News 13:00

BULLETIN 18 August 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Parliament’s ad hoc committee meets again on Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations
# Cape Town police are investigating the murders of three people in Muizenberg
# And rugby: The All Blacks replace the Springboks at the top of the world rankings

# Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing police corruption allegations by KwaZulu-Natal commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi reconvenes today to adopt its terms of reference. Last week, Members of Parliament failed to agree on the final draft. The inquiry will examine alleged interference in policing, including by suspended minister Senzo Mchunu. Mkhwanazi has been called as a key witness, with public participation central to the process. Once terms are adopted, hearings will begin in Johannesburg.

# Cape Town police have launched an investigation following the discovery of three bodies with gunshot wounds in Muizenberg on Saturday evening. The bodies of the man and two women, aged between 29 and 32, were found at Mike Place, Xakabantu. It is alleged the shooting may be linked to the release of a notorious gang member from jail. Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, says a man survived the shooting. He adds that no arrests have been made:

# The Western Cape Education Department says parents of learners who wish to apply for a school transfer for the 2026 school year have until today midnight to apply. The department’s spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond says this applies to school transfer requests for learners already attending school in Grades 2 to 7, and Grades 9 to 12. She says transfer applications can also be done at the relevant school in which the parent and caregiver wishes to transfer to, or the relevant district office:

# Rugby: For the first time in four years, New Zealand is back at the top of the world rankings, replacing South Africa. This was made possible through their 41-24 victory over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener. The Springboks have dropped to third following their shocking 38-22 defeat to Australia after squandering a 22-point lead. Ireland is second, and France and England fourth and fifth, respectively. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson says the rankings show how tough Test rugby is:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-58-cents and the euro at 20-rand-54-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 114-thousand-795-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-348-dollars-96-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-85-cents a barrel. 

# And finally: Over 260 souvenirs from the award-winning British series Downton Abbey are being auctioned off. These include pieces from the Grantham family car to the wedding dress worn by Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary for her first marriage to Matthew Crawley, and the iconic Downton Abbey Bell Wall. The show’s executive producer, Gareth Neame, says these iconic set items hold a special place for fans. Proceeds from the auction will go to a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families, Together for Short Lives.

Stay tuned for more news………….