People’s Post | Maitland | Woodstock | City | E-Edition 23 September 2025

Virus the drug buster

Since July this year, Virus, the Metro Police K9, has been making massive strides in the fight against drugs. The four-legged crime fighter has helped detect illicit substances and drug paraphernalia valued at R136 739 in Ward 57 alone

The ward includes Woodstock, District Six, Mowbray, Observatory, and Salt River

In a latest incident in Salt River on Saturday 4 October, metro police officers recovered drugs with an estimated street value of just under R30 000 Ruth Solomons, metro police spokesperson, said officers on patrol noticed a white Ford Fiesta parked in an awkward manner next to a fire hydrant

“The officers approached the driver and while speaking to him, noticed that he seemed nervous Officers requested permission to conduct a search and brought in Virus who led his handler to the steering column

where they recovered more than 100 packets of cocaine, 10 packets of crack cocaine and a packet of tik ”

She said a 41-year-old male driver was arrested for possession of drugs

According to Solomons, a similar operation led by Virus in August led to the discovery of drugs under the steering column of a vehicle in Observatory Drugs valued at over R13 000 were found hidden in a pink sock Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, praised Virus for its “heroic work”

“Virus has become somewhat of a local hero, our friendly neighbourhood metro police K9 has taken illicit drugs and paraphernalia to the value of R136 739 since July Hard drugs like cocaine, khat, crack cocaine and tik taken completely out of circulation by our metro police officer with four paws, ” he said He warned criminals that drugs will not be tolerated and that law enforcement will continue to crack down on

illegal activities

“I not only welcome the latest drugs busts we are having but will continue to support all our safety stakeholders in keeping up the amazing work I hope the message spreads to every criminal, you can't outrun Virus and you can't hide from Virus A K9 can outrun you and smell where and what you ’ re hiding The proof is in the results ”

Gary Adams, acting chair of the Woodstock community policing forum, said: “We celebrate the wonderful partnerships between the police, law enforcement and other role players This collaborative work in pushing back on crime and making a succesful arrest means more drugs off the streets ”

JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said in a press statement: “K9 Virus is such a good boy, although I doubt these criminals would agree These latest successes are timely reminders of the value that specialised units such as the K9 unit within the metro police bring to our enforcement efforts, particularly the very rampant drug trade ” Smith urged residents to play their part and to report any suspicious activity

“I also want to remind communities that they can help too, by sending tip offs about drug dealing to our anonymous tip-off line, or to officers on patrol in their areas ” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith

Tip-offs about drug dealing and other illicit activities can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) on 021 480 7700 or via the anonymous tip-off line, 24 hours a day, on 0800 110077

Join the ‘Great Nurdle Hunt’

KAILIN DANIELS

KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Save a Fishie, an environmental organisation, is calling on ocean lovers to join the Great Global Nurdle Hunt This month-long campaign aims to tackle one of the most dangerous forms of plastic pollution silently invading the shores nurdles.

These tiny, lentil-sized plastic pellets are the building blocks of almost all plastic products, from water bottles to car parts

Though small (typically less than 5 mm), their environmental impact is massive

Nurdles are considered microplastics, and because of their size, they often slip through the cracks of standard waste management and environmental monitoring systems Millions of nurdles end up in our oceans each year, either through industrial spills, poor handling, or improper waste disposal

Once in the ocean, they pose a deadly threat to marine life

"Nurdles, being mistaken for food by marine animals, are ingested

with grave consequences," explains Zoë Prinsloo, founder of Save a Fishie

"They clog digestive systems, cause internal injuries, and release harmful toxins that threaten entire marine ecosystems "

During Save a Fishie's recent Coast to Coast Campaign in August, volunteers found nurdles on 41 of the 111 beaches they visited: a stark reminder of how widespread the problem is "

They just keep washing up on our shores," Prinsloo said

"We managed to remove thousands, but that's only a drop in the ocean This is an environmental crisis that's largely invisible to the public "

The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is in full swing and will continue until Friday 31 October

Prinsloo said while all forms of waste will still be collected, the spotlight this month is firmly on nurdles And people don't have to join a formal clean-up to make a difference All they do is:

. Head to your nearest beach anytime during October

. Look out for nurdles – they're

small, usually translucent or pale-coloured pellets

. Collect and store them safely

. Record your findings: count the nurdles and make a note of where you found them

. Bring them to Save a Fishie, or

connect with the organisation to find out how to contribute

.For more information on how to join the Great Nurdle Hunt,send an email to info@saveafishie co za

Childrenatriskasvaccinationratesdecrease

With immunisation rates for children under 1 year dropping in 2024/2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents to make vaccinations a priority

Provincial data shows coverage has decreased to 67,4%, which is a 27,6% drop from the provincial expected target of 95% immunisation coverage

This leaves thousands of infants unprotected against serious diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus

Low immunisation rates have immediate consequences, such as the department providing mass vaccination due to a recent measles outbreak in Khayelitsha, where 60 cases were confirmed as of Monday 6 October

Measles can be life-threatening, particularly in children who are not immunised Declining coverage also weakens herd immunity, making outbreaks more likely and placing vulnerable children at risk

Dr Heather Finlayson, senior specialist in

It’s only October, but my body insists it’s already December The emails pile up, the deadlines loom, and yet I catch myself staring at the screen longer than I should, chasing sentences that don’t want to be found

The mistakes are petty, a misspelled name here, a missing comma there, but they feel heavier than they are Maybe it’s just fatigue

Maybe it’s the slow weight of a year that’s stretched all of us more than we planned for Does it feel that way to you too? Like the year has run ahead, leaving you slightly behind? Each month came and went, fast enough to blur, yet heavy enough to drain

It’s a strange tension, time moving quickly, but the body moving slowly And here we are, with less than three months left, but already counting down as if the year were over October is always a turning point It reminds us that the year is almost done, yet not quite Schools begin to speak of exams, offices whisper about leave schedules,

Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, said the World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) celebrated 50 years in 2024

Finlayson said globally, vaccination prevents four million deaths each year

“The South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) protects children from diseases that can cause school absence, hospitalisation, or death ”

She said vaccines not only protect children who receive them but also those who are too young or medically vulnerable

“When rates drop below 95%, outbreaks of measles and diphtheria appear Vaccines are safe, well-studied, and essential for building healthy children and communities Even a small drop in vaccination coverage can undo years of progress, ” explained Finlayson

PARENTSAREURGEDTO:

. Visit their nearest clinic to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet

and shops quietly stock Christmas decorations in the corners

You see it in the malls, in the bright reds and golds peeking out on shelves, in the adverts that already hint at festive sales The reminders are subtle but sure, the finish line is somewhere up ahead

Even nature seems to know the rhythm The days stretch longer, the heat settles into the evenings, and there’s a certain shimmer in the air that signals summer is arriving whether we are ready or not

The purple bloom of flowers a seasonal clock we can almost set our moods to But fatigue doesn’t care about the calendar It sneaks in early It shows up in the form of writer’s block, in afternoons when focus slips through our fingers, in mornings when the snooze button wins It lingers in the sighs between tasks, in the half-written lists, in the quiet thought: “Just three more months ”

Yet the truth is, these are not empty days They still matter They still carry weight They still hold possibility

How do we honour them when we are this tired? How do we stay present when the temptation is to switch into autopilot and wait

. Ensure all scheduled vaccines are up to date

. Bring children who have missed doses for catch-up immunisations

. For more information or assistance,contact or visit your local clinic,and our healthcare providers will assist with immunising your child at no cost

for the year to end? Perhaps the answer lies in gentleness

To treat ourselves not as machines that failed to keep pace, but as humans who have carried much

To forgive the slip-ups, the missed calls, the drafts left unfinished

To recognise that being weary is not weakness; it is evidence that we have been engaged, that we have been present, that we have given of ourselves in ways that left a mark Because alongside the fatigue, there are still signs of life

Small joys that interrupt the haze: laughter at lunch with colleagues, the sight of flowers blooming in unexpected corners, the unexpected kindness of a stranger The way music can lift a dull morning, or how a simple walk can quiet the noise in the mind October carries its own gifts, if we ’ re willing to notice them

Maybe this is the invitation of these last three months to hold both truths at once To admit we ’ re tired and still be open to what the year can offer To rest when we can, but also to dream again, even if only in small ways

A new notebook bought A phone call made A promise kept to yourself These, too, are victories worth

noting So as the year tilts toward its end, I find myself asking, what unfinished thing still deserves my attention? What small habit of care can carry me into December stronger than I feel now? What new chance might still arrive before the fireworks and countdowns?

The temptation is to think it’s too late That if it hasn’t happened yet, it won’t But life doesn’t work that way

Opportunity doesn’t follow the calendar It shows up unexpectedly, in October, in November, in December, in conversations, in ideas, in second chances So yes, we might be tired Yes, the cursor blinks longer before the words appear Yes, mistakes creep in more often But fatigue is not the whole truth of who we are We are also resilient We are still showing up, still moving forward, still holding hope We are still making space for laughter, still pausing to notice beauty, still daring to believe that tomorrow can surprise us And even now, less than three months before the curtain comes down on 2025, the truth remains: Unyaka uyaphela kodwa akukapheli mathuba (The year may end but the opportunities are still there)

The owl succumbed to its injuries, with a post-mortem confirming multiple fractures throughout its

Owlkiller convictedand sentenced

Cape Town animal welfare organisations have hailed the conviction and sentencing of a 38-year-old Mozambican citizen, found guilty on four charges related to animal cruelty, as a victory for animals

In February this year, Gustigu Mthini brutally attacked a protected Spotted eagle owl with a stick on the Sea Point Promenade in full view of onlookers

The owl later succumbed to its injuries, with a post-mortem confirming multiple fractures throughout its body

The act of cruelty was captured on video and sparked public outrage, leading to an investigation by Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope SPCA's chief inspector

After evading arrest for several days, Mthini was tracked down by Pieterse and Sea Point City Improvement District (CID) and arrested on Saturday 22 February

He remained in custody from the date of his arrest until the conclusion of his trial, serving a total of seven months behind bars before sentencing

In September, Mthini was found guilty on four charges:

. Count 1 (Animal Protection Act): R2 000 fine or two months' imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years

. Count 2 (Nature Conservation Ordinance): R3 000 fine or three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years

. Count 3 (Nature Conservation Ordinance): R3000 fine or three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years

. Count 5 (Immigration Act): R2000 fine or two months' imprisonment, of which R1000 or one month is suspended for five years

The court also ordered that he be deported to Mozambique upon completion of his onemonth imprisonment sentence

Pieterse said animal cruelty has no place in society “We serve and protect We all have a moral and legal duty to protect our wild animals and report acts of cruelty wherever they occur

This outcome sends a strong message that those who harm animals will be held accountable ” Pieterse also expressed his gratitude to Sea Point CID for their “unwavering assistance” throughout the investigation and arrest Dr Ashley Naidoo, chief executive officer for CapeNature, welcomed the conviction and said it sends a “strong message ” that the illegal and cruel treatment of wildlife will not be tolerated “CapeNature remains committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that perpetrators of such offences are held accountable Every animal has a role to play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems ”

Founder’s legacy lives on

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Established in 1935, and nearly 6 million meals later the Service Dining Rooms on Canterbury Street has remained a beacon of hope in Cape Town’s city centre.

On Saturday 11 October, the organisation marked its 90th anniversary with a celebratory lunch honouring nearly a century of service

The milestone celebration followed World Homeless Day, observed on Friday 10 October, adding timely relevance to the occasion and highlighting the continued importance of organisations working to support the city’s most vulnerable

The Service Dining Rooms was founded during the Great Depression, as a response to growing unemployment and hunger

Founder Doris Syfret and two friends envisioned a place where people could purchase an affordable, nutritious meal rather than receive charity

Today, the organisation provides sit-down meals to over 200 people from Monday to Friday, charging just R2 per meal

Laurine Platzky, chair of the Service Dining Room’s board, said that with the high cost of living, the organisation remains a crucial safety net for those who cannot afford a daily meal

“It’s a dignified environment People come into the facility and sit down, and they are served with dignity

“We are grateful to our donors who continue to support this organisation They come in food form like I&J and SA Harvest they are incredibly generous with the proteins that we serve We also get financial contributions and those who make donations to the maintenance of the building ”

Platzky says they would not be able to continue their service without the dedication of their five employees

“They cook and prepare the meals and do the cleaning up We are always looking for people who will volunteer their time ”

The Service Dining Rooms will also be honoured with the Mayor’s Medal one of the highest civic accolades awarded by the City of Cape Town at a special council meeting next month

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who attended the event, said the organisation serves as an inspiration

“In a world where challenges often seem overwhelming your example shows that no matter how big the problem no matter how seemingly overwhelming if you tackle it with compassion, respect and a sense of community you can make lasting positive change ”

Hill-Lewis commended the team for their tireless devotion to ensuring Cape Town’s most vulnerable are never without a warm meal

“Congratulations to the team on their remarkable 90th anniversary Thank you for nine decades of extraordinary service to Cape Town’s underprivileged and vulnerable communities ”

Simon Browne, the great-nephew of the founder, said he is proud to see his Syfret’s legacy living on through the continued work of the Service Dining Rooms

“She was born into the British Empire and was

from a wealthy family She spent her childhood in Cape Town but went to high school in England She was an upstanding and straightforward person She had great courage She would come to work at the Service Dining Room every Saturday ”

He believes his great-aunt would be proud to see her legacy of compassion and service continuing to thrive today

Staff member Tougeedah Britton said it’s a privilege to serve people

“I have been working here for a year now It is a privilege to work here, the staff members are nice and so is management We have our ups and downs with the clients on some days, but they are wonderful ” For client Deidre Owies, the organisation has been a beacon in times of need

“It helps us a lot And the food is nice and so is the staff ” Patience Langa, also a client, said she was referred to the Service Dining Rooms in February this year

“I was unemployed at the time and didn’t know where my next meal would come from I was told about this organisation I started coming here with my son The food is nice, and we get good service ”

WC celebrates cultural excellence

TIMPORTANT NOTICE

FORM 27A - NOTICE OF LODGEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR REMOVAL OF LIQUOR LICENCE IN TERMS OF SECTION 66(2) OF THE WESTERN CAPE LIQUOR ACT, 2008 – [REG 33(2)]

Notice is hereby given that an application for the removal of a liquor licence has been lodged with the Western Cape Liquor Authority (the Authority) and with the designated liquor officer in whose area of jurisdiction the licensed premises are currently located and, where the granting of the application will have the effect of removing the licence to the area of jurisdiction of another designated liquor officer, also with the designated liquor officer of that area

The application concerned may, up to and including the 28th day from the date of publication of the application, upon request and free of charge, be inspected by any person at the offices of the Authority or the relevant designated liquor officer(s) Copies of the application can be obtained from the Authority after payment of the prescribed fee

Objections and representations may be lodged in writing with the Authority and the relevant designated liquor officer(s) in accordance with regulation 33(13) of the Regulations

VORM 27A - KENNISGEWING VAN INDIENING VAN AANSOEK OM VERWYDERING VAN

DRANKLISENSIE INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 66(2) VAN DIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET, 2008 – [REG. 33(2)]

Hiermee word kennis gegee dat ’n aansoek om die verwydering van ’n dranklisensie ingedien is by die Wes-Kaapse Drankowerheid (die Owerheid) en by die aangewese drankbeampte in wie se regsgebied die gelisensieerde perseel tans geleë is en waar die toestaan van die aansoek die verwydering van die lisensie na die regsgebied van ’n ander aangewese drankbeampte tot gevolg sal hê ook by die aangewese drankbeampte van daardie gebied Die betrokke aansoek kan tot en met die 28ste dag vanaf die datum van publikasie van die aansoek op versoek en gratis deur enige persoon by die kantore van die Owerheid of die tersaaklike aangewese drankbeampte besigtig word Afskrifte van die aansoek kan by die Owerheid na betaling van die voorgeskrewe fooi verkry word

Besware en vertoë mag ooreenkomstig regulasie 33(13) van die Regulasies skriftelik by die Owerheid en die tersaaklike aangewese drankbeampte(s) ingedien word

IFOMU 27A - ISAZISO SOKUFAKWA KWESICELO SOKUSUSWA KWEPHEPHA-MVUME LOTYWALA NGOKWECANDELO 66(2) LOMTHETHO WEZOTYWALA WENTSHONA KOLONI, 2008 – [UMGAQO 33(2)]

Kunikezelwa isaziso yokuba isicelo sokususwa kwelayisenisi yotywala sifakiwe kuGunyaziwe woTywala weNtshona Koloni (abasemaGunyeni) nakwiiofisi zamagosa otywala agunyazisiweyo kwaye, apho ukunikezelwa kwesicelo kuza kuchaphazela ukususwa kwelayisenisi phantsi kolawulo lwelinye igosa lotywala eligunyazisiweyo kuloo ngingqi Isicelo ekubhekiswa kuso singakwazi, ukuya kwiintsuku eziquka usuku lwama-28 ukusukela ngomhla wokupapashwa kwesi sicelo, xa siceliwe kwaye simahla, sihlolwe nguye nawuphi na umntu okwiofisi yabasemaGunyeni okanye i(ama)gosa eli(a)jongene nemiba engotywala Iikopi zesicelo singafumaneka kwabasemaGunyeni emva kwentlawulo emisiweyo Uchaso neengxelo ezixhasayo ezibhaliweyo zingafakwa kwabasemaGunyeni nakwigosa lotywala eligunyazisiweyo ngokwecandelo 33(13) leMigaqo

No Full name of applicant

Volle naam van aansoeker

Igama elipheleleyo lomfaki-sicelo

Name under which business will be conducted

Naam waaronde besigheid bedryf sal word

Igama ishishini eza kushishina phantsi kwalo

Address of the proposed premises

Adres van die voorgenome perseel

Idilesi yesakhiwo

Category of a licence applied for Kategorie lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word Uhlobo lwelayisenisi ecetywayo

South African Police Services designated liquor officer office where the application has been lodged

Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor van die aangewese drankbeampte waar die aansoek ingedien is

i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzo zamaPolisa eMzantsi Afrika apho isicelo sifakwe khona

From the classroom to red carpet

It’s matric ball season, and Grade 12 learners across the country are celebrating the end of their school journey in style with glamorous outfits, memorable moments, and lifelong friendships on full display.

For many, the matric dance is more

than just a formal event it's a rite of passage, marking the transition from high school to adulthood After years of hard work, exams, and latenight study sessions, the event offers learners a well-deserved evening of joy, celebration, and reflection

People’s Post asked readers to send us photos of their special day

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FORM 3A - NOTICE OF APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENCES IN TERMS OF SECTION 37(1) OF THE WESTERN CAPE LIQUOR ACT,2008 – [REG 10(1)]

Notice is hereby given that the following applications for liquor licences have been lodged with the Western Cape Liquor Authority (the Authority) and with the designated liquor officers at the indicated South African Police Service offices The applications concerned may, up to and including the 28th day from the date of publication of the application upon request and free of charge be inspected by any person at the offices of the Authority or the designated liquor officer listedhereunder Copies of an application can be obtained from the Authority after payment of the prescribed fee Objections and representations must be lodged in writing with the Authority and the designated liquor officer in accordance with section 39 of the Act

VORM 3A - KENNISGEWING VAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 37(1) VAN DIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET,2008 – [REG 10(1)]

Hiermee word kennis gegee dat die volgende aansoeke om dranklisensies ingedien is by die Wes-Kaapse Drankowerheid (die Owerheid) en] by die aangewese drankbeamptes by die aangeduide Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantore Die betrokke aansoeke kan tot en met die 28ste dag vanaf die datum van publikasie van die aansoek, op versoek en gratis deur enige persoon besigtig word by die kantore van die Owerheid of die aangewese drankbeampte hieronder gelys Afskrifte van ’n aansoek kan by die Owerheid verkry word na betaling van die voorgeskrewe fooi Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstig artikel 39 van die Wet skriftelik by die Owerheid en die aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word

IFOMU 3A - ISAZISO SOKUFAKWA KWESICELO SEPHEPHA MVUME NGOKWECANDELO 37(1)

LOMTHETHO WOTYWALA WENTSHONA KOLONI KA-2008 – [UMGAQO 10(1)] Isaziso siyanikezelwa ukuba ezi zicelo zilandelayo zamaphepha mvume otywala zifakiwe kwabasemaGunyeni ezoTywala eNtshona Koloni (abasemaGunyeni) nakumagosa ajongene nemiba engotywala kwii-ofisi ezixeliweyo zeeNkonzo zamaPolisa aseMzantsi Afrika Izicelo ekubhekiselelwa kuzo zingakwazi kwiintsuku ezingamashumi amabini anesibhozo (28) ukususela ngomhla wokupapashwa kwesi sicelo xa eceliwe kwaye simahla ziye kuhlolwa nguye nawuphi umntu okwi-Ofisi esemaGunyeni okanye yegosa elijongene nemiba engotywala elixelwe apha ngezantsi Iikopi zesicelo zingafumaneka kwabasemaGunyeni emva kwentlawulo emiselweyo Uchaso neengxelo ezixhasayo ezibhaliweyo zingafakwa kwabasemaGunyeni nakwigosa elijongene nemiba engotywala ngokwecandelo 39 loMthetho

No Full name of applicant

Volle naam van aansoeker

Igama elipheleleyo lomfaki-sicelo

Name under which business will be conducted

Naam waaronder besigheid bedryf sal word Igama ishishini eza kushishina phantsi kwalo

Address of the proposed premises

Adres van die voorgenome perseel

Idilesi yesakhiwo

Kind of licence applied for Tipe lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word Uhlobo lwephepha mvume olucelayo

South African Police Services designated liquor officer office where the application has been lodged

Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor van die aangewese drankbeampte waar die aansoek ingedien is i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzo zamaPolisa eMzantsi Afrika apho isicelo sifakwe khona