News 07:00

BULLETIN 30 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Police minister demands an urgent report on the political killings task team
# Israel recovers the body of a hostage and the remains of another
# And cricket: There is 131-million-rand on offer at the SA20s’ player auction

# Police minister, Firoz Cachalia, has requested a detailed report from national police commissioner Fannie Masemola on the political killings task team. This follows the return of 121 dockets to the team amid allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Cachalia says the matter is of public interest and must be investigated thoroughly. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says the minister has urged that no further action be taken before the Madlanga Commission completes its investigation:

# The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised concern that roadblocks conducted by Metro Police and Gauteng Traffic Police are increasingly used for revenue collection rather than crime prevention. During a meeting with premier Panyaza Lesufi and provincial police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, members noted that many operations focus on unpaid fines instead of targeting criminals, drugs, or illegal firearms. The committee urged intelligence-driven, crime-focused roadblocks to improve safety, while calling on motorists to obey traffic laws.

# Cape Town International Airport has recorded a nine-percent year-on-year rise in international two-way passengers in July, with over 219-thousand-500 processed. According to Cape Town Air Access, domestic traffic grew by eight-percent to more than 607-thousand passengers. George Airport saw 20-percent growth, handling over 74-thousand passengers. Western Cape air cargo volumes rose 36-percent year-on-year in June, driven by exports of temperature-controlled goods. Airlines including FlySafair, South African Airways, Proflight Zambia, and Air France have announced new routes and expanded services, boosting connectivity and trade.

# Israel’s military recovered the body of one hostage and the remains of another in Gaza. The Prime Minister’s Office said the body was identified as Ilan Weiss, with the remains of the other still unidentified. Weiss’s wife and daughter were kidnapped during the Hamas attack in October 2023 and released during the first ceasefire. Weiss was thought to still be alive, but it was later announced he was killed during the attack and his body was taken into Gaza. There are now 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

And sports news:

# Rugby: Loose forward Louw Nel takes over the captaincy for Western Province’s Currie Cup encounter with the Pumas in Cape Town today. Nel is joined in the loose trio by Connor Evans and Paul de Villiers, while Riley Norton shifts to the second row in place of injured captain Gary Porter. The only change to the front row sees Mhleli Khuzwayo come back into the starting line-up. Luke Burger moves to fullback, with Joel Leotlela taking his place on the wing. Kick-off is at 7.20 this evening.

# And cricket: A huge amount of 131-million-rand is available for the six franchises in next month’s player auction for SA20’s fourth season. All teams have completed their pre-season signings, retained players, and wildcard acquisitions and can now focus on completing their squads with the remainder of their allocated 41-million-rand – the second-highest salary cap after the Indian Premier League. Pretoria Capitals, with 32.5-million, have the most money left, followed by Durban’s Super Giants with 29.5-million-rand. The season kicks off on 26 December.

Stay tuned for more news………….