News 07:00

BULLETIN 19 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A state capture accused pleads guilty to fraud and money laundering
# Experts urge employers to create clear emoji use policies
# And rugby: Exciting Test action is on offer this weekend

# The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction of state capture accused Yakub Bhikhu, who pleaded guilty to 81 charges including fraud, money laundering, and tax violations. The Pretoria Regional Court sentenced Bhikhu to ten years in prison, with five years suspended, and ordered him to repay 300-thousand-rand to Transnet. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says Bhikhu’s company, Homix, was fined 500-thousand-rand suspended on condition of no further offences:

# The family of 16-year-old Jayden Masson has officially appointed Action Society to help secure justice following his suspicious and violent death in 2021. The organisation says evidence was lost, interviews were delayed, and the crime scene was poorly processed. It is now demanding answers on inquest delays, missing subpoenas, and the docket’s move to Meyerton. Action Society’s Juanita du Preez says Jayden died at his father’s Walkerville home, but the case was mishandled and only deemed murder last year:

# Employers are being urged to develop clear emoji use policies in the workplace. This follows a webinar titled Beyond the Smile: Emojis, Communication and Misinterpretation in the Modern Workplace, led by forensic linguist Zakeera Docrat and legal experts from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. Experts warned that emojis can easily be misinterpreted, leading to legal and communication risks. They stressed the importance of involving employees when drafting such policies and updating workplace communication rules to reflect modern digital habits.

# Kenya has paid compensation to four women victims of sexual violence that erupted after the 2007 elections, in the first payment of its kind in the country. Rights groups found that at least 900 people had suffered sexual assaults, including gang rape and castration, during the wave of post-election violence that swept across the country more than a decade ago. In 2020, the High Court ordered the government to pay compensation to four women, with rights groups confirming that in a “historic” move, officials yesterday released funds amounting to roughly 550-thousand-rand to each victim.

# And sports news:

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says tonight’s WAFCON quarter-final clash against Senegal will be a thrilling encounter, highlighting their opponents’ physicality and pace. South Africa head into the match unbeaten, topping Group C with a dominant 4-0 win over Mali. Senegal, however, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. Ellis warns it will be a game of small margins and says Banyana won’t underestimate Senegal. Kick-off is at 9 pm SA time at the Honneur Stadium in Morocco.

# And rugby: New Zealand and France kick off the weekend’s international action in the third Test in Hamilton, followed by the first Test between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane. This afternoon, the Springboks will welcome Georgia to Mbombela, followed by the game between Argentina and Uruguay in Salta. The USA and England will meet in Washington. After this weekend, international rugby takes a break until South Africa and Australia kick off the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on August 16th.

Stay tuned for more news………….