News 09:00

BULLETIN 19 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Richard Mdluli seeks to clear his name at the ad hoc committee
# There are demands to probe president Ramaphosa’s role in disbanding the police task team
# And the ATM calls for urgent action after the Philippi East shootings

# Former crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli wants the chance to clear his name following fresh claims of political interference. Mdluli has written to Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing police corruption, requesting to respond to allegations against him. This comes after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that ex-Police minister the late Nathi Mthethwa allegedly pressured intelligence officials to drop a case. He insists he’s been unfairly targeted and is ready to testify.

Meanwhile, the Activists and Citizens Forum has called for an investigation into claims that president Cyril Ramaphosa approved the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. This follows suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu’s testimony to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, stating the president agreed with his decision. The forum’s spokesperson, Dennis Bloem, says if these allegations are true, the president must be held accountable for endorsing unconstitutional actions:

# The African Transformation Movement has condemned the brutal shooting in Philippi East that claimed seven lives on Friday night. The party expressed sorrow and outrage, calling for swift justice and stronger action against violent crime. ATM urged law enforcement to act decisively while advocating for long-term solutions addressing poverty, unemployment, and gun control. The party also proposed a justice-based death penalty for repeat offenders and called for unity to restore safety in communities.

# The Israeli prime minister’s office says that Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Rafah crossing to remain closed until further notice. It says the crossing’s opening will be considered based on how Hamas fulfils its part in returning the deceased hostages and implementing the agreed-upon framework. The Palestinian embassy in Egypt earlier announced that the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would reopen on Monday for Palestinians seeking to return to Gaza, but it’s unclear whether this will continue as planned.

# And rugby news:

# A triumphant Ulster team overcame the Sharks 34-26 in Durban to record only their third United Rugby Championship win on the road in the past year. The Ulster win was even more impressive as it was against a Sharks team that had their star Springboks back in the team, except for the still-injured Aphelele Fassi. While Ulster were efficient and clinical, the Sharks were error-ridden and showed that they haven’t played together for a long time.  They head into next Saturday’s fifth round game against Scarlets still looking for their first win in the competition.

And another powerful performance from the forwards and the brilliance of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at the back made it four out of four wins for the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship campaign when they beat Zebre 31-13 in Parma on Saturday night. It was the third time in four games that the Stormers managed to get a bonus point for four tries, so they were able to retain their position at the top of the log after the fourth round. With 19 points, they have the same number of points as Munster, but have a vastly superior points differential.

Stay tuned for more news………….