News 14:00

BULLETIN 16 September 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Leigh Matthews’ family opposes Donovan Moodley’s possible parole
# The UDM calls on police leaders to safeguard media freedom
# And soccer: Manchester United rallies behind its beleaguered manager

# The family of murdered Johannesburg student Leigh Matthews has rejected recommendations for the possible parole of her killer. Donovan Moodley was convicted in 2005 for murder, kidnapping and extortion, and remains behind bars over 21 years after the crime. Matthews’ father, Rob, told SABC News the process has reopened painful wounds, stressing there has been no full disclosure of the crime or proper assessment of Moodley’s risk to society:

# The UDM is calling on acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola to urgently reinforce to safeguard media freedom while strengthening policing during protests. The party’s Zandile Phiri referred to journalists Sandiso Phaliso who was assaulted in Nyanga in Cape Town, and Julia Evans who was wounded by a rubber bullet while covering community protests in Westbury, Johannesburg. Phiri says these incidents speak to a broader tendency within police to abandon restraint in favour of brute force:

# Wildlife Ranching South Africa have accused Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment minister, Dion George, of failing to set annual hunting quotas for elephants, black rhinos and leopards. George recently announced he would withhold quotas pending a court outcome. The organisation argues he is using the case as an excuse for inaction. Ranchers say the delay has cost South Africa billions in lost revenue, crippling the high-value hunting industry and communities reliant on it.

Moving abroad:

# Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary elections have begun with 17 names on the ballot. Political analysts say the contest is expected to be between president Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor, Peter Mutharika. Both main contenders face accusations of corruption and mismanagement. The vote comes as the country grapples with inflation above 27-percent, severe fuel shortages and the soaring cost of living. Analysts predict a likely run-off, with young voters holding significant sway in the outcome.

# Soccer: Manchester United has rallied behind its beleaguered manager, Ruben Amorim, following the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in 33 years. United lost 3-0 to Manchester City in Sunday’s Manchester derby, handing them their second loss of the season. They have only four points after their first four matches. The club says it has a long-term plan and won’t do a reassessment of the head coach after every defeat. United faces Chelsea in their next encounter.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-35-cents and the euro at 20-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-525-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-695-dollars-98-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….