News 06:00
BULLETIN 2 April 6 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Minister Phaahla will today assess the repatriation of the bodies of victims of a bus crash in Limpopo
# Today is the deadline for parties and candidates to appeal objections with the Electoral Court
# And motorsport: The F1 owner Liberty Media buys MotoGP
# Health minister Joe Phaahla will monitor the progress made by health authorities in Limpopo today, with efforts to identify and repatriate the victims and human remains of a bus crash. Forty-five people were killed when a bus transporting people from Botswana to Moria crashed at the Mmamatlakala bridge on the R518 in Limpopo last week Thursday. Health Department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says an eight-year-old child, who was seriously injured, was the only survivor:
# Political parties or candidates including former president Jacob Zuma aggrieved by objections for the 29 May elections, may appeal the Electoral Court by today. The Independent Electoral Commission received 82 objections to candidates nominated by 21 political parties. A total of 31 objections implicating eight candidates alleged that candidates were not qualified owing to criminal records and or convictions. The IEC upheld an objection against Zuma’s participation in the elections representing uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
# Gauteng Traffic Police says it will continue to monitor road users and pedestrians this week as schools are opening for the second term on Wednesday. This is to ensure that there is no jaywalking and that drivers adhere to the prescribed speed limits. So far, over 20 people have lost their lives on Gauteng roads since Thursday afternoon. Police Spokesperson, Sello Maremane is urging motorists to continue exercising caution by adhering to road rules and regulations and ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy:
# The American convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for federal financial crimes. He pleaded guilty to 22 federal counts in September last year, which include conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and money laundering. The 55-year-old disbarred attorney is already serving a life sentence without parole for killing his wife and son, and a 27-year sentence for different financial crimes. Murdaugh has appealed the murder convictions, maintaining that he is innocent.
# Motorsport: Formula One owner Liberty Media has agreed to buy the motorbike series MotoGP in a deal valued at about 68-billion-rand. The American company will acquire approximately 86-percent stake from Spain-based owners Dorna Sports, which has owned MotoGP since 1992. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this year, subject to clearances and approvals by law authorities. Liberty Media president and CEO, Greg Maffei, says they intend to grow MotoGP even further.
# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-92-cents and the euro at 20-rand-31-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-512-dollar-25-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-248-dollar-96-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollar-69-cents -cents a barrel.
# And finally: The ANC Women’s League will be hosting the sixth commemoration of the passing of the struggle icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela today. The Women’s League spokesperson, Sarah Mokwebo says the league president, Sisisi Tolashe, will be leading the event with a wreath laying at Fourways Memorial Park and a candle lighting and prayer service in Orlando West, Soweto:
Stay tuned for more news………….