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The scorching heat in parts of KwaZulu-Natal has prompted warnings against related injuries. While human can help themselves out of heatwaves, some animals need our help. The SPCA Amazintoti has advised dog owners on early signs to detect a heat stroke. According to the organisation, a heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises too high and can't be cooled effectively.  Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting (progressing to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens), drooling, red gums or tongue, increased heart rate, vomiting, or diarrhoea, being warm to touch, a dry nose, being quiet or poorly responsive. Advanced signs include lethargy, confusion, weakness or collapse, seizures.  Extreme signs can include blood from mouth or in stool, muscle tremors, ataxia (staggering), coma, death.  Here's what to do if you suspect your dog has heatstroke, courtesy of SPCA Amanzimtoti: 1. Remov...

With temperatures soaring to the 30s and some parts of KwaZulu-Natal reaching 40°C, a leading first response service has cautioned about heat-related risks. Parts of Durban and the Midlands are experiencing an unbearable heatwave this weekend. ALS Paramedics took to social media to urge everyone to take precautions. The company advised as follows: * Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or nutrient-rich drinks. * Stay Cool: Avoid prolonged sun exposure; seek shade or air-conditioned spaces. * Care for Vulnerable Groups: Ensure the elderly, children, and pets stay hydrated and cool. * Work Smart: If working outdoors, take regular breaks and stay hydrated. * Heat Stroke Signs: Dizziness, nausea, disorientation, or collapsing.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has provided an update about its latest recruitment intake. This follows numerous enquiries regarding its recruitment process and the selection of entry level police trainees for the 2024/2025 intake. According to SAPS, the final screening phase of this process is currently underway in all nine provinces which includes interviews being conducted with applicants' next of kin and other community members. Applicants are encouraged to give their full cooperation towards finalising this process. "The SAPS will, in due course, issue correspondence to notify those applicants who are successful. "If applicants have not been contacted, please accept that the application was unsuccessful," SAPS notified. Training is expected to commence in the next few coming weeks, the exact date will be communicated in due course. RECRUITMENT SUCCESSES In December 2024, 2 699 newly trained constables graduated and are now deployed to statio...

Image for illustration purposes. Eastern Cape Dept of Transport/ Facebook   A man in his 40s has been arrested for assaulting an on-duty female traffic officer during a road safety operation in Maletswai (Aliwal North) late yesterday, Friday, 3 January. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport alleges that the female officer stopped an SUV driven by a female, travelling south into the Eastern Cape from the Free State direction. Upon inspection, the officer pointed out something illegal with the number plate and informed the driver that the number plates will be confiscated as it was not SABS-approved.  That’s when the suspect in the passenger seat climbed out of the vehicle and engaged with the officer. He got aggressive towards her and slapped the uniformed officer in the face. "That’s when other traffic officers and SAPS stepped in, overpowered the man and arrested him on a charge of assault, obstructing an officer from executing duties and resisting arrest," the dept expla...

SAWS warns of heavy rain. Photo: Pixabay.com The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted motorists returning to economic activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025). The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public, the SAWS warned. RAIN EXPECTED Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, as can be seen in Figure 1 below. These regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. According to SAWS, the likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70 mm (see output of weather model in Figure 2). To this effect, road flooding...

A man was reported to have drowned while swimming in the Umhlatuze River this week. On Wednesday, 1 January, the Empangeni SAPS Search & Rescue responded to the area, due to failing light and the presence of crocodiles, the decision was made to resume the search on Thursday morning. According to Arrive Alive, Empangeni SAPS Search & Rescue, IPSS Search & Rescue, PACSYS and Umlalazi Fire returned to the area on Thursday morning to continue the search. With the use of a drone, rope system and rescue raft (croc), SAPS divers were able to safely locate the body of the victim. His body was recovered, and handed over to Mtunzini SAPS for further investigation.

Metro cleaner sweeping dirt away. Following massive New Year's celebrations, the Buffalo City Metro teams were mopping in full swing to restore the beaches' cleanliness. Teams from the Solid Waste department tackled the Esplanade and the streets of Quigney areas in East London, Eastern Cape. Other teams were deployed on other beaches as well. In ensuring the safety of bathers and visitors, the Metro stated that teams from the safety and security cluster are working together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to patrol all beaches. The amount of beaches made availed to the public during the festive season: * 10 beaches namely Gonubie Main Beach, Bonza Bay Main Beach and Picnic site; Bonza Bay to Nahoon River Mouth; Nahoon Main Beach through Nahoon Corner to Nahoon Reef; Leaches Bay to Hickman’s River Mouth and Beach; Kidd’s Beach Main Beach; Igoda Beach; Kiwane Beach and Kaiser’s Main Beach, Eastern beach * 2 Blue Flag pilot beaches, Gonubie beach and Kidds beach * ...

A 16-year-old girl, arrested for allegedly stabbing her 24-year-old boyfriend, is expected to appear in the Modimolle Magistrate Court today, Friday, 3 January. The police at Modimolle  arrested the 16-old-girl in connection with the fatal stabbing of the boyfriend. According to reports, the incident happened on 01 January 2025 at about 05:20 following a love-triagle dispute. During the altercation, the accused allegedly drew a knife from her bag she was carrying and stabbed her boyfriend who sustained serious injuries on his body. He walked towards his home but succumbed to stab wounds at the corner of Moloantoa and Selemela streets Extension 8 Phagameng in an open field at Modimolle. He was found by his friend at the scene and Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene and was certified dead. A case of murder was registered for further investigation.  This is a developing story.

Government responders at the scene. Aliwal North -  A single-vehicle accident on the N6 near Aliwal North in the Free State has claimed the life of one female and left three others injured. The incident occurred on January 2, 2025, at approximately 09:00, when a silver Ford Kuga overturned. The vehicle, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Orkney in the North West, lost control and overturned. Emergency services responded quickly, transporting the injured patients to Stoffel Coetzee Hospital for treatment. Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic, SAPS, EMS, and Fire Department all responded to the scene. The road remained open, despite the accident.

A black BMW G70, 7 Series of 2023 worth over R2 million.     POLOKWANE - Members were on duty at Beitbridge Port of Entry when the driver of a black BMW G70, 7 Series of 2023 worth over R2 million wanted to pass from South Africa to Zimbabwe on 31 December 2024 at about 20:10. The driver who is a foreign national, had a South African passport. A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle was wanted by one of the banks in South Africa. The driver alleged that the real owner will be flying to South Africa on the 01 January 2025. A 40-year-old foreign national was arrested for possession of suspected stolen vehicle and providing the SAPS with fraudulent documents. The vehicle was seized. He will appear on the 03 January 2025 in Musina Magistrate Court. Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Province, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the members who were vigilant to ensure that the suspect was brought to book to face the full might of the law. She added that it’...