News 11:00

BULLETIN 4th May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fifteen people die in Eastern Cape head-on collision
# UDM condemns arson attack on Kelly Smith’s home
# And rugby: Blitzboks through to semi-finals of Sevens World Championship

# Fifteen people have died in a head-on collision between a fully loaded minibus taxi and a bakkie on the R63 between Adelaide and Maqoma, in the Eastern Cape last night. The province’s Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose says 13 people, including the taxi and bakkie drivers died at the scene. Two others succumbed to injuries at the hospital. He confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened:

# The United Democratic Movement in Cape Town has condemned the torching of Kelly Smith’s home in Middelpos following her conviction in the Joslin Smith kidnapping case. Smith and two co-accused were found guilty of trafficking and kidnapping. Spokesperson Bongani Maqungwana urged the public to reject vigilantism and respect the rule of law. He also stressed the importance of continuing efforts to find Joslin:

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a landmark agreement uniting all municipalities in the province to pool policing resources in the fight against crime. This enables metro police officers to operate across municipal boundaries, fostering integrated law enforcement efforts. Speaking at the ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team Lekgotla, he emphasised that this is essential to ensure the safety of all Gauteng residents:

# South Africa will shut its embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, by 30 June 2025, citing fiscal constraints and strategic realignment. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation assures this move won’t affect bilateral relations, as diplomatic duties shift to the SA Mission in Athens, Greece. DIRCO says South Africa values Bulgaria’s embassy in Pretoria and hopes to reopen in Sofia when finances allow.

# Australia’s Anthony Albanese claimed a historic second term as prime minister on Saturday in a dramatic comeback against once-resurgent conservatives that was powered by voters’ concerns about the influence of U.S. President Donald Trump. Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative Liberal party, conceded defeat and the loss of his own seat – echoing the fate of Canada’s conservatives and their leader whose election losses days earlier were also attributed to a Trump backlash. Albanese said Australians had voted for fairness and the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need.

# And finally, Rugby: The Blitzboks qualified for the semi-finals of the Sevens World Championship following a clean sweep of their Pool A rivals in Los Angeles. Philip Snyman’s charges kicked off their campaign with a 19-10 win against France 19-10 yesterday , before edging out Great Britain 12-7 and SVNS league winners Argentina 29-21 at Dignity Health Sports Park on day one of the tournament. They next face traditional foes New Zealand, who tied on seven points with Australia but advanced due to superior points difference. 

Stay tuned for more news………….