News 11:00
BULLETIN 17 September 11 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The body of a ninth woman is found in Ekurhuleni
# The Madlanga commission reports demonstrable progress as it marks one year of hearings today
# And rugby: A former England flyhalf believes it will take something special to beat the Boks in next year’s World Cup
# A ninth woman’s body has been found in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. It is understood the body was found half-naked, wrapped in a sheet, in Dawn Park this morning. This follows the discovery of the bodies of eight other women in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and Kwathema over the past two months. Acting provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana says a multidisciplinary team detectives, forensic experts, crime intelligence and specialised units are investigating all the deaths:
# The Madlanga commission today marks one year since its first hearing, demonstrating progress in its inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. The commission has heard testimony from 110 witnesses over 174 days, including a cabinet minister, police officers, Hawks, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption and private individuals. Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says they have dealt with three High Court applications; one was dismissed, and two were withdrawn:
# Union federation COSATU is deeply concerned by the new visa restrictions imposed by the US against those it accuses of involvement in race‑based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures. The restrictions stem from policies such as black economic empowerment and land expropriation without compensation. COSATU’s Matthew Parks has criticised what he describes as factually unfounded allegations made by the US. He adds South Africa is a sovereign nation and governed by its Constitution:
US president Donald Trump has meanwhile threatened to impose heavy tariffs or stop trading with the European Union after it proposed that Canada become the bloc’s first associate member. Canada is currently locked in a trade war with the US, pushing Ottawa to seek closer economic and security ties with Europe. Trump, who has repeatedly called for Canada to become the 51st US state, says the EU’s move is laughable and a hostile act. According to a recent survey, 80-percent of Canadians are in favour of strengthening relations with the EU.
# Rugby: Former England flyhalf Stuart Barnes says overcoming the Springboks in next year’s World Cup will require a team led by a player as talented as New Zealand’s Ardie Savea or France’s Antoine Dupont. South Africa will chase an unprecedented third successive world title in Australia next year. Writing for the UK Sunday Times, Barnes believes the Boks’ organisation is their greatest strength. He lauds players like Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse, and Cheslin Kolbe for their agility, while noting Damian de Allende’s consistency.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-30-cents and the euro at 18-rand-71-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-84-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-395-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-310-dollars-75-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 105-dollars-21-cents a barrel.