News 07:00

BULLETIN 8 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# NATJOINTS vows zero tolerance for political violence ahead of the elections
# The electoral code of conduct is now in effect, with an additional anti-disinformation code to follow
# And rugby, the All Blacks were given a run for their money but they eventually overcome the feisty Stormers

# The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure says those behind politically motivated killings will be tracked down and brought to justice ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. NATJOINTS co-chairperson Tebello Mosikili told the media the Political Killings Task Team remains actively investigating recent cases and is committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful electoral environment. Mosikili added there is no justification for taking people’s lives because of political differences or intolerance:

At the same briefing the Electoral Commission said the electoral code of conduct is now in effect, setting the rules for political parties, candidates and supporters to promote free, fair and peaceful elections. The commission has also declared there is no place for intimidation or lawlessness ahead of the elections. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya says an additional code to combat disinformation will soon be introduced to protect the integrity of the electoral process:

# Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has appealed to residents in Reiger Park on the East-Rand to help investigators identify those responsible for the killing of two Anti-Gang Unit officers. National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says specialised police units have been mobilised to track the suspects and calls for anyone with information to come forward. She emphasised that community cooperation is crucial to ensuring the perpetrators are arrested and face justice:

# The City of Cape Town says residents must continue saving water despite dam levels reaching 78-percent. The city warns that current supplies need to last through the high-demand summer months and into next year as rainfall remains unpredictable. Mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says water consumption is currently below the city’s winter target, while 570-million-rand is being invested this financial year in projects such as desalination, groundwater development and water reuse to strengthen long-term water security.

# Spain has threatened to introduce reciprocal measures against Italy unless Rome lifts temporary border controls by Sunday. Italy reintroduced checks on travellers from Spain after the recent mass migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid says the controls are unjustified, discriminatory and contrary to European Union principles, arguing the migrants cannot freely enter the Schengen zone from Ceuta. The dispute has deepened tensions between the two countries over migration policy, with Spain accusing Italy of overreacting to the border crisis and demanding the restrictions be removed.

# And rugby: The Stormers put up a brave fight against the All Blacks in the opening game of their Rugby’s Great Rivalry Tour at a packed Cape Town stadium last night, going down 38-21. The halftime score was 14-7 in favour of the visitors. The Stormers were able to hold their own in the set pieces, but in the end they ran out of steam against a relentless New-Zealand who scored six tries against the Stormers three. The All Blacks’ next game will be against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday.

Stay tuned for more news………….