News 08:00

BULLETIN 23 March 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Gunmen kill more than 60 people in a concert attack near Moscow, the Islamic State claims responsibility
# The IFP is willing to consider a bid for the speaker’s removal
# And, the princess of Wales begins cancer treatment

# Camouflaged gunmen with automatic weapons killed at least 60 concertgoers near Moscow, injuring 145 more in an attack claimed by Islamic State militants. Another 60 people were in a critical condition. Reuters reports in the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, gunmen attacked civilians just before Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was to perform in the full-house six-thousand-200-seat Crocus City Hall west of Moscow. In the 2004 Beslan school siege, Islamist militants took more than a thousand people, including hundreds of children, hostage. US intelligence has confirmed Islamic State’s claim, and says it warned Russia two weeks ago.

# The Inkatha Freedom Party says it is willing to join a Democratic Alliance bid to have parliament speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula removed from her position. Mapisa-Nqakula decided to step aside with immediate effect amid a 2.3-million-rand corruption allegation. Mapisa-Nqakula has been accused of soliciting 2.3-million-rand in bribes from contractors while she was minister of Defence. IFP chief whip, Narend Singh, says the party supports Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to go on special leave while investigations continue: 

# Build One South Africa says no one should be surprised by South Africa’s current water crisis, attributing it to government unresponsiveness and a lack of political will. They claim the government has even announced plans to source water from Zimbabwe. The party asserts the crisis has left large parts of Gauteng without water for two weeks, affecting residents’ ability to perform basic tasks. BOSA calls on water stakeholders and relevant organisations to urgently address this life-threatening challenge in the province.

# Rugby: The Cheetahs got their SA Cup campaign off to a winning start in Bloemfontein yesterday evening with a 38-7 win against the Boland Cavaliers. Despite the scoreline, the Cheetahs were made to work hard for the win, and they were matched physically by the team from Wellington. The Cheetahs scored six tries, of which four were converted by veteran Ruan Pienaar against one converted try by Boland.

# And, Catherine, princess of Wales has revealed she’s undergoing early-stage cancer treatment following tests that detected the disease. She describes it as a huge shock after a challenging period. While details of the cancer remain undisclosed, Kensington Palace has expressed confidence in her full recovery. Catherine urges others facing cancer not to lose hope, emphasising the importance of faith and support during this difficult time. She says the family now needs time, space and privacy:

Stay tuned for more news…………