News 15:00

BULLETIN 21 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The police calls commissioner Masemola’s court appearance a test of integrity
# The NSRI in Durban joins a multi-agency search after a stowaway goes overboard off the port of Durban
# And, a conflict expert says the Emmarentia road-rage incident reflects a wider societal problem

# National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says national commissioner Fannie Masemola’s appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court is a test for the service’s integrity. He faces charges regarding a controversial tender. Mathe says the case also tests accountability, and respect for the rule of law. She emphasised police’s stance that no-one is above the law, regardless of rank, adding the moment calls for reflection, honesty, and rebuilding public trust: 

# The Madlanga commission’s evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, has challenged Tshwane’s chief financial official, Gareth Mnisi, over possible fraud in a tender process. Chaskalson questioned how a recommendation could be made before scoring was completed, calling it a serious anomaly. Mnisi has been accused of having a narrow view of conflict of interest. He maintained procurement roles were limited, saying uncorrectable issues would require fraudulent actions:

# The National Sea Rescue Institute joined a multi-agency search operation after a man went missing off the port of Durban yesterday. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says seven stowaways reportedly went overboard from a container vessel about five nautical miles offshore, with six rescued and one still missing. He says rescue craft and drift analysis are deployed, with an all-ships alert in place. He says the search by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre continues:

# Conflict and dispute specialist André Vlok says violence on the roads often begins long before incidents unfold, driven by frustration, anxiety, and fear. He warns poor conflict resolution skills are contributing to a growing culture of aggression where minor disputes can quickly turn deadly. Vlok says the Emmarentia roadrage incident in Johannesburg which claimed a man’s life reflects a wider societal problem rather than an isolated case. He urges motorists to manage emotions and de-escalate situations. Vlok says small acts of calm can help prevent violent confrontations.

# Rugby: Springbok back player Ethan Hooker’s immediate future is in doubt after he was injured during a controversial incident in the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship match against Ospreys in Wales. Luke Morgan dived on Hooker after he scored a try at the end of the first half and the Sharks player didn’t return after half-time, while Morgan wasn’t penalised. Sharks coach JP Pietersen confirmed Hooker dislocated his shoulder, saying his absence was very disappointing and frustrating. Ospreys won 21-17.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-36-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-12-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-500-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-793-dollars-2-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-50-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….