Latest news with #JCW
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Child Protection Week: Growing calls for tougher sentences for child abuse offenders
Joburg Child Welfare is calling for decisive action and tougher sentencing as Saps highlights recent life sentences for sexual offenders. JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied As South Africa marks Child Protection Week to raise awareness about children's rights and safety, non-profit organisation Joburg Child Welfare (JCW) has called for harsher punishments for perpetrators of child abuse. This year's theme, 'Working together in ending violence against children', urges all South Africans to unite in protecting children from harm. South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2025. As part of the week's activities, JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Child Protection Week 'With more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported in the 2024-25 financial year, according to the Department of Social Development, it is high time that we emphasise more comprehensive approaches to strengthen children's protective environments,' said Abubakr Hattas, CEO of JCW. The organisation said the march aimed to demand the urgent implementation of tougher penalties for child abuse offenders, particularly those involved in Schedule 6 crimes. ALSO READ: Gauteng man arrested for illegal initiation school and taking in children 'This march aimed to raise national awareness and signal to lawmakers that the current sentencing regime fails to reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted on children,' Hattas said in a statement on Tuesday. 'We demand a justice system that not only protects, but actively deters violence against children.' JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied. March demanding stricter sentences for abusers The CEO said strong child protection offers a safeguard against the many risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to harm and abuse. This means backing initiatives that teach kids the importance of boundaries and respect for one another, while also educating them about their rights to safety and protection, Hattas said. 'South Africa has strong legislation and a national action plan to prevent and address violence against children, indicating urgent commitment to the protection of children's rights. However, laws and policies by themselves are insufficient; they are ineffective without enforcement,' he said. ALSO READ: Violence against children soars despite strong laws Hattas added that society needs to build a stronger consensus and show greater intolerance for abuse and violence to truly protect children. 'Acceptance of violence against children undermines protective norms and practices, sharply increasing children's vulnerability to violations of their rights,' Hattas concluded. 'More must be done to advocate for and protect the rights of every child and young people in the country.' Recent arrests and sentences for child sexual offenders Amid Child Protection Week, the South African Police Service (Saps) has highlighted the recent harsher sentences and arrests against perpetrators who committed crimes against children. Police arrested a 50-year-old man in Brackenfell, Cape Town, on multiple charges, including sexual exploitation, grooming, and facilitating the production of child pornography. ALSO READ: Parents sentenced for murder and abuse of one-year-old daughter Saps spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the Free State Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit traced the suspect to the Western Cape after conducting an extensive investigation into cyber sexual crimes against minors. Recently, a father of three has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting his children, aged between three and 13 years. The conviction comes after the children's mother reported the case to the Benoni police on 4 August 2021. The Benoni Regional Court found the father guilty on multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, compelling or causing a minor to masturbate, and exposing genital organs, Pastor sentenced to 2 life terms Furthermore, on 26 May 2025, the Edenburg Regional Court sentenced a 47-year-old pastor to two life terms of imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl. 'As South Africa observes Child Protection Week, the Saps remains committed and dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring justice for victims of sexual crimes,' Mukhathi said. NOW READ: South Africans demand #JusticeforCwecwe in nationwide protests (VIDEOS)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Public health advisory issued due to sewer overflow near Leawood treatment facility
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has issued a public health advisory Thursday due to a sewer overflow near a treatment facility in Leawood. The advisory applies to residents and businesses near the Tomahawk Wastewater Treatment Facility at 10701 Lee Blvd. due to an overflow into the nearby creek, the health department said. The overflow was identified Thursday morning around 9:15 and has since been resolved, according to the health department. It said it was caused by an operational failure during routine maintenance. 'JCW's water quality lab team is testing the creek water downstream from the facility,' the department said. 'Crews are working to clean up the area to prevent further contamination.' Out of an abundance of caution, due to a potential risk of E. coli exposure, the department advised the public to avoid contact with the water in the creek until further notice. Residents are also advised to keep their pets from making contact with standing water in the affected areas. This does not represent any impact/implications to the public water system (i.e. tap water), according to the department. The map below shows the impacted locations. JCW said it will post signage in this area and said it's monitoring this location and conducting water quality tests to determine when this notice can be lifted. An update will be sent once this notice is lifted, the health department said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Mini Aceman John Cooper Works
2025 Mini Aceman JCW I believe in the saying: 'Life's too short to drive boring cars'. After passing my driving test, I made a beeline for a Daihatsu Copen, a tiny two-seater that looks like a Croc sandal. I didn't care that people laughed as I tootled past with the roof down, my head poking out like a protruding toe through a worn-out sock. I was driving something special. A few years ago, I bought a Mini Paceman Cooper S, also known as the Countryman's ugly sister. It's good, but when I heard Mini was dropping the 'P' with its new model, my intrigue spiked. I never tested the Mini Aceman. But I, of course, said yes when Mini asked if I fancied a go in its lightly spiced John Cooper Works (JCW) guise. It doesn't take me long to become smitten with odd cars; it's usually love at first sight. Was that the case with the Mini Aceman JCW? I'm not sure, but hear me out. I like its startled face: its gawking eye-like headlights and its large mouth-esque plastic 'grille'—it's almost like it's seen John Cooper's ghost. But it didn't quite make me tingle the same way as the first JCW Countryman did. 2025 Mini Aceman JCW From the side and rear, the Aceman JCW follows the Countryman's design cues but is smaller in size, and this got me, and many others, asking a question: Who's it for? The answer is simple: like Mini's, but don't like the idea of cramming bags of shopping and a Great Dane in the boot of a three-door Cooper hatch? The Aceman's the one for you. Of course, you can opt for the larger Countryman with its 505-litre boot, but it's a bit more cumbersome. The Aceman JCW shares a very similar interior with the JCW Electric three-door, but it has a loftier roofline. The pin-sharp touchscreen is filled with quirky animations and features, including a selfie camera. Entry-level Minis are usually fun, but if you want to take pleasure to the next level, you'd usually opt for a Cooper S or the ASBO-inducing John Cooper Works (JCW). The latter's usually powered by potent and burbly engines that aid the Mini's already naughty character, but that's recently changed. You can still buy ICE versions, but Mini's upped its EV game, giving buyers a broader choice. 2025 Mini Aceman JCW The Mini Aceman JCW shares its 254bhp motor and 54.2kWh battery with its low-slung three-door JCW sibling. This means a 242-mile combined (WLTP) range, 0-to-62 mph in 6.4 seconds and a 124mph top speed, but there's a catch. To get all 254 bhp, you pull back on an aptly named 'boost' paddle behind the steering wheel, which gives you 10 seconds of hair-on-fire mid-range madness. Straight-line pace isn't enough for a JCW, many cars at the same price point can achieve those acceleration figures, instead, JCW's were always praised for their tight chassis and snappy brakes. But the Aceman variant has been left in the oven that little bit too long: its chassis is just too firm. A Porsche 911 GT3 almost feels Rolls-Royce-like in comparison. The Aceman JCW is a compact electric SUV, and it should be able to traverse crumbling urban roads at 30 mph without bouncing its occupants through the sunroof. I noticed a slight improvement as speed increased, but I was always of the car fidgeting beneath me. Likewise, it doesn't like mid-corner bumps. Hitting these throws the car off course and largely dampens the fun factor. 2025 Mini Aceman JCW interior Finding smooth tarmac drastically changes the Aceman JCW's behaviour. Its steering is tight and precise, and throwing its 1,800kg around bends is heaps of fun thanks to its grippy tyres. This, combined with snappy brakes, means it can be amusing. Regarding range, my test car averaged 3.5mi/kWh over motorways, dual carriageways and country roads. Realistically, the Aceman JCW should return circa 180 miles in warmer weather over potholed roads and roughly 190 on slower routes. Mini's injected the Aceman JCW with its zesty spirit. It's like a four-wheeled carnival; you'll never get bored of touching or looking at it. The Mini Aceman JCW also boasts great efficiency and has a decent range, and enough interior space, but it's simply too firm for most roads. Follow me on Instagram.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Mini John Cooper Works Electric is a riot on wheels with Mario Kart vibes, punchy pace and top tech cabin
IF your bin lid is addicted to driving games like Mario Kart or Gran Turismo, trust me, that's good parenting. They'll make safer drivers one day. Advertisement 3 Every Mini is wired for fun. You know that. You don't need to slow for corners in a Mini Credit: Supplied 3 The sticky bit is range - you'll get around 160-180 miles in the real world Credit: Supplied 3 The interior of the new Mini EV complete with touchscreen Credit: Supplied All the research I've seen suggests gamers have faster reaction times, better awareness of what's going on around them, and greater driving confidence. They are also less likely to get penalty points. I was reminded of this trying the new Basically half-car, half-PlayStation. Advertisement READ MORE ROAD TESTS Pop it in 'Go-Kart' mode and you'll hear a cheery 'Woo-hoo', like you've just landed in The boost button on the steering wheel is for instant acceleration, obviously. But it also flashes up a kaleidoscope of patterns on the touchscreen counting down from ten seconds to zero. Your passengers will enjoy that. You'll be too busy trying to dodge bananas on Rainbow Road. Advertisement Most read in Motors Every Mini is wired for fun. You know that. You don't need to slow for corners in a Mini. JCW versions dial everything up to 11. Especially the electric one. Mini Cooper Electric is fun & fast with classic cabin & stripped-back looks that recaptures feel of legendary ancestors The petrol JCW is 231hp and catapults from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. The electric JCW is 258hp, including that 27hp boost function, and two tenths quicker off the line. Advertisement You can also play 'Go Kart Go' and 'Burnin' Rubber 5' on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen. There's not much in it in terms of cost. About £2k extra for the EV. The sticky bit is range. You'll get around 160-180 miles in the real world. So you'll need a driveway to top up the battery overnight. The petrol JCW goes a lot further. As for looks, the regular Advertisement JCWs have more attitude with bonnet stripes, a siiiiiiick red-to-black roof fade, red brake calipers, chequered flag detailing and so on. I'm repeating myself here but Mini cabin quality is absolutely top notch these days. Retro toggle bar and turn-key start mixed with cutting-edge BMW tech and knitted recycled materials. You can also play 'Go Kart Go' and 'Burnin' Rubber 5' on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen. Advertisement KEY FACTS: MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS ELECTRIC Price: £34,905 Battery: 49kWh Power: 258hp 0-62mph: 5.9 secs Top speed: 124mph Range: 226 miles CO2: 0g/km Out: Now
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Mini John Cooper Works Electric is a riot on wheels with Mario Kart vibes, punchy pace and top tech cabin
Read on to find out just why the Mini JCW is half-car, half-PlayStation GAME FOR A LAUGH Mini John Cooper Works Electric is a riot on wheels with Mario Kart vibes, punchy pace and top tech cabin Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF your bin lid is addicted to driving games like Mario Kart or Gran Turismo, trust me, that's good parenting. They'll make safer drivers one day. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Every Mini is wired for fun. You know that. You don't need to slow for corners in a Mini Credit: Supplied 3 The sticky bit is range - you'll get around 160-180 miles in the real world Credit: Supplied 3 The interior of the new Mini EV complete with touchscreen Credit: Supplied All the research I've seen suggests gamers have faster reaction times, better awareness of what's going on around them, and greater driving confidence. They are also less likely to get penalty points. I was reminded of this trying the new Mini John Cooper Works Electric. Basically half-car, half-PlayStation. Pop it in 'Go-Kart' mode and you'll hear a cheery 'Woo-hoo', like you've just landed in Mario Kart World. The boost button on the steering wheel is for instant acceleration, obviously. But it also flashes up a kaleidoscope of patterns on the touchscreen counting down from ten seconds to zero. Your passengers will enjoy that. You'll be too busy trying to dodge bananas on Rainbow Road. Every Mini is wired for fun. You know that. You don't need to slow for corners in a Mini. JCW versions dial everything up to 11. Especially the electric one. Mini Cooper Electric is fun & fast with classic cabin & stripped-back looks that recaptures feel of legendary ancestors The petrol JCW is 231hp and catapults from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. The electric JCW is 258hp, including that 27hp boost function, and two tenths quicker off the line. You can also play 'Go Kart Go' and 'Burnin' Rubber 5' on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen. There's not much in it in terms of cost. About £2k extra for the EV. The sticky bit is range. You'll get around 160-180 miles in the real world. So you'll need a driveway to top up the battery overnight. The petrol JCW goes a lot further. As for looks, the regular Mini Cooper is class – inside and out. JCWs have more attitude with bonnet stripes, a siiiiiiick red-to-black roof fade, red brake calipers, chequered flag detailing and so on. I'm repeating myself here but Mini cabin quality is absolutely top notch these days. Retro toggle bar and turn-key start mixed with cutting-edge BMW tech and knitted recycled materials. You can also play 'Go Kart Go' and 'Burnin' Rubber 5' on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen.
