News 07:00

BULLETIN 7 April 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Archbishop Makgoba says the rot in the country’s justice system must be rooted out
# The Madlanga Commission resumes probing corruption
# And, Donald Trump says a 45-day ceasefire proposal for Iran is “not good enough”

# The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, says the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry must be followed by strong and courageous action to root out the rot in the country’s justice system. President Cyril Ramaphosa received the commission’s interim report in December last year, which identified prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. In some cases, the commission referred matters for criminal investigation. Makgoba says the challenges posed by the final report will present Ramaphosa with the most consequential decisions of his presidency.

Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumes its hearings today, continuing its probe into alleged corruption within the criminal justice system and claims of political interference. The commission’s last witness was SAPS Gauteng Organised Crime sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who was arrested following a raid in his Pretoria home last week and will appear in court this week. Nkosi is allegedly linked to the Big 5 cartel. A new witness is expected to testify today.

# A 53-year-old captain attached to the Protection and Security Services has been arrested for alleged fraud. He was apprehended following an internal investigation sanctioned by the Division of Financial Management Services, after suspicious transactions were detected on the Polfin system. National Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the officer, who had access to the finance section of the Protection and Security Services, allegedly manipulated the system to withdraw millions of rands:

# The ANC Veterans League will resolve to address the recent reshuffle of Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s cabinet internally after it expressed concerns over the appointments. The league questioned the appointment of EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as Finance MEC. The league cited past allegations of Dunga’s poor financial performance during his tenure as mayoral committee member for Finance in Ekurhuleni. The league adds that coalition decisions should align with ANC strategic frameworks. It says managing Gauteng’s 179-billion-rand budget requires strong accountability.

# US president Donald Trump says a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire with Iran is a very significant step, but it’s not good enough. The proposal by mediators Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels. Iran has rejected the proposal. Speaking to reporters at his White House Easter event on Monday, Trump said he is the only person who can determine if there’s a ceasefire:

# Cricket: Proteas wicket keeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, alongside Indian duo Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah. Esterhuizen impressed on his debut T20 series against New Zealand, scoring 200 runs in five matches. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka is up for the women’s award, with New Zealand captain Melie Kerr and Australia’s Beth Mooney. Khaka was the leading wicket-taker in the T20 series against New Zealand, securing eight wickets. She claimed a career-best six-wicket haul in the first ODI in Christchurch.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-88-cents and the euro at 19-rand-48-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-34-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-758-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-650-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….