News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mkhwanazi will be the first to  testify in the parliamentary ad-hoc committee
# The police investigate the fatal shooting of a three-month-old in Bonteheuwel
# And Ghislaine Maxwell denies Trump or Clinton were involved in Epstein’s crimes

# The Ad Hoc Committee probing political interference, sabotage, and criminal infiltration in SAPS will first hear testimony from the KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Chair Molapi Lekganyane confirmed that National Police commissioner Fannie Masemola, Deputy Shadrack Sibiya, and suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu will also appear, while the MK Party proposed former Police minister Bheki Cele’s inclusion. Lekganyane confirmed the conclusion by 31 October 2025 under strict legal guidelines and whistleblower protection:

Meanwhile, ActionSA welcomes the adoption of the Terms of Reference by the ad hoc committee. However, the party strongly objects to the Speaker’s new protocol restricting access to classified information for alternate members. ActionSA’s Matthew George says this undermines democratic oversight, and he will formally challenge Parliament to remove the provision. He insists on full participation to ensure accountability and proper representation in the committee’s work:

# The South African Police Service is pursuing leads after a three-month-old baby died following a shooting in Yellowwood Street, Bonteheuwel. Two armed men entered a home, shooting the child and seriously injuring an adult woman, before fleeing. Police suspect gang involvement. Meanwhile, the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum calls for stronger interventions to curb violence. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the suspects.

# The US Justice Department has released transcripts and audio recordings of its July interview with Ghislaine Maxwell. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping late financier Jeffrey Epstein abuse young girls. Maxwell says she has never seen Trump in any inappropriate setting, and former US President Bill Clinton was never a client for Epstein’s masseuses. The interviews were conducted by Justice Department lawyer Todd Blanche, who had previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer. Pressure has been growing from Trump’s own Republican Party for more transparency around the investigations of Epstein.

# And sports news:

# Rugby: The Springbok Women start their World Cup campaign against Brazil in Northampton, England, on Sunday. Coach Swys de Bruin named an experienced squad and expects a measured, calculated approach from his players against the South Americans, who will play in the World Cup for the first time. He says the Boks will stay focused on their way and style of play and hope for a good start to the tournament. South Africa will also play France and Italy in Pool D. Kick-off is at 3.45 pm.

# And cricket: Women’s World Cup matches have been moved from the Indian city of Bengaluru following the deadly victory parade for the winners of the Indian Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in June. Hundreds of thousands of fans attended the celebrations when eleven people were crushed to death and about 50 were injured. The International Cricket Council cites unforeseen circumstances for the decision, but local media reports police denied permission to host major games at the stadium. The tournament starts on the 30th of next month.

Stay tuned for more news………….