News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fifteen victims of the Lusikisiki massacre are laid to rest
# The ACDP slams a minister’s suggestion that consumers should verify spaza shop registrations
# And, rugby: The Bulls make four changes for the URC match against Ospreys in Swansea

# Fifteen victims of the tragic Lusikisiki massacre in the Eastern Cape were laid to rest today. Eighteen people were shot and killed when gunmen opened fire at a family preparing for an event. Earlier today, the remains of 15 victims were taken back to the crime scene for a poignant Xhosa ritual to honour their spirits. This heartfelt ceremony was aimed at fetching their spirits and bringing closure to the grieving families.

# ACDP president, Kenneth Meshoe, has criticised minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s suggestion that consumers should verify spaza shop registrations. He stated that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure health and safety standards, not the public’s. Meshoe also warned Ntshavheni’s remarks could lead to unnecessary conflict and urged government departments to carry out proper inspections and enforce regulations:

# Eskom says its unplanned capacity loss factor remains at 25.4-percent for the financial year to date, improving from 34.03-percent in the corresponding period last year. Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena says between 1 April and 10 October, it has recorded 12.03-billion-rand in diesel savings, less than the 18.03-billion-rand spent last year over the same period. She says the power utility strategic use of peaking stations, including pumped storage and open-cycle gas turbines, remains key in managing electricity demand during peak times, particularly during evening peaks:

# Police have recorded 40 new allegations against the late Mohamed al Fayed including claims of rape and sexual assault between 1979 and 2013. Allegations against the billionaire former owner of Harrods have emerged following a BBC investigation and documentary. The Metropolitan Police said the new claims are in addition to allegations relating to 21 separate women reported to the force prior to the BBC broadcast. The police urged anyone with allegations against Fayed to come forward. The Justice for Harrods Survivors group is planning legal action against the luxury department store.

# And, rugby: Bulls director of Rugby Jake White has made a few rotational changes to his pack, while the backline remains unchanged against the Ospreys in their first tour match of the United Rugby Championship season. Springbok Elrigh Louw shifts from number 7 to number 8 with Cameron Hanekom dropping to the bench. Reinhardt Ludwig and Marcell Coetzee will partner Louw in the back row. Springbok Marco van Staden is getting a well-deserved break. Ruan Vermaak replaces Cobus Wiese, who also gets a spot on the bench. Kick-off is at 8:35 pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….