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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Berea SAPS officers honoured in commemoration of Men's Month
MALE members of the Berea SAPS swapped their blue regalia and boots for swag when they were recently honoured in commemoration of Men's Month for their contribution in fighting crime and restoring public order. The day was marked with gifts, motivational talks and celebration. The Station Commander, Colonel Hlengiwe Gcabashe, relayed her gratitude to her members for their dedication, saying the station management saw it fit to honour them during Men's Month. 'Police work is not always a walk in the park; our members are faced with challenges everyday but they work hard and produce impressive results. I always ask them to jump, they ask 'how high',' Gcabashe said. During the event, it surfaced that some police officers face personal and psychological challenges, preventing them from executing duties to the desired results. Motivational speaker Thomas Radebe highlighted that the rising number of police officers who murder their loved ones, and those who commit suicide, was alarming. He attributed this to lack of self-love, emphasising that men must learn to love themselves more than their jobs. Police medical aid representative, Kehilwe Phepheng, educated the men on the surging danger of chronic illnesses, some of which were self-inflicted. He advised them to exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet and conduct regular health screenings. Mental health was also addressed. It was underlined that the disease is creeping in among the personnel, and at times the devastation is not recognised. Police members were urged to keep an eye on mental health symptoms like low energy, excessive drinking and drug use, feeling hopeless, overeating, sleeping too much, shouting and fighting with family members, and suicidal thoughts. Although these symptoms appear 'normal' the men were advised to seek proper help before it's too late. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Alleged Islamophobic attack: Murder accused ‘unfit to stand trial'
The prosecution in a Glenmore, Durban, murder case has asked for more time to review a mental assessment report submitted to the Durban Magistrate's Court yesterday. The report states that Grayson Beare is unfit to stand trial for the killing of Halima Hoosen-Preston in June 2024. Berea Mail reports that during brief proceedings before Magistrate Ashwin Singh, state prosecutor Calvin Govender said he would submit the report to the director of prosecutions for review and requested that the matter be transferred to the regional court. According to the report, following Beare's admission to Fort Napier Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, the accused underwent 'psychiatric interviews, physical and neurological examinations and multi-drug screening'. The report further stated that Beare was diagnosed with an 'unspecified psychiatric disorder'. On his fitness to stand trial, 'the accused would not be able to follow court proceedings and instruct his attorney. He is not fit to stand trial'. On the alleged mental state, 'from the available information, the accused was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the alleged offence'. Beare stands accused of killing Hoosen-Preston and attempting to murder her son and husband on June 2, 2024. It is alleged that he fatally stabbed Hoosen-Preston at her Glenmore home after she voiced her support for Palestine. Her 14-year-old son and husband were also repeatedly stabbed in the attack. Members of United for Palestine who were in court said they will not back down in pursuing justice for Hoosen-Preston. A provisional date to return to court was set for August 15. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Club honours fallen race runner
A RUNNER who would have been part of the third annual Chillie Lifestyle Race but never made it to the start line was recently honoured by the club who praised her determination. Over 2200 runners lined up for the race, which was claimed by Siyabonga Ndlovu in a time of 28:41 for the men's title, while Busisiwe Chamane came in for the ladies at 35:49. Before the race could start, a moment of silence was held for the female runner who was coming from Bergville to be part of the race. 'She was fatally struck by a vehicle on Saturday while on her way to pick up her race pack,' said race director Siyanda Sibiya. 'We wanted to honour her and her family who were present on race day. She wanted to be there, and she was among the first to register for the race.' Also Read: Hollywoodbets 10km/ 5km run off to a great start With all the runners united in mourning for the lost runner, the race took off with the 10km athletes setting the pace for the social runners. Sibiya said, 'This was the biggest participation numbers we've had for the race so far and it really warmed our hearts, after the work put in. It's good for the club, the sport and the running community.' Sibiya hailed the success of the event and said they are already in preparation for next year's event. He said there were no regrets in adding the 5km run. 'The race was exceptional from my end as the organiser – certainly a great day of running. With 5km being the new addition to the offering, it widens the race's appeal – thus attracting more people,' said Sibiya. He added, 'The future is solidified – June after Comrades Marathon, we will be back bigger and better than before, ensuring more sponsors are on board.' For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
KZN Health condemns vigilante protest blocking hospital access
The KZN Department of Health has condemned the 'abuse of public health services and unlawful acts of vigilantism' in relation to the ongoing protest outside Addington Hospital in Durban. Berea Mail reports that since the start of July, members of the March and March movement have stationed themselves at the gates of the hospital, checking the identity documents of people entering the government healthcare facility. March and March Durban leader Teresa Nortje said they were assisting government and healthcare workers at the South Beach-based hospital, which is 'overwhelmed by foreign nationals'. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution,' said Nortje. 'If you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer.' Non-South Africans are reportedly turned away and denied entry to the hospital. Health department condemns protest In a statement, the department condemned this, along with 'the actions of individuals and organised groups who take the law into their own hands by targeting health facilities and obstructing access to services'. According to KZN Health: 'As much as the department expresses concern over the undue burden placed on the system by undocumented migrants, we strongly reject unlawful actions that prevent any sick individual from receiving medical assistance. No member of the public or structure has the legal or moral authority to block others from accessing healthcare. These illegal actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also pose a serious risk to public health.' The department also addressed the issue of undocumented foreign nationals, stating: 'We unequivocally condemn undocumented foreign nationals who unlawfully cross into South Africa with the sole intention of unduly accessing our public health services. While our health institutions remain committed to upholding basic human rights and ethical healthcare standards, the increasing and unauthorised influx of undocumented individuals continues to place significant pressure on our already strained and underfunded public health system.' Healthcare rights outlined The Witness reports that KZN is currently battling outbreaks of measles, seasonal influenza, and new Covid-19 variants. 'Every sick person must be assessed and managed by health professionals, regardless of nationality,' said the department. It cited legislation guaranteeing access to health services: Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right to healthcare and emergency medical treatment for all. The National Health Act 61 of 2003 provides for access to primary healthcare, regardless of immigration status. The Refugees Act 130 of 1998 protects the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including their right to medical care. The Immigration Act 13 of 2002 allows facilities to inquire about legal status but prohibits withholding emergency treatment. Mixed public reaction Berea Mail reports mixed reactions to the movement's protest, with some calling the campaign inhumane while others supported the cause. Crispin Hemson, a Durban resident who visited Addington Hospital, said: 'At the entrance my way was obstructed by unidentified people who were asking for IDs. I asked them what gave them the right to do this, and they said they were not allowing foreigners through, claiming Section 17 of the Constitution prohibited foreigners from using public hospitals. In reality, the Constitution does not state this at all. Section 17 is about the right to peaceful protest and states nothing about health facilities.' Conversely, Amanda Khuzwayo, who attended the Gateway clinic, said she was in and out within two hours. 'There used to be long queues and now it's quiet. This goes to show who was really benefiting from the clinic. It is sad that people are being turned away, but the results of the campaign speak for themselves.' Clarity on ID requirement confusion Meanwhile, The Witness reports the eThekwini Municipality has addressed social media confusion over a clinic notice that appeared to suggest patients without identity documents would be turned away. In a clarification, the City confirmed that ID requests are standard administrative practice during a first visit to open a patient file but are not a condition for receiving care. 'Once a file has been opened, patients are not required to bring their ID for future visits,' the statement read. The Department of Health has called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against anyone obstructing access to health services and urged residents to raise concerns through lawful channels. 'Disrupting services endangers lives — especially those of vulnerable South Africans in critical condition — and undermines the very essence of public healthcare delivery.' Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban surfer makes historic Ballito Pro win
FRESH from his win at the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill on Sunday, Durban surfer Luke Thompson is already making waves in the Eastern Cape where he is preparing to take on the Corona Cero Open J-Bay event from July 11 to 20. The 21-year-old was awarded a wildcard slot after his historic win on the North Coast where he out-manoeuvred Australian, George Pittar, in the final. Thompson, who began surfing at the age of 10 and was surfing for KZN at 12 years old, made history with his win, becoming the first South African since 2017 to be in the final at the Ballito Pro. He is no stranger to winning, having won the Ballito Pro Junior U14 boys division in 2018 before representing SA at the Vissla ISA World Junior Champs in October that year. Following his victory in front of his home crowd, Thompson said, 'It feels like a dream and I'm just waiting to wake up. I'm so proud to be South African, the support on the beach has been incredible.' Also Read: Champions crowned at Ballito Pro Junior The crowds had lined the beach for this momentous occasion, cheering every time Thompson paddled for a wave. Both surfers struggled to find a wave with an open face to work with, only needing a small requirement for the win. The 21-year-old local found an opportunity under priority to crank out two turns. Pittar had a chance to fight back, but fell on his wave and the beach erupted as Thompson got the required score for the win. 'When I made the final I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. I wish it was a better final, but I can't believe it. There's so much hard work that goes into this. The biggest thank you to my coach, I couldn't do it without him,' said Thompson. Hard at work already, at the pre-competition surf in Jeffreys Bay, Thompson will be joining the likes of Matthew McGillivray and Sarah Baum, who also secured the regional wildcards as the highest placed African surfers on the Challenger Series. The women's title winner at the Ballito Pro was Basque surfer Nadia Erostarbe who stormed her way to the top after claiming victory over Portugal's Yolanda Hopkins in the final. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
