News 13:00

BULLETIN 24 September 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fannie Masemola confirms he filed the initial complaint that led to Shadrack Sibiya’s suspension 
# Friends of Israel warns Iran’s influence on the ANC risks jobs and state capture
# And, South Africa aims to break a braai world record today

# National police commissioner Fannie Masemola told the Madlanga commission that he was the one who filed the initial complaint against Crime Detection deputy national police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya. The complaint related to Sibiya’s actions in taking control of the political killings task team’s 121 dockets, sending them to Pretoria, and disobeying Masemola’s instructions on winding down the unit. Masemola says Sibiya is now suspended and faces a disciplinary inquiry:

Former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Johan Booysen meanwhile says leadership conflicts within SAPS are hindering crime-fighting efforts. Booysen was reacting to testimonies by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria. Booysen, who testified at the Zondo Commission, says nothing has changed since 2011, recalling political interference and the closure of key units. He likened the current situation to déjà vu, warning it undermines policing integrity.

# The Mpumalanga High Court has postponed former deputy president David Mabuza’s 44-million-rand pension case to next Tuesday. Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, claims a customary marriage makes her mother a rightful beneficiary, disputing a certificate submitted by his widow Nonhlanhla Mnisi. Judge Johannes Roelofse said conflicting documents prevent a ruling and ordered Alexander Forbes to provide sworn evidence on whether the funds are a pension or life insurance policy, which determines distribution.

# The South African Friends of Israel has warned that Iran’s growing influence on ANC foreign policy poses risks of state capture and massive job losses. Spokesperson Bafana Modise compared the situation to the Guptas, saying foreign policy is being hijacked at the expense of ordinary South Africans. Modise cautions that South Africa could lose key trade benefits like the African Growth and Opportunity Act, endangering up to 100-thousand jobs in agriculture and automotive industries. He urges the government to prioritise domestic stability and global credibility.

# Tennis: Former world number one Novak Djokovic will play at the Shanghai Masters event next month. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not played in an official match since his defeat in the semifinals of the US Open to Carlos Alcaraz earlier in September. Following that loss, the 38-year-old remained vague about his schedule for the end of the season. His participation in the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin, the two biggest tournaments scheduled after Shanghai, is yet to be confirmed. Djokovic won four times in Shanghai since 2012.

# And finally, this Heritage Day, about two-thousand-500 people are on their grills at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria in an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records. The goal is to surpass Japan’s 2023 record of two-thousand-220 people braaing simultaneously. Spokesperson for Guiness World Record Manchester, Glenn Pollard, told Newzroom Afrika that participants must follow the rules and avoid waste. He confirmed Guinness officials, stewards, and strict rules will ensure South Africa’s big braai makes history:

Stay tuned for more news………….