06:00 News
BULLETIN 4 May 6 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The EFF criticises the government for spending 800-million-rand on suspended public servants
# DNA tests will confirm the identity of a crocodile victim
# And athletics: South African men’s relay teams win two silvers at the World Athletics Relays
# The EFF has expressed outrage that government spends approximately 800-million-rand annually paying suspended public servants. According to a report by the Public Service Commission, 674 provincial and national officials are currently suspended, 516 of them for longer than the legally prescribed 90-day period. The EFF says this exposes the complete collapse of governance and consequence management within the state. The party demands the conclusion of disciplinary processes within 90 days, automatic dismissal of accounting officers who allow unlawful prolonged suspensions and criminal prosecution where suspensions involve corruption and financial misconduct.
# Madlanga Commission marks 100-days of full sittings today, probing criminality, political interference, and corruption in the SAPS. The commission has heard evidence from over 37 witnesses following the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team by suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu, flagged by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Security analyst Andy Mashaile told Newzroom Afrika that the commission has exposed senior police officials and political figures, leading to consequence management:
# Police in Mpumalanga are conducting DNA tests to determine whether human remains found inside a crocodile in Komatipoort belong to a missing businessman. The reptile was tracked and euthanised following a days-long search for a missing 59-year-old businessman swept away over a week ago in the Komati River. Police say the crocodile was identified and euthanised before the remains were recovered. Investigators say forensic analysis will confirm the victim’s identity as probes continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
# Ekhuruleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has emphasised the importance of stricter enforcement of business by-laws regulating the spaza shop sector in Ekurhuleni. This follows the return of Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka, who was kidnapped a month ago. The 27-year-old reported to a local police station after an extensive search. Xhakaza praised community leaders and councilors for their efforts, saying their cooperation helped resolve tensions. He called for strengthened oversight:
# The Israeli military issued an urgent warning on Sunday to residents of 11 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate their homes and move at least one kilometre away to open areas. The military said it was conducting operations against Hezbollah following what it described as a violation of their ceasefire agreement, warning that anyone near Hezbollah fighters or facilities could be at risk. Israel has continued to carry out strikes across southern Lebanon, and its troops are occupying a strip in the south of the country.
# Athletics: South Africa won silver in the men’s 4×100-metres final at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana. The team consisting of Akani Simbine, Cheswill Johnson, Bradley Nkoane, and Mvuyo Moss set a new African record of 37.49 seconds while the US won gold and Germany bronze. South Africa also secured silver in the men’s 4×400-metres finishing in 2 minutes:57.07 seconds, a national record, behind Botswana, with Australia finishing third. South Africa’s men’s 4×100, 4×400, and 4×400-metres mixed relay teams have qualified for next year’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-52-cents and the euro at 19-rand-34-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-172-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-626-dollars-95-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 107-dollars-27-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….