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Elspark safety group donates food and blankets to support local SPCA

Elspark safety group donates food and blankets to support local SPCA

The Citizen5 days ago

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Community Safety Network (CSN) based in Elspark, in partnership with the DA, has donated over 500kg of dog food, 20kg of cat food, and 56 blankets to the Elspark Freeway Park CPF in support of the local SPCA.
This initiative forms part of CSN's broader commitment to community upliftment, extending its work beyond safety patrols into practical support for local causes.
'The donation will directly benefit animals under the care of CPF-affiliated initiatives, ensuring our furry guardians are well-fed and warm this winter,' said Marlize van der Merwe of CSN.
ALSO READ: Dance group in Delmore informal settlement showered with donations
Founded by Trevor Ackermann, Maggie Ackermann, and Marlize van der Merwe, CSN has grown into a team of over 40 volunteers committed to building a safer and more compassionate community.
While primarily focused on neighbourhood safety, the organisation also supports vulnerable women and children through various outreach efforts.
One of CSN's flagship programmes is Courage Cove, which assists women and children affected by trauma, abuse or bereavement.
The initiative brings together life coaches, chaplains, lawyers, social workers, and others to provide holistic care in times of crisis.
'Through working with the community and police, we have seen the need—especially among victims of gender-based violence,' Van der Merwe added.
The recent donation is one of several impactful projects CSN has undertaken, including pothole repairs, fire prevention initiatives, free community events, and ongoing visibility patrols.
ALSO READ: Entities join hands for donations and awareness for Leeuwpoort Primary
'We believe safety goes beyond just being present on the streets. It's about being present in the lives of our residents—including the animals that form part of our community fabric,' said co-founder Trevor Ackermann.
CSN welcomes new volunteers—whether for patrols, professional support for Courage Cove, or contributing to donation drives. To get involved or learn more, email: info@csnonline.co.z
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

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Elspark safety group donates food and blankets to support local SPCA
Elspark safety group donates food and blankets to support local SPCA

The Citizen

time5 days ago

  • The Citizen

Elspark safety group donates food and blankets to support local SPCA

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Community Safety Network (CSN) based in Elspark, in partnership with the DA, has donated over 500kg of dog food, 20kg of cat food, and 56 blankets to the Elspark Freeway Park CPF in support of the local SPCA. This initiative forms part of CSN's broader commitment to community upliftment, extending its work beyond safety patrols into practical support for local causes. 'The donation will directly benefit animals under the care of CPF-affiliated initiatives, ensuring our furry guardians are well-fed and warm this winter,' said Marlize van der Merwe of CSN. ALSO READ: Dance group in Delmore informal settlement showered with donations Founded by Trevor Ackermann, Maggie Ackermann, and Marlize van der Merwe, CSN has grown into a team of over 40 volunteers committed to building a safer and more compassionate community. While primarily focused on neighbourhood safety, the organisation also supports vulnerable women and children through various outreach efforts. One of CSN's flagship programmes is Courage Cove, which assists women and children affected by trauma, abuse or bereavement. The initiative brings together life coaches, chaplains, lawyers, social workers, and others to provide holistic care in times of crisis. 'Through working with the community and police, we have seen the need—especially among victims of gender-based violence,' Van der Merwe added. The recent donation is one of several impactful projects CSN has undertaken, including pothole repairs, fire prevention initiatives, free community events, and ongoing visibility patrols. ALSO READ: Entities join hands for donations and awareness for Leeuwpoort Primary 'We believe safety goes beyond just being present on the streets. It's about being present in the lives of our residents—including the animals that form part of our community fabric,' said co-founder Trevor Ackermann. CSN welcomes new volunteers—whether for patrols, professional support for Courage Cove, or contributing to donation drives. To get involved or learn more, email: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Growing number of children drawn into gang Violence in Western Cape
Growing number of children drawn into gang Violence in Western Cape

IOL News

time6 days ago

  • IOL News

Growing number of children drawn into gang Violence in Western Cape

Young boys in the Western Cape are increasingly being used as gang recruits, often tasked with carrying weapons or acting as lookouts, a trend driving a deadly surge in youth violence. Image: File Children as young as 12 are being sucked into the deadly vortex of gang violence in the Western Cape, used as decoys, gunmen, and drug couriers in a growing trend that experts warn is fuelling the province's child murder crisis. According to the latest Western Cape Gang Monitor by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC), more than one child was murdered every day in the Western Cape over a three-month period in 2024. The spike is linked directly to gang violence, where children are either caught in crossfire or recruited into the gangs themselves. 'This sobering statistic is indicative of a wider trend: more children than ever before are being recruited into gangs in the Western Cape,' the report states. Children are seen as ideal recruits by gang leaders, less likely to be suspected by police, and more willing to prove themselves. Craven Engel, a pastor and founder of gang-prevention organisation Ceasefire, told the report that gangs are weaponising innocence; 'a 12-year-old boy he had assisted, who had been recruited as a gunman for the Only the Family gang, was 'brainwashed to kill people.'' Community frustration is boiling over. Thandiso Xokoza, a community policing forum member from Philippi, said the problem is being compounded by political bias within the CPF. 'In my area a lot of young boys from 14 upwards are being recruited for smash and grab and extortion. The CPF does not help. In fact, its role is more political. SAPS are trying but not doing much, while Law Enforcement is more on the ground doing their best,' he said. Xokoza called for urgent reform. 'SAPS need to look at how they recruit CPF because so far, they are doing it completely wrong. For example, all the members of CPF belong to one political party and their agenda is the interest of their political party.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The report highlights a toxic combination of factors: poverty, generational trauma, and community breakdowns. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many children were left with 'a surplus of free time and the need to earn an income, even if by criminal means.' Community workers say that 'these kids are totally desensitized to violence. When they play games in the street, they have to play around a dead body.' The problem is compounded by gang fragmentation. Newly formed junior gangs, such as the Gotsavallas in Ottery, have emerged with younger and more reckless members. 'The group is made up exclusively of juvenile members, none of whom is older than 18,' The report states. Juvenile detention is no deterrent. Instead, it is described as a graduation into the gang, where 'young offenders may enter as a runner, but on leaving, may join the ranks outside as a fully-fledged member.' One official admitted When he comes out, he is more of a gangster. The presence of prison-style gang structures, similar to the notorious Numbers gangs, is also confirmed inside youth facilities. 'Rather than being places of safety and rehabilitation, these are therefore spaces where gang identities are formed,' the report warns. As the generational cycle deepens, the report stands with a clear warning: 'Children are being recruited into gangs more frequently and are being exposed to the most violent and extreme elements of their activities. This is not only potentially fatal but also perpetuates the generational trauma.' The solution, according to the GI-TOC, lies in long-term community-based interventions that address trauma, not just symptoms. But until then, the streets of the Western Cape remain a recruiting ground, and a battlefield, for South Africa's youngest soldiers. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

Mother's Day tragedy: couple die in fire
Mother's Day tragedy: couple die in fire

IOL News

time15-05-2025

  • IOL News

Mother's Day tragedy: couple die in fire

'I rushed to their property and also alerted other CPF members on our WhatsApp chat. I was the first person at the scene. At that point, it was unclear whether the couple were in the house or not. Some of the neighbours said no one was in the house. But we had to double check,' said Rajoo. The couple's neighbour and chairperson of the Woodhurst Community Forum (CPF), Roy Rajoo, said he was getting ready to leave home when he noticed the couple's home was in flames. Shanita, a mother of one, would have also celebrated her 61st birthday on Sunday. Shanitha Jeevan, 61, and her husband Indran Naidoo, 65, of Woodhurst, were asleep when a fire broke out in the upper level of their double-storey home at around 5.30am on Sunday. MOTHER'S Day took a tragic turn for a Chatsworth family, when a couple burnt to death during a fire at their home. 'I broke the lock on the front gate and got onto the property. However, I could not get into the house as the flames were intense and high. The fire department arrived a short while later. They broke down the front door to gain access into the house." Rajoo said the firefighters found Shanitha near the door of one of the bedrooms, while Indran was found in another bedroom. 'They both died in the fire. It was traumatic to witness their bodies being removed from the scene. They were a well-known, pioneer couple in our area. At the time, we were afraid the fire would spread to the outbuilding. But when we broke down the door, the couple renting the outbuilding was not inside." Garrith Jamieson, the spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said the couple died after suffering severe burns. The tenant, who did not want to be named, said she and her husband had rented the outbuilding from the Jeevan's for three years. 'We were not home at the time. On Saturday, my husband and I stayed at my mother-in-law's house. We woke up to frantic calls from neighbours, telling us that our house was on fire. When we got to the house, the firefighters were already putting the fire out. The mortuary van was there and we were told that Shanitha and Indran did not survive the fire. We were devastated." She said that the couple, who had a son and two grandchildren, were loving and did everything together. 'Their son lives in Johannesburg. They loved him and they were proud of him. They were kind to us and treated us like their children. I did not feel like a tenant. I felt like their daughter. They were well-known in the community. Indran grew up in Woodhurst, so everyone was fond of him. They were down-to-earth and would be remembered for their kindness. They were there for me whenever I needed them." She said the couple were devout Hindus and loved conducting their prayers together every day. 'They were proud to host their Hanuman prayers. Whenever Shanitha fasted, she made rhot (sweet offering) and distributed it to everyone in the community. 'They also loved their late night conversations and often had the front door opened. My husband and I enjoyed listening to them. They also loved watching soccer. Recently, we listened to them cheering on Liverpool, while they watched the match in their lounge. Shanitha took good care of Indran and they were a couple that we looked up to as role-models. She treated him like a king, and I am glad they are resting in peace together,' she added. The couple's funeral was on Wednesday at the Clare Estate Crematorium. THE POST

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