News 07:00

BULLETIN 5 May 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency says the probe into a missing journalist is progressing well
# The Brazilian police foiled a bomb attack planned for a Lady Gaga concert
# And rugby: The Blitzboks win the World Championship in LA

# Deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, says the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu is progressing well. Ndlovu, founder of Capital Live FM was reported missing on the 18th of February together with his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. On Sunday, the deputy minister visited Ndlovu’s family in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. Morolong says the government is concerned about the safety of journalists:

# The United Democratic Movement has voiced deep concern over the escalating violence against South African Police Service members, following the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old off-duty officer in Langa, Cape Town. The officer was found with gunshot wounds in her vehicle near a primary school. UDM’s Zandile Phiri highlights that 17 officers were killed between July and September 2024, many while off duty. He calls for enhanced protection measures and support for police personnel.

# ANC Gauteng co-convener Panyaza Lesufi says they are committed to working with alliance partners to establish a joint programme of action, ahead of next year’s local government elections. He delivered the closing remarks on Sunday, following the party’s two-day provincial task team lekgotla in Johannesburg. The ANC in Gauteng dropped to 36-percent in the 2024 general elections, with its structures in the province subsequently disbanded. Lesufi says the party is resolute in attending to residents’ basic needs:

# The Judicial Conduct Tribunal resumes hearings into sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge today. The misconduct case, lodged by court secretary Andiswa Mengo, could lead to Mbenenge’s impeachment. Presided over by retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, the Tribunal began public sessions in January and will run until 16 May. Experts say this case marks a defining moment for judicial accountability in South Africa’s legal system.

# Brazilian police say they managed to prevent a bomb attack that was planned for Lady Gaga’s free show on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach. The concert drew over two-million people. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro says the plot was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalisation of teenagers, including self-harm and violent content as a form of social belonging. It says suspects had recruited participants to carry out attacks using improvised explosives. The alleged mastermind has been arrested.

# Rugby: The Springbok Sevens defeated Spain 19-5 in the final to win the Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles, wrapping up a flawless weekend in California. Selvyn Davids, Mfundo Ndhlovu, and Ricardo Duarttee scored tries in the final, while the Blitzboks conceded only one in a very strong defensive performance for their fifth win of the weekend. New Zealand claimed bronze after beating Argentina 38-17. Meanwhile, New Zealand thrashed Australia 31-7 in the women’s final.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-37-cents and the euro at 20-rand-82-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-41-cents and Bitcoin trades at 94-thousand-491-dollar-70-cents. Gold sells at three-thousand-254-dollars-45-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 59-dollars-39-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….