News 07:00

BULLETIN 29 September 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo will testify at the Madlanga Commission today
# The court will today deliver judgment on Malema and Snyman’s firearm case
# And, Zelensky condemns Russia’s ‘vile and brutal’ aerial bombardment

# Crime Intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo, is set to testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. As the convener of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team, Khumalo’s testimony is expected to shed light on operational and administrative issues within the police. He is currently out on bail after he was arrested in July in connection with alleged unlawful senior appointments. Forensic investigator, Chad Thomas, told eNCA that Khumalo’s testimony brings an interesting dynamic, him being accused in a criminal matter:

# The UDM is deeply alarmed by the growing crisis in South Africa’s education system, as mounting evidence shows that thousands of teachers are either leaving the profession or contemplating resignation. UDM Acting secretary-general, Zandile Phiri, says reports this year confirm that nearly half of South Africa’s teachers want to quit. She says this is due to citing unbearable stress, excessive administrative duties, intimidation by learners and parents, poor pay, and lack of meaningful support:

# The East London Magistrate’s Court is expected to deliver judgment today in the criminal case against EFF leader Julius Malema and his bodyguard and co-accused, Adriaan Snyman. Among others, they face charges of allegedly contravening the Firearms Control Act. Malema is accused of unlawfully discharging a firearm at the party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018. The two have pleaded not guilty, insisting the object was a toy gun incapable of firing live rounds. Malema claims the case is politically and racially motivated.

# The Special Investigating Unit is set to release its interim report on the investigation of Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni today. Allegations of corruption and maladministration have long plagued the hospital. SIU head Andy Mothibi will lead the session, joined by Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi, including Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi. The unit’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, says the public will be given a progress report on the probe, which is part of the SIU’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

# Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia’s aerial bombardment, describing it as a vile and brutal attack. Moscow fired more than 600 drones and missiles at targets across Kyiv over the weekend, killing at least four people and injuring about 70 others. The barrage was the third largest reported by the Ukrainian air force since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Zelensky says Moscow wants to keep fighting and killing, and it deserves the toughest pressure from the world.

# Golf: South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk secured his fourth Sunshine Tour win of his career at the Origins of Golf at Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The 32-year-old finished regulation play tied with George Coetzee on ten under par with rounds of 73 and 71, respectively. Kruyswijk won on the second hole of their playoff. Zander Lombard finished third. Kruyswijk, who has now secured his second win on the Origins of Golf series, says his strong mindset heading into the playoff paid off:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-32-cents and the euro at 20-rand-31-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-26-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-862-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-776-dollars-54-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….