News 07:00

BULLETIN 6 December 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Senzo Mchunu confirms the political killings task team was planned for integration in the police
# The German Parliament backs a controversial military service law amid the Russian threat
# And rugby: There are 13 Boks in the Bulls team for the Champions Cup

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu told the Madlanga commission the political killings task team was never formally reviewed before being disbanded. Mchunu said the team had always been earmarked for integration into the broader South African Police Service, while formal capacity reviews were limited to murder and robbery units. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello questioned whether Mchunu’s letter to disband the team would have allowed for its proper absorption into SAPS:

# The Thabo Bester prison escape case has been postponed to 18 March 2026 by the High Court in Bloemfontein. This comes as the convicted murderer and rapist, and co-accused Nandipha Magudumana, have pending matters in other courts, including Magudumana’s Constitutional Court application challenging her extradition. Bester’s legal team also cited the need to account for his personal belongings seized during his arrest in Arusha, Tanzania in April 2023. The trial period has been set between July and September 2026.

# Civil society groups are applauding a decisive ruling by the High Court in Johannesburg, compelling authorities to guarantee safe and unobstructed access to healthcare services. The groups, including the Treatment Action Campaign and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, said the judgment is a crucial step toward ending months of intimidation at clinics in Yeoville and Rosettenville in Gauteng. Doctors Without Borders’ Claire Waterhouse says the court found that the government and police failed in their duty to protect patients:

# Eskom says the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages down 729 megawatts and diesel use falling for the first time this financial year. The energy availability factor is up, reflecting stronger and more reliable generation. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena states that additional generation capacity will come online this week to meet peak demand, while smart meters and expanded free basic electricity are helping communities:

# Germany’s parliament approved a controversial new military service law that aims to boost Bundeswehr numbers and meet NATO targets. This comes as tensions with Russia spur calls for stronger defence capabilities across Europe. The legislation, backed after months of heated debate, introduces a dual-track system – a more lucrative voluntary service intended to attract young recruits, but if enlistment falls short, lawmakers can activate needs-based conscription. The bill sets ambitious expansion goals for the Bundeswehr, targeting up to 260-thousand active soldiers – up from 183-thousand currently – and at least 200-thousand reservists by 2035.

# Rugby: Bulls coach Johann Ackerman packed his team with Springboks for this afternoon’s Champions Cup clash with defending champions Bordeaux-Begles at Loftus. Bok flyhalf Handré Pollard will wear the number ten jersey, supported by his national teammates Akker van der Merwe, Cobus Wiese, Marco van Staden, captain Marcell Coetzee, Canan Moodie, and Willie le Roux. There are another six Boks on the bench, which consists of six forwards and just two back players.

Stay tuned for more news………….