News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 September 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The head of the National Prosecuting Authority says corruption and maladministration remain major threats
# The national Cosatu congress is stalled over disputed credentials and leadership issues
# And, the Gauteng Community Safety Committee urges the public to help solve the Kempton Park murders

# National Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Andy Mothibi says corruption is not only a criminal offence, but it also diverts public resources, weakens institutions and service delivery, deepens inequality, and erodes trust in democracy. He addressed the 19th Annual Africa Conference and Exhibition on Monday, where he stressed that the responsibility for fighting corruption cannot rest solely with law enforcement agencies. Mothibi also warned that organised crime was becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using technology, professional networks and cross-border operations.

# Union federation COSATU’s national elective congress descended into chaos in Midrand, Gauteng yesterday over disputed credentials and the position of the federation’s deputy president Mike Shingange. Some affiliated unions, including the National Union of Mineworkers, refused to hand over their lists of delegates attending the conference, demanding the congress first clarify Shingange’s status as the president of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union. Shingange told the SABC that he is confident that a compromise will be reached:

# The Madlanga Commission will resume its public hearings today following a short recess. The commission will shift its focus to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, one of the law enforcement agencies listed in its terms of reference. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says they will hear testimony regarding the infiltration of the JMPD by criminal networks and collusion between JMPD officers and criminal syndicates. A senior JMPD officer, yet to be identified, will be testifying today.

# The Gauteng legislature’s portfolio committee on Community Safety has cautioned against speculation that the murders of five women in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni are linked to a possible serial killer. Committee chairperson Bandile Masuku says there is no confirmed evidence at this stage that the cases are connected. Masuku has urged the public to avoid speculation that could interfere with the police investigation or cause unnecessary panic:

# New York is leading a coalition of 21 other states and the District of Columbia in suing president Donald Trump’s administration over a new policy that would allow immigration officials to punish immigrants for lawful use of public benefits. The rule change will likely make it tougher for many immigrants to obtain green cards if they use or are deemed likely to need public benefits such as food stamps or Medicaid. New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has described the policy as unlawful and cruel:

# Cricket: The Proteas Women can clinch the five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo today. South Africa won Friday’s first match by six wickets when the neighbours were bowled out for just 116. Anneke Bosch then led the visitors’ charge, and they reached the target within 14 overs. In Sunday’s second match, South Africa posted 193 for three, courtesy of Bosch’s 65, and restricted Zimbabwe to 129 for seven after Seshnie Naidu took three wickets. The penultimate match will be played on Thursday and the fifth on Saturday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-26-cents and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-93-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-964-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-299-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 108-dollars-41-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….