Author: Staff Writer

A statement by the President reads: “A week before the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) show an increase in rapes, domestic violence, and, perhaps most worryingly, in child murders.

In just three months, between July and September 2021, 9,556 people, most of whom were women, were raped. This is 7% more than in the previous reporting period.

Of the nearly 73,000 assault cases reported during this period, more than 13,000 were domestic violence-related. The rate of child murders has climbed by nearly a third compared to the previous reporting period.

These statistics are shameful. We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating.”

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Photo: GCIS

While the crime picture remains grim and not ideal, Police Minister Bheki Cele says it is certainly getting better.

Contributing to this, he said, is “time planning and deployment of resources, where they are needed most”.

The Minister said this on Friday while releasing the 2021/22 quarter two crime statistics.

He said the decreases in aggravated robberies, including cash-in-transit (CIT), and residential and non-residential robberies, “should give South Africans hope that the SAPS is making inroads in policing these crimes”.

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Photo: GCIS

The Department of Health has initiated an urgent investigation into possible food poisoning in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces, following the deaths of children who allegedly consumed noodles.

The Department held an exigent meeting on Thursday, (18 November) with the Environmental Health Practitioners from the three affected provinces and municipalities to receive preliminary investigation reports into the children`s deaths in order to obtain more information, including the food brand name, supplier or
manufacturer, stores where the food was purchased.

Read the full statement below:

Photo: Unsplash

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” de Villiers wrote in a Facebook post.

“Ever since the backyard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time.”

“Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful.”

“I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.”

“Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family – my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first.”

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Photo: Facebook / AB de Villiers

South Africa now has 328 771 children who are vaccinated after 8 310 first doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered in the past 24 hours.

According to the Department of Health, of the 125 868 jabs that were distributed on Thursday, 117 558 were given to adults. 

The data shows that there are now 24 471 210 total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in South Africa, while 13 758 743 adults are fully jabbed.

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#COVID19 UPDATE: A total of 34,529 tests were conducted in the last 24hrs, with 585 new cases, which represents a 1.7% positivity rate. A further 40 #COVID19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 89, 555 to date. See more here: https://t.co/lWYPak80Z7 pic.twitter.com/xQa6kBVCf7

— NICD (@nicd_sa) November 18, 2021

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The South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium (SACMC) says South Africa is likely to experience lower death and hospitalisation rates in the fourth wave due to vaccination coverage.

“Increases in cases will still lead to increases in admissions, but as demonstrated in the modelled scenarios, sizeable waves of cases may occur with a relatively low level of admissions,” the consortium said on Wednesday.

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