News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government says the loss of teenagers through violence is a loss to the future of the country
# Ukraine vows to hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow’s airstrikes
# And rugby: Victories for the Sharks and the Lions in the United Rugby Championship 2nd round

# The government has condemned the killing of 14-year-old twin brothers in Mamelodi West, Tshwane. The twins were found dead inside their home by their mother after she returned from work on Friday. Police say the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with investigations continuing. Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi has called for the swift arrest of those responsible and urged residents to assist police with information:

Meanwhile, the social justice and human rights advocacy group Not In My Name International has condemned the murder. The organisation’s president Themba Masango says they support the family and call for swift arrest and justice for those responsible. He has also asked anyone with information to assist police and avoid sharing graphic images or unverified claims:

# Trade and Industry minister Parks Tau says South Africa and Egypt are moving from discussions to implementation in strengthening economic cooperation. Speaking at the Africa Automotive Investment Forum in Egypt, Tau highlighted opportunities in automotive manufacturing, logistics and industrial parks. Tau says the two countries aim to increase trade and investment bringing other African regions into a network of anchor economies. He emphasised that the continent presents significant opportunities for industrialisation:

# The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa says the country’s new-vehicle market is continuing to show growth, with sales up 12.7-percent in September compared with the same month last year. Naamsa says 61-thousand-645 vehicles were sold during the month. Passenger-car sales climbed by almost 15-percent, while bakkie, panel van and minibus sales also increased. Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association, Brandon Cohen, says demand remains resilient despite pressure on household budgets and higher borrowing costs, as affordability remains a key consideration for buyers. 

# Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country will intesify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to a new policy of airstrikes by Moscow designed to force people to abandon Kyiv and other cities. Ukrainian intelligence has obtained documents showing ​that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had issued a “new doctrine” of military attacks on a much broader range of civilian targets ahead of this winter. Zelensky added it was Putin’s desire to appear strong at a time when his military was losing ground in a key frontline region and sustaining higher levels of casualties.

# And rugby: The Sharks, Lions and Bulls were all in action in the United Rugby Championship yesterday. The Sharks claimed a 26-20 bonus-point victory over defending champions Leinster at Kings Park, with Edwill van der Merwe scoring the decisive late try. The Lions also made it two wins from two, beating the Ospreys 35-19 at Ellis Park after scoring five tries in the second half. The Bulls suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 26-22 to Munster at Thomond Park, despite scoring three tries.

Stay tuned for more news………….