Latest news with #JPSmith
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Major dagga bust, arrest highlights zero tolerance for SA's dealers
This zero-tolerance policy was evidenced by a major dagga bust in Fisantekraal, Western Cape over the weekend. On Saturday, 9 August, Metro Police officers arrested a suspect after seizing more than four kilograms of dagga (marijuana) from a private residence. Officers acted on a tip-off and were granted permission to search the premises, where they discovered a black bag containing 3.39 kilograms of dagga, a 221-gram parcel, 92 'bankies,' 93 dagga cigarettes, and an undisclosed amount of cash. The homeowner was arrested on charges of dealing in dagga. This arrest was part of a broader crackdown: the City of Cape Town's enforcement services made 241 arrests and issued over 62 000 fines for traffic and by-law violations in the past week alone. Metro Police accounted for 42 of those arrests and issued 2 129 fines. 'The devastating impact of drugs on our communities continues long after we've taken the dealers off the streets,' said Mayco Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. 'Not only are families destroyed, but drugs fuel many other crimes and illicit dealings.' During the search, a black bag containing 3.39 kilograms of dagga was seized. Image: CoCT South Africa's cannabis laws have evolved significantly since the Constitutional Court's landmark 2018 ruling, which legalised the private use and cultivation of cannabis for adults. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, passed in 2024, formalised this right – allowing individuals to possess and consume cannabis in a personal capacity. However, selling, buying, or distributing cannabis remains illegal. Earlier this year, The South African reported on a beloved nursery in Cape Town that was selling cannabis plants to the public. This story highlighted a 'loophole' in the legislation, as the Act does not explicitly ban the sale of cannabis seeds or seedlings. Medicinal marijuana meanwhile was legalised in South Africa in 2017. To that end, the nursery's offering addressed a range of ailments. In March the South African government did a quick U-turn on banning the sale, importation and manufacture of food products containing hemp and cannabis. Local laws claim to draw a firm line between personal use and commercial activity. Anyone caught dealing – especially with large quantities or packaged products – faces criminal charges, fines, and potential imprisonment. This latest bust is a reminder that while private use is protected, authorities maintain a zero tolerance approach to cannabis dealing, viewing it as a gateway to broader criminal networks and social harm. 'Despite arrests, the suspects are often back on the street a few days later, to continue their criminal dealings,' Smith added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time Out
Women's Race brings a sea of pink! And road closures…
The 2025 Totalsports Women's Race hits the streets of Cape Town on Saturday – 9 August 2025 – and while the runners will bring colour, community and cheer to celebrate Women's Day, you can also expect a side order of traffic chaos in the city centre, with road closures in place from 7am to 10.45am. With a record-breaking 15 000 runners expected to line up at the start, the City of Cape Town has confirmed full and partial closures across Woodstock, District Six, the Gardens and the CBD. Parking will be tight, with limited bays available in the surrounding streets. And – heads up – the traffic cops will be out in force, with the City warning that illegally parked vehicles, especially those obstructing residents, will be towed. Now in its 19th year, the Totalsports Women's Race is South Africa's biggest Women's Day running event, with races also held in Johannesburg and Durban. But, it all began here in the Western Cape, with the first race held in 2001! This weekend, over 30000 runners are expected to lace up across all three cities. "The Totalsports Women's Race is more than just another running event," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. 'It's a bold celebration of health, strength, solidarity and empowerment. It's always inspiring to see mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts take to the streets of the Mother City to commemorate Women's Day in such a meaningful way.' The flagship 10km route kicks off at 8am in front of City Hall on Darling Street – have you heard about the refurbished clock? – and takes runners past some of the Mother City's most iconic sights: Woodstock, District Six and the Company's Garden to finish in festive style on the Grand Parade. A shorter 5km race begins at 8.10am and follows a similar route, bypassing District Six via Hanover Street. Roads in Woodstock, District Six, Gardens and the CBD will be fully or partially closed from 7am to 10.45am. Major routes affected include Darling Street (the start line), Buitenkant, Hanover, Constitution, and parts of Loop, Long, and Bree Streets. Some closures affect both directions, while others limit single lanes for runners. Plan ahead, use public transport, and avoid parking near the route. You can find full details via If you're running and need to get to the start line, you'll find limited parking available at:
The South African
04-08-2025
- General
- The South African
Important landmark in Sea Point gets a R7 million makeover
The Sea Point Fire Station, one of Cape Town's oldest, is undergoing a much-needed overhaul to preserve its heritage while ensuring it meets modern operational needs. The station, which has been serving the community since 1932, has been given upgrades to the value of R7.86 million and is 95 percent complete. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, recently visited the site to view the progress of its extensive renovation project. The newly painted Sea Point Fire Station. Image: City of Cape Town Upgrades include a new roof, fresh paintwork, tiling, electrical infrastructure updates, new gutters, as well as repairs to cracks in the building's facade. Throughout the process, special care was also taken to protect the fire station's heritage status and maintain its iconic architectural features. 'Our Fire and Rescue Service has a long and proud history in Cape Town and we have the responsibility to maintain and preserve our Fire Station. Fire Stations are beacons of hope for our communities in times of emergencies and it is important for communities to know that they are well maintained and continue to provide services for those in need for generations to come,' Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security,' Alderman Smith said. The project is expected to be fully completed soon, ensuring that the Sea Point Fire Station remains both a functional emergency hub and an enduring landmark for the local community. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-08-2025
- General
- IOL News
Historic Sea Point Fire Station upgrades: R7. 8 million renovation project
The Sea Point Fire Station gets a R7.8 millon new look. Renovations to the Sea Point Fire Station, to the tune of R7.8 million, are 95% complete. Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith, along with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited the station at the weekend to survey the recent upgrades. The station is one of the oldest in Cape Town and dates back to1932. Some of the renovations to the main building included painting, roof replacement, tiling, updating electrical infrastructure, new gutters and repairs to cracks along the building facade.
The Herald
29-07-2025
- The Herald
Cape Town police crack down on motorists not carrying licences
During an operation in the Cape Town CBD on July 25, traffic officers issued fines to 54 motorists unable to provide a driver's licence. 'It's alarming to realise how many people are driving without valid licences or proof of a valid licence,' said safety and security MMC JP Smith. 'It might seem of little consequence, but officers are duty-bound to enforce the law. We face huge challenges with unlicensed drivers who are a danger to themselves and others. 'Presentation of a driver's licence card is the only way to prove you are behind the wheel legally. So let this serve as a reminder to us all to never leave home without your card — digital copies are not acceptable. If your card has been lost or stolen keep proof of the new application on hand in the event you are stopped.' In the past week traffic officers recorded 49,687 offences for traffic violations, executed 1,845 warrants and impounded 239 public transport vehicles. The public emergency communication centre dispatched assistance to 41 vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
