News 11:00

BULLETIN 11 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SAFTU condemns mob violence and the destruction of property
# News24 says the Zuma family refused an airlift
# And: The Tennessee execution survivor returns to prison after she is discharged from hospital

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions, has strongly condemned the burning of vehicles, shops and buildings, as well as looting and the destruction of property. The federation says no grievance, protest or political demand justifies violence against people, the destruction of livelihoods or the intimidation of communities. SAFTU’s Asive Dyani
says the violence has been fuelled by the spread of false information about a Constitutional Court ruling on undocumented foreign nationals:

Meanwhile, the African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association warned that tensions over immigration, asylum applications and refugee protection could lead to social and political instability. Association chairperson Mukhwathi Phumudzo says the government must urgently address immigration and border management to prevent tensions from escalating:

# News24 says former president Jacob Zuma’s family has refused a proposal to fly him from Pietermaritzburg to a military hospital in Pretoria. The publication says the government has instead sent a specialist medical team to KwaZulu-Natal, including a resuscitation expert. According to News24, Zuma on Saturday was still at the Netcare St Anne’s Hospital under the care of the military surgeon-general and his team. Neither the Presidency nor the family has issued a detailed public update on his condition. Reports that he is critically ill have not been officially confirmed.

# A 36-year-old alleged pastor, who was wanted in connection with the murder of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of the child’s 43-year-old mother, has been arrested in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. The incident happened near the Hennops River along the R511 road in Atteridgeville on Wednesday. Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the suspect was arrested yesterday following an intensive investigation involving detectives and Crime Intelligence:

# The Tennessee death-row inmate Christa Pike has been released from hospital and returned to prison following a failed execution attempt. Her lawyers say the 50-year-old is continuing to receive medical care at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Centre in Nashville. Pike survived two injections of a lethal drug on 30 September, leaving her critically ill with severe arm injuries. She later regained consciousness and began walking with assistance. Tennessee has suspended all executions for the rest of the year while the incident is investigated.

# And lastly motorsport: Max Verstappen has taken pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, as he hunts his first victory at the street circuit. The Red Bull driver will have Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc next to him in the front row. Lewis Hamilton qualified third, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli fourth. Verstappen had earlier won the sprint race in a chaotic event in which George Russell crashed out while leading, and McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri colliding in the final lap. Russell qualified sixth but will start from the back of the grid because of an engine penalty.

Stay tuned for more news………….