News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 May 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The National Prosecuting Authority will seize 32-million-rand’s worth of assets in the asbestos case
# HIV infections rise as US funding dries up
# And rugby: Holly Davidson becomes the first woman to referee a European final

# The Bloemfontein High Court has granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit an order to seize assets of the accused linked to the state capture-related asbestos corruption case. The assets are worth 32-million-rand. NPA spokesperson, advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, says they believe that the properties are proceeds of unlawful activities of theft, fraud, corruption, and money laundering perpetuated against the Free State Department of Human Settlements. He adds that those affected have 14 days to oppose or accept the order:

# The South African National Petroleum Company is focusing on stability as it aims to become a leading player in the country’s energy sector. CEO Godfrey Moagi highlights the importance of streamlining operations to enhance energy security and drive economic growth. He emphasised to the SABC News that the company plans to address legacy assets and integrate operations to ensure a seamless transition:

# Wits University’s clinical researcher Francois Venter has warned of a spike in HIV infections following the US withdrawal of funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and National Institutes of Health. An executive order by president Donald Trump has impacted foreign aid, crippling HIV healthcare in South Africa. Venter highlights a 20-percent drop in infant HIV testing and warns of rising infections and preventable deaths if urgent action isn’t taken. He calls on the Health Department to immediately restore and stabilise the HIV programme.

# Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of the body of an eleven-year-old boy in Fleurhof, west of Johannesburg. Jayden Lee Meek was reported missing on Tuesday afternoon after being dropped off by his scholar transport at his residential complex. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says the boy’s body was found on a staircase at the Swazi’s Place complex in the area on Wednesday morning:

# US president Donald Trump has signed a range of agreements with Qatar, including a deal for the country to purchase 160 jets from US aeroplane manufacturer Boeing. He visited Qatar on Wednesday, the second leg of his four-day Middle East tour. The Qatari government has become a central player in American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, including being a key intermediary in negotiations between the US and Hamas. A statement of intent on defence cooperation between the US and Qatar was also signed.

# Rugby: Holly Davidson will become the first female referee in a European final and the first Scot since Jim Fleming in 1998 after being appointed for the Challenge Cup encounter between Bath and Lyon in Cardiff, Wales, next Friday. She became the first woman refereeing the Springboks when they played Portugal in Bloemfontein last year and will reprise that role in the Test between South Africa and Italy in Pretoria in July. Davidson also officiated during the past two Six Nations.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-21-cents and the euro at 20-rand-40-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 103-thousand-463-dollar-70-cents. Gold sells at three-thousand-185-dollars-56-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….