Latest news with #SouthlandsSun
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Metro police enforce zero-tolerance policy on illegal truck parking
THE Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA) has applauded the swift reaction by the metro police in issuing fines to truck drivers found parking on residential roads in Clairwood. The association said the sting operation conducted in Clairwood on June 4 demonstrated that metro police are taking a firm stance against drivers who violate municipal by-laws. Also read: R400m in counterfeit goods found at Edwin Swales depot The issue of heavy-load trucks staging on residential roads in Clairwood has been ongoing for some time, with residents repeatedly reporting it to the local metro police station. Public relations officer of the CRRA, Ravin Brijlal, said, 'Metro police are doing an excellent job in Clairwood about trucks parking on roads. The issue of trucks parking on residential roads is inconveniencing residents and causing safety hazards. 'We applaud their time and efforts. Trucks are given several parking fines, which is excellent, but ultimately if they are towed away by metro police the community will be glad if that is done,' said Brijlal. Metro police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said 80 trucks were fined for illegal parking and causing obstructions. To lodge a complaint, call metro police on 031 361 0000 or email For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Family of slain Merebank man calls for justice
THE family of Jodie Gopal, a 28-year-old man who was killed in a drive-by shooting in May last year, is demanding accountability after it was revealed that a witness was not interviewed until a year after the incident. Also read: Southlands Sun 23 May 2025 Jodie's sister, Josephine Gopal, told the SUN that May 1 marked a year since her brother was killed outside their Merebank home, however no arrest has been made. For background on this story, click here. 'The investigating officer only came to take the statement from my father on April 28, just two days before it marked a full year since my brother was killed. That is concerning because statements from witnesses should be taken shortly after the incident,' she said. Josephine is adamant that taking statements from witnesses shortly after the incident is crucial for legal and investigative reasons. She believes that inconsistencies between later statements and early ones can be used to challenge creditability. 'But early documentation helps avoid that,' she added. Also read: Teen's rape sparks public outcry Jodie was shot dead outside his home at around 19:00 while feeding his child. He was hit by a barrage of gunfire that erupted from unknown assailants. His brother and father managed to evade the hail of bullets and escaped unscathed. However, Jodie sustained injuries to his body and was rushed to hospital where he later died. 'I am angry and frustrated because my brother still has not received justice. How can someone take an innocent life and get away with it? The investigating officer tells us that the case has been closed because there are no leads and no one is willing to come forward,' said Josephine. Despite early tips and public appeals, Wentworth police has yet to find a suspect linked to Jodie's killing. The family launched a petition last year, calling on members of the public to take a strong stance against crime. 'My youngest brother was full of life, dreams, and hope. He never got to see his precious baby girl turn three. He was declared brain dead, but his heart kept beating for five long hours before he finally let go. Jodie fought with everything he had to return to his family and his child, but the severity of his injuries was too great,' she added. Police spokesperson in Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said the investigation is ongoing, but no new updates have been shared in months. However, Gumede could not comment on the alleged delays in the investigation. He was also unable to explain why the police detective reportedly took a witness statement a year after the incident. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Paws and reflecting at Blue Bundu Brigade's puppy yoga
PAIRING wellness with animal welfare, Blue Bundu Brigade brought a fresh twist to The Bluff Eco Park with their revitalising puppy yoga class. Around 30 individuals took part in a relaxing yoga lesson recently, made all the more pleasant by lively puppy companions. Also read: Relax at puppy yoga fundraiser to help animal rescue operations The class, hosted by the local animal rescue and rehabilitation organisation, was held as part of their ongoing fundraising and awareness efforts. One of the Blue Bundu Brigade directors Karen Janisch explained that puppy yoga is a new wellness trend which combines traditional yoga methods with the therapeutic drawcard of puppies freely interacting with participants. 'It aims to reduce stress, socialise the young dogs, and be an enjoyable experience for everybody involved,' said Janisch. She added that the event surpassed expectations. 'It was a lovely morning of movement, mindfulness, and puppy cuddles. Not only did it provide an opportunity for our pups to socialise with new people, but it also raised awareness and support for our cause,' said Janisch. Attendees were encouraged to donate dog food, treats or contribute financially, with all proceeds going toward feeding the animals in the organisation's care. 'Support like this keeps us going,' said Janisch. 'We're incredibly grateful for the community's generosity and excited to host more events like this in the future.' For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Reconstruction of Coedmore Bridge still on track
THE construction of the Coedmore Bridge project remains on track to be completed by mid-June, with some of the key components nearing completion. Also read: Coedmore Bridge: New completion date confirmed Nolwandle Gcaba, Ward 64 community liaison officer, said that much progress was made. 'The V-drains on Coedmore Avenue side are progressing, subsoil drains installed on both sides of the bridge, stormwater pipes and manholes installed on Yellowwood Park side, preparation of layer works continued, hinge columns to support abatements in progress and height restriction poles reinstatement has been confirmed,' said Gcaba. She added at this stage, completion is still expected around mid-June. The Coedmore Bridge suffered severe damage in the 2022 floods and motorists have had to use diversion routes that take as long as 45 minutes to navigate. The eThekwini Municipality allocated R48m for the rehabilitation of the two-lane 90m bridge with pedestrian walkways. The funding was made possible by the National Treasury's Municipal Disaster Response Grant. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Heart and Stroke Foundation hosts free screening
SHOPPERS at Montclair Mall received more than a dose of retail therapy on April 30, when the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) brought its free community health screening programme to the centre in a bid to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. Also read: Add an avo for your heart's sake The outreach formed part of the foundation's mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa through education, screening and referral. Sister Juandre Watson from the HSFSA said the public welcomed the initiative. The free services offered included blood pressure screenings, blood glucose and cholesterol tests and body mass index assessments. Additionally, medical examinations and women's health screening were offered to identify other risk factors that may lead to heart disease or stroke. 'We were pleased to have seen so many clients and were able to refer quite a number of these clients for high-risk values. We also provided advice on healthy behaviours that ensure long-term good health,' said Watson. The HSFSA continues to advocate early detection and lifestyle change to combat heart disease, one of the globe's largest killers. The organisation encourages the public to attend similar screenings and take early action towards a healthier tomorrow. For more information on upcoming screenings or heart tips, visit For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
