News 16:00

BULLETIN 2 October 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The pig farm murder case bail hearing is postponed
# The Automobile Association opposes the Gautrain expansion and labels it a financial train wreck
# And rugby: New Zealand is furious over France’s decision to send a weakened team for next year’s tour

# The bail hearing of three men accused of murdering two women on a farm in Limpopo and feeding their bodies to pigs, has been postponed to 6 November. Farmer Zachariah Olivier, farm supervisor Adriaan de Wet, and employee William Musora appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court this morning for the murder of Mariah Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu. Their bail applications were delayed pending a High Court decision on access to case documents, and the case has been referred back to the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court.

# The Automobile Association has criticised plans to expand the Gautrain, calling it wasteful spending. The AA argues that the 120-billion-rand investment, backed by premier Panyaza Lesufi, will only benefit a small minority, while most Gauteng residents lack affordable public transport. The association also raises concerns over the patronage guarantee, which compensates Gautrain operators for low ridership, costing taxpayers billions of rand.

# The Black Business Council is urging more inclusion of black and women-owned businesses in the second phase of the government-business partnership launched by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Despite progress in areas like energy, transport, and crime reduction, the council’s Kganki Matabane believes more diverse businesses should be prioritised for economic growth and job creation:

# The City of Tshwane is urging residents and businesses to reduce water consumption to prevent reservoir depletion and water shortages. With water usage 18-percent above the city’s limit, Tshwane faces a steep decline in reservoir capacity. Spokesperson Selby Bokaba says Level 1 water restrictions remain in effect, and tougher restrictions could follow if consumption habits don’t improve:

# Rugby: New Zealand officials are reportedly furious over France’s decision to send a weakened team to tour the country next year. The French Rugby Federation and the country’s National Rugby League decided that members of the teams that reach the Top 14 final won’t make the tour. New Zealand feels this would devalue the three-match Test series and the ability to market the competition between two of the world’s top four teams. France says the decision is part of a preparation cycle for the 2027 World Cup.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-39-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 60-thousand-931-dollars-39-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-646-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….