News 14:00

BULLETIN 23 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fannie Nkosi details the links between Matlala and senior SAPS officials
# Airlines recover gradually as South African travellers adapt to the rising costs
# And rugby: The Bok Women qualify for the Sevens World Championship Series

# Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Fannie Nkosi has outlined alleged links between businessman Vusimuzi Matlala and senior police figures in evidence before the Madlala Commission. In a statement, Nkosi claims Matlala promised career advancement, citing connections to suspended deputy National Police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, and National Police commissioner Fannie Masemola. Nkosi also alleges Sibiya requested he arrange a meeting with a KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi amid reported tensions within police leadership structures:

# The South African Police Service has refused to release financial records linked to the Political Killings Task Team, despite estimates that the unit has cost taxpayers approximately 426-million-rand since 2018. News24 reports that details on how the money was used remain unclear, raising transparency concerns. Previous disclosures indicate the unit has consumed hundreds of millions, with spending driven largely by travel, accommodation and overtime costs. The task team is now under scrutiny amid growing concerns over accountability and the effectiveness of its expenditure.

# Airlines are gradually recovering after disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which led to airspace closures and cancellations. News24 reports South African travelers are adjusting plans instead of cancelling trips, despite rising jet fuel costs and higher airfares. Demand for travel remains strong, with airlines rerouting flights and introducing surcharges to manage expenses. Travelers are opting for alternative routes, while some international flights to and from South Africa are beginning to return to normal operations.

# Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported coming under fresh attacks this morning, with explosions and sirens sounding over the oil-rich Gulf. The Saudi Ministry of Defense said it had detected two incoming ballistic missiles targeting the capital – one of which was intercepted and the other fell in an uninhabited area. The UAE Defence Ministry said it responded to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, explaining the sounds heard were the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.

# Rugby: The Springbok Women’s Sevens have qualified for the season-ending three-tournament Sevens World Championship Series in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux. South Africa finished third in Montevideo, Uruguay, winning three of five matches over the weekend. Argentina, Germany and the USA have also qualified for the championship. Bok Women coach Cecil Afrika says he is happy with the overall performance of his team:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-20-cents and the euro at 19-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-82-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-445-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-264-dollars-42-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 109-dollars-10-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….