News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Hawks head in KZN Lesetja Senona is suspended and his devices are confiscated
# Jacob Zuma is allegedly linked to Epstein in newly released US files
# And cricket: The Protea veteran batter David Miller is cleared for the T20 World Cup

# KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has been suspended. Senona’s legal team has raised safety concerns after he was escorted from his office, and his electronic devices confiscated. The removal was allegedly ordered by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mhkwanazi. Reports indicate that he was followed to his residence yesterday by provincial SAPS officers. Senona has been implicated in having a close relationship with controversial businessman Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala following his testimony at the Madlanga Commission last week. Senona’s legal team has formally contacted acting Hawks head Siphesihle Nkosi, seeking clarification stating no formal suspension notice was provided.

# Former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has been linked to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following fresh disclosures from the US Justice Department. According to Daily Maverick, emails show Epstein arranged an intimate dinner for Zuma in London during his 2010 UK state visit, hosted at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth the Second. The documents are part of millions of pages released last week. There was previously no known connection between Zuma and Epstein. The report states that other prominent South Africans also appear in the files.

# Wise4Afrika Director Brenda Madumise-Pajibo says judge’s secretary Andiswa Mengo was let down by the Judicial Service Commission, noting her complaint was lodged three years ago with little action. This follows the Judicial Conduct Tribunal ruling that found Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge guilty of misconduct for a flirtatious workplace relationship, but cleared him of sexual harassment. She says the case highlights flaws in handling workplace misconduct complaints:

# Hundreds of Danes gathered outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday in support of veterans who said they had been insulted by President Donald Trump’s comment about European allies in the Afghanistan war. Denmark was one of the major combat allies in the US- led war in Afghanistan. The country lost 44 service members, a per capita death toll on par with that of the Americans themselves. Trump’s remarks sparked widespread backlash from Europeans, with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling them insulting and appalling.

# Cricket: The Protea middle-order batter David Miller has been medically cleared for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The experienced left-hander successfully completed a fitness test after recovering from an adductor strain sustained while representing Paarl Royals in the SA20. Miller’s return comes as a timely boost for South Africa with the 36-year-old expected to play a key role in the middle-order, thanks to his vast experience and finishing ability in the shortest format. South Africa will kick off their campaign against Canada on the 9th of February.

# And finally: Legendary open-water swimmer John Flanigan has died in a kayaking accident off Bloubergstrand in Cape Town. The National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the team found a capsized kayak offshore and discovered Flanigan unresponsive. Medics declared the 80-year-old deceased at the scene. Flanigan recently made history as the oldest person to complete the 7.5-kilometre Robben Island to Bloubergstrand swim. He confirmed that the accident remains under investigation:

Stay tuned for more news………….