News 16:00

BULLETIN 11 May 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A Hawks officer raises corruption concerns about drug busts with no arrests
# The Cape Town International Airport warns of flight delays amid severe weather
# And cricket: RCB’s coach Andy Flower is handed a hefty fine for an IPL code of conduct breach

# The commander of the Hawks’ West Rand Serious Organised Crime Unit, Francois Steyn, has told the Madlanga commission no arrests have been made following the 2021 Aeroton drug bust where nearly 750-kilograms of cocaine were seized. Steyn alleged police interference may have compromised the investigation. He says some drug syndicates employ corrupt officials within police, customs and the South African Revenue Services to divert confiscated drugs back to criminal networks:

# Cape Town International Airport says adverse weather conditions in both Cape Town and George have disrupted flight operations. It says it remains open and operational despite the severe weather affecting parts of the Western Cape. Airport authorities are closely monitoring operations, while alternative airports are accommodating diverted flights where necessary. Passengers have been warned that flights could be delayed, diverted or cancelled due to the bad weather.

# Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 has officially begun in Durban under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy.” The four-day tourism and trade platform opened with BONDay, focusing on business, innovation and digital transformation in tourism led by deputy Tourism minister Makhotso Sotyu. Tourism leaders from across Africa seek to strengthen partnerships and promote the continent’s tourism economy. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open the main conference tomorrow.

# Cricket: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s head coach, Andy Flower, has been fined 15-percent of his match fee for breaching Article 2.3 of the Indian Premier League’s code of conduct. The article covers the use of audible obscenity during a match. The 58-year-old had an aggressive exchange with the fourth umpire over a controversial boundary call during RCB’s victory over Mumbai Indians yesterday. The IPL says Flower has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 19-rand-32-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-34-cents and Bitcoin trades at 81-thousand-260-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-688-dollars-57-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-72-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the people and government of Botswana following the death of former third president Festus Mogae at the age of 86. He died in hospital last week. Mogae is remembered as a distinguished statesman and patriot devoted to the service of Botswana. The Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says Mogae championed democracy, good governance and strong relations with South Africa:

Stay tuned for more news………….