News 14:00

BULLETIN 19 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission warns Fannie Nkosi of self-incrimination protections
# The oil price soars to a new peak since the war began
# And rugby: Hanekom returns as the Bulls shuffle the pack for the URC clash against Cardiff

# The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson has reminded SAPS officer Fannie Nkosi that his testimony cannot be used in criminal trials. The commission is probing his bank records, warning he may face self-incriminating questions. While protected in criminal cases, Commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga said this does not apply to disciplinary action by his employer. Nkosi has also been afforded a translator in the proceedings:

# Western Cape police and the South African National Defence Force are conducting joint crime-fighting drills ahead of the official troop deployment. The exercises aim to prepare forces for coordinated operations against violent crime and gangs. Officers and soldiers moved through high‑crime areas, conducting reconnaissance and practice raids to familiarise themselves with local hotspots. SAPS spokesperson Thembisile Patekile says the drills are part of a nationwide plan to strengthen policing, improve readiness, and ensure intelligence‑led interventions before the formal SANDF deployment.

# The National Treasury will invest R54 billion as incentives for metros that meet self-set performance targets approved by the council under the newly launched Metro Trading Services Reform. Director-General for Intergovernmental Relations Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe emphasised that the incentives are for municipalities, not individual officials. She says the programme aims to promote efficient service delivery, accountability, and improved governance across metropolitan municipalities nationwide:

# Fossil fuel prices have continued to soar, with oil this morning hitting a new high since the Iran war began. A barrel of Brent crude briefly traded at more than 118-dollar a barrel, a high last seen in June 2022. Earlier this morning the cost of UK wholesale gas increased by 28-percent, reaching a three-year high. It comes amid attacks on energy production facilities, increasing supply fears as tankers struggle to pass the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz. A fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies travel through the strategically important strait.

# Rugby: The Bulls have shuffled their deck for Friday’s home clash against Cardiff, making several tactical adjustments to the side that faced the Stormers last week. The versatile lock and flanker Cameron Hanekom, is making his return and finds a place on the bench after a gruelling nine-month injury lay-off. The starting front row sees a change at tighthead, with Francois Klopper stepping in for Wilco Louw. Further back, Cobus Wiese moves from the bench into the starting lock position to partner Ruan Nortje, as Ruan Vermaak shifts to the replacements.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-91-cents and the euro at 19-rand-40-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-192-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-694-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 109-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….