News 07:00

BULLETIN 25 April 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minster Firoz Cachalia condemns attacks on Ghanaian and other foreign nationals
# A fuel price shock looms in May
# And cricket: The Proteas and India’s women face off in the penultimate T20 today

# The Ministry of Police has strongly condemned recent xenophobic attacks and intimidation targeting Ghanaian and other foreign nationals in South Africa. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the acts are unlawful and go against the country’s constitutional values of dignity and human rights. Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says police have been instructed to act decisively, with those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted:

# South African motorists are being warned of another sharp increase in fuel prices expected next month, driven by rising global oil prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Diesel could rise by nearly six-rand a litre, while petrol is also set to rise by around two-rand per litre. Illuminating paraffin could increase by about five-rand per litre. The government is expected to decide soon whether to extend the fuel levy relief before the new prices take effect next month.

# The DA says policing in the North West has been severely weakened, with only one vehicle available for every four officers after a loss of 433 vehicles over five years. According to the party, the province has gone more than two years without a provincial police commissioner. It raises concerns about under-resourced stations where infrastructure and basic services are lacking. The DA’s Ofentse Mokae says these failures are contributing to rising crime:

# A University of Pretoria expert calls for cautious optimism following the launch of the South African-led HIV vaccine trial, Brilliant 011, in Cape Town. The university’s Theresa Rossouw says the study marks an important scientific step in the long and complex search for an HIV vaccine, but it’s not a breakthrough or cure. Rossouw added that HIV remains difficult to target, although continued advances in treatment and prevention offer hope. She also emphasised that clear communication and public trust are essential as the research progresses.

# NATO says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance. Reuters quoted a US official who said an internal Pentagon email had suggested measures for the US to punish allies it believed had failed to support its campaign. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato allies for their reluctance to play a greater role after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February and Iran subsequently restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Spain has refused the use of air bases on its territory for attacks on Iran.

# And cricket: The Proteas and India’s women face off in the penultimate of five T20s at the Wanderers in Johannesburg this evening after the hostesses already clinched the series by winning the first three encounters. South Africa won the first two matches in Durban by six wickets and eight wickets, respectively, before pummelling the visitors by nine wickets in the third game in Johannesburg. The last encounter in Benoni on Monday will be the Proteas’ final preparation for the T20 World Cup, starting in England on the 12th of June.

Stay tuned for more news………….