprivate coaching venture, Cricket Cubs,aiming to elevate De Hoop Primaryinto oneofthe top cricket schools in the country–all whilepreparingfor hisupcoming marriagetohis fiancée,Sonne-Rez Muller.

DramaticH’bergderbyduels

YaseenGaffar

With only afew fixtures remaining in the WeaternProvince club rugbyseason thestakes could notbehigher forclubs from the Helderberg basin.

While top-tier contenders are riding high, others are locked in adesperatefight to avoid relegation into lower divisions –and for some in Super League C, demotion to SuperLeague D(SLD) next season is becoming an alarmingreality.

In the top league, Helderberg showed why theyremainone of the premierclub outfits in theunion on Saturday (18July). Overcoming ashock 0-14 openingdeficitwithinthe first four minutesagainst Kuils River at Charles MorkelStadium in Strand, Berge produced adominantdisplay drivenbyastandout individual perfor-

mance by Michael Visser.

Helderberg rallied to take a24-17 lead at half-timebefore pulling away to seal an impressive 50-27, eight-try victory. Theresult leaves Helderberg comfortably in second place in the SLA standingswith 48 points from 13 matches.

The team will enjoy abye weekend before hosting SU Maties in an evening encounter next Wednesday (29 July).

InSuper LeagueB,local rivalry took centre stage in Strand as log leaders Macassar metlower-placed St George’s at Gustrouw Sports Ground. Though clear favourites on paper, the MC Boys had to fight relentlessly to break down aresolute Lulu defence. Leading0-6 at the break, the visitors saw their leadcut to 8-9lateinthe second half after aRaees Collins try.

However, alateconverted try fromreplacement prop Hewson Petersen secured the8-16 victory for Macassar.

The victory keeps the MC Boys equal at the topofthe log with 48 points, butin second place on points difference behind Belhar. The defeat leaves theLuluBoys languishing in 13th place with18points from 12 matches, firmly inside thered demotion zone to SLC.

All Saints put up abravefight against table-topping Belhar, but fell 39-29short. Despite the loss, the Olla Boysare safein sixth place with 39 points, but must win their next matches to avoidthe danger zone.

In oneofthe most thrilling matches of the weekend, Strand United hosted Sir Lowriansinanepic derby at Abattoir Sports Ground. United looked set to clinch avital win, but Sir Low snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with atry in the dying minutes followed by acalmlyslotted conversiontoseala15-17 win. The result providedamassive boost for Sir Low, who

moved to 10th on thelog with30pointsin an impressivedisplay in SLC following their promotion at theend of last season.

Forwinless United,the last-minute heartbreak leaves them grounded in 15th position withjust six points.

Strand RFC suffered aheavy defeat at thehandsofleague leaders Rangers. The loss leaves Liga trapped in thebottomfour in 13th place with23points.

Meanwhile, RaithbyUniversals earned a crucial win by outlasting Eerste River 39-29 at theRaithby Sports Ground. The victory elevated RU to ninthplace on thetable with30points.

.FixturesforSaturday25July:

–Super League B: St George’s vs Collegians, VioletsvsAll Saints; –Super League C: RaithbyUniversalsvs Strand RFC, Sir Lowrians vs Delft; and –Northern League: Gordon’s Bay Pioneers vs Excelsior.