News 06:00

BULLETIN 14 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa places Police minister Mchunu on special leave with immediate effect
# SCOPA confirms the Road Accident Fund inquiry will proceed
# And motorsport: Ricky Raaff dies during a motocross championship

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect. This follows the damning allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He accused Mchunu of political interference in police investigations, links with unscrupulous characters, and disbanding the Political Killings Task Team in KZN, among other things. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings yesterday evening, Ramaphosa said he has appointed University of the Witwatersrand professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister of Police:

Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will chair the inquiry. Ramaphosa says the commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence, and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates:

# Standing Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Songezo Zibi has confirmed that attempts to rescind the decision to launch a full committee inquiry into the Road Accident Fund have failed. Zibi says the inquiry is set for September and will examine allegations of maladministration and financial mismanagement. RAF CEO, Collins Letsoalo, and chief investment officer, Sefotle Modiba have been suspended. Zibi emphasised that all involved must account for public funds under oath, in public, and that relevant documentation will be uploaded to Parliament’s website for transparency.

# TLU SA Northern Cape has raised alarm over the Vioolsdrif border post operating without water for over a month. TLU SA Northern Cape chairperson, Jan Palm, says despite daily activity by border officials, there’s no access to water for staff or the surrounding area. Palm says the key trade and tourism gateway with Namibia now faces health risks and operational strain. He urges authorities to urgently restore basic services and ensure accountability at this vital international crossing point.

# Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading a high-level delegation to attend the week-long China International Supply Chain Expo. South Africa will showcase investable projects and promote sectors like renewables and digital tech under the theme South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience. Deputy president’s acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza, says the visit aims to strengthen trade ties, attract investment, and deepen economic cooperation within the SA–China Strategic Partnership framework:

# Motorsport: South Africa’s Ricky Raaff died during the Northern Regions Regional Motocross Championship held at Ridgeway MX Park in Gauteng over the weekend. The 25-year-old motorbike rider passed away in a racing incident at round four. Motorsport South Africa says despite the swift response from medical personnel and emergency services, Raaff tragically died at the track. Organisers of the championship say Raaff was not only an incredibly talented rider but also a true friend, a fierce competitor, and a passionate member of the motocross family.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-93-cents and the euro at 20-rand-93-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-710-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-368-dollars-3-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 69-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….