News 17:00

BULLETIN 9 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An informal traders’ body warns against scapegoating migrants amid economic frustrations
# Commissioner Khumalo questions evidence on Feroz Khan’s interference in the Aeroton drug bust
# And soccer: Mexico’s president promises a peaceful World Cup opener despite teachers’ protests

# The National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa welcomes president Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for calm, unity and lawful enforcement amid rising tensions in communities. The informal traders’ body warns that growing public frustration must not be allowed to fuel xenophobia, vigilantism or violence. They urge the government to urgently fix weaknesses in immigration enforcement and simplify regulations affecting informal traders. NITASA’s Samuel Mampapatla argues outdated permit systems and administrative barriers continue to hinder small businesses.

# The Madlanga Commission has questioned the role played by senior police officers in the Aeroton drug bust worth more than 300-million-rand. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo questioned whether the presence and actions of SAPS major general Feroz Khan at the scene amounted to interference. Independent Police Investigative Directorate senior investigator and assistant director, Takalani Maphosho, said instructions allegedly given may have disrupted further searches that could have uncovered additional contraband:

# One person has died, and another was injured in a serious collision involving a diesel tanker and a light motor vehicle on the R59 between Sasolburg and Parys in the Free State this morning. The tanker burst into flames after the crash, causing a major emergency response. Emergency services quickly arrived, extinguished the fire and assisted the injured occupant, who was transported to the hospital. The truck driver reportedly escaped the burning tanker without injury.

# Soccer: Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, promised the ongoing teacher protests won’t disrupt Thursday’s World Cup opening match against South Africa in the capital of Mexico City. Members of a teachers’ union, demanding salary increases and pension reforms, ran amuck at a fan zone in the city and toppled commemorative players’ statues last week. They threatened protests at the opening match if government doesn’t respond to their demands. Sheinbaum says they will make sure the celebration of the tournament is well-executed in peace and tranquility.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-43-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-2-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-3-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-516-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-340-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses deep sorrow at the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the amaNdebele Nation, who died this morning at the age of 65 after a 40-year reign. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the King is remembered as a unifying traditional leader and advocate for development, education, and land restitution. He says Ramaphosa extended condolences to the royal family, Queen Sekhothali, and the amaNdebele and Basotho communities:

Stay tuned for more news………….