News 13:00

BULLETIN 15 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The hero who disarmed the Bondi gunman is recovering after surgery
# FOSA calls for the Madlanga commission’s preliminary report to be made public
# And cricket: Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson for England’s must-win third Ashes Test

# A Sydney resident who wrestled a gun from one of the attackers during yesterday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand. Forty-three-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed was identified on social media as the bystander who hid behind parked cars before charging at the gunman, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground. A 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack at a Hannuka celebration, killing 15 people and wounding scores more.

Meanwhile, the Cape Independence Party has condemned the incident. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident. Spokesperson Frans Martins says the tragedy is yet another stark reminder that violence begets violence, and societies must confront the reality that determined attackers will also find ways to inflict harm:

# The Forum for South Africa says recent developments have confirmed fears that the Madlanga commission of inquiry is nothing more than a cover-up for corruption. This follows reports that the Presidency has stated the commission’s preliminary report, set to be submitted this week, won’t be made public. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says South Africans deserve the full truth of the systemic criminal infiltration and political interference in policing:

# The Road Traffic Management Corporation urges motorists to take extra precautions during the festive season as traffic volumes rise and varying weather conditions affect roads. Spokesperson Simon Zwane says heavy rain and flooded bridges pose risks, particularly along the N3 Toll Route between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. He says the corporation, together with police, will monitor routes. He urges drivers to exercise patience, obey instructions, and avoid accidents.

# Cricket: Seamer Josh Tongue has been selected as Gus Atkinson’s replacement as the only change to England’s team for the must-win third Ashes Test against Australia, starting at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Brendon McCullum’s side are 2-0 down in the five-match series after slumping to eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane. All-rounder Will Jacks retains his place as the designated spinner, with still no place for Shoaib Bashir in the team. Tongue was England’s leading wicket-taker in the Test series against India in July and August.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-84-cents and the euro at 19-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-52-cents and Bitcoin trades at 89-thousand-881-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-346-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-7-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….