News 07:00

BULLETIN 11 October, 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fannie Masemola tells the committee he personally intervened to stop the disbandment of the political killings task team
# The NSRI welcomes Starlink’s 2.5-billion-rand investment in South Africa
# And in rugby, the Stormers outclass Scarlets with a dominant performance in their URC clash

# National police commissioner Fannie Masemola says he did his best to stop the disbandment of the political killings task team. Testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on police capture, Masemola said he questioned Police minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to dissolve the unit, warning that similar action against the farm murders task team would have sparked outrage from agriculture associations:

# The National Sea Rescue Institute has welcomed Elon Musk’s Starlink’s plan to expand its operations and invest 2.5-billion-rand in South Africa, a breakthrough for offshore rescue communication. They believe the partnership will equip NSRI boats with satellite internet, allowing rescuers to stay connected even in remote waters. The institute’s Andrew Ingram says the technology will improve coordination, safety, and response times during emergencies, helping save more lives along the coastline:

# The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness cautions parents to be extra cautious as poisoning cases linked to household products continue to rise during the school holidays. Between January and June this year, over six-thousand poisoning cases were reported, with more than 500 linked to items like bleach, detergents, and air fresheners. Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre specialist Cindy-Lee Golding urged parents to store cleaning agents safely, use childproof caps, and teach children about household chemical dangers:

# With a ceasefire now in place, people in Gaza are facing the desperate reality of their plight after two years of relentless Israeli bombardments. The Disasters Emergency Committee has now renewed its appeal for donations to help struggling families. Desperately needed humanitarian aid is expected to increase, with trucks of supplies standing ready at the borders with lifesaving food, water, medicine and essential supplies. The organisation said more than two-million people are facing extreme food insecurity. The UN-backed global hunger monitor confirmed famine in Gaza City and surroundings in August.

We end with rugby news:

The Stormers secured a dominant start to their European tour in the United Rugby Championship, dispatching the Scarlets 34-0 in Llanelli on Friday to claim a crucial bonus-point victory. The Cape side’s forward pack proved relentless, establishing control through a powerful set-piece and a stellar defensive effort that kept the Welsh team scoreless for the entire 80 minutes. Tries from Evan Roos, Paul de Villiers, Ruben van Heerden, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Imad Khan capped a ruthless performance, sending the Stormers temporarily to the top of the log.

# And, the Western Province delivered a masterclass in the final match of the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week, outplaying the Blue Bulls 33-0 at Queens High School in Johannesburg. The match concluded a highly successful tournament, where the 14 participating teams delivered an encouraging display of the next generation of women’s rugby. The final day belonged to a rampant Western Province. They have outplayed their opponents 134-8 in their three matches, scoring 20 tries and conceding only one.

Stay tuned for more news………….