News 07:00

BULLETIN 7 December 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC calls for local ownership of spaza shops
# AfriForum presses for accountability in the Julius Malema firearm case
# And, rugby: The Bulls, Sharks and Stormers represent South Africa in the Champions Cup

# The ANC has called for the spaza shop sector to be for locals only. This comes as over 51-thousand-788 spaza shops are registered, with 45-percent in KwaZulu-Natal, boosting township and rural economies. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula revealed that 800 shops have been closed with 93-percent foreign-owned. He urged government action to reserve small businesses for locals and ensure fair economic opportunities:

# EFF leader Julius Malema is due back in the East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape for closing arguments in his firearm case on Monday. AfriForum laid charges against Malema for allegedly firing a semi-automatic rifle at a 2018 rally and possessing a firearm without a licence. AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk says Malema discharged a firearm in a public area without a valid reason:

# An anti-gang unit has raided security company Professional Protection Alternatives near Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, seizing firearms and documents. According to News24, the raid comes days before alleged hitmen in Mark Lifman’s murder appear in court. Lifman, a suspected underworld figure, was killed on 3 November. PPA denies wrongdoing and is cooperating with investigations. Police suspect possible links between the seized firearms and criminal activities, including contract killings.

# The Russian embassy in Syria has urged its citizens to leave the country, citing the difficult military-political situation. It advised them to leave on commercial flights through existing airports. Moscow, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has helped prop up president Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Russian strikes last week targeted the rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib in an attempt to slow down rebel forces. Ukrainian intelligence earlier suggested Russian president Vladimir Putin was planning to send mercenaries from private military companies to assist al-Assad.

# And rugby: Three South African teams are involved in the Champions Cup competition, described as die pinnacle for club rugby in the world. The Sharks host Exeter Chiefs in Durban in the first round at three this afternoon, and the Stormers will welcome Toulon to Gqeberha just after five. The Bulls are away to Saracens in London at 8.30 tonight. The competition consists of 24 teams competing in four groups. French powerhouse Toulouse was crowned champions for the sixth time the previous season.

Stay tuned for more news………….