News 08:00

BULLETIN 7 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Springboks edge out Ireland in the first Test in Pretoria
# IPID probes a police attack resulting in the death of a night shift worker
# And the Israeli president’s intelligence chief is ready to resume talks with Hamas

# We start with rugby: The Springboks edged out Ireland 27-20 in the first of their two Tests, played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. South Africa led 13-8 at halftime before the visitors made a comeback in the second half. Television match official Ben Whitehouse made crucial decisions, including a controversial call on Cheslin Kolbe’s try. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi praised the team, but emphasised the need for improvement ahead of Saturday’s second Test in Durban:

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel was named man of the match. He praised the team’s performance and the South African support. Despite the victory, he also stressed the need for improvement and vowed the team will be ready for Saturday’s second Test:

# The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating a police attack on six men returning from night shifts in Midrand, Gauteng, in May. Their minibus taxi, transporting them from a logistics company, was attacked by armed police. The officials allegedly shot two men while assaulting the rest. Twenty-one-year-old Lifalethu Mashazi died on Wednesday after being in a coma since the attack. It is alleged police accused the men of being foreigners. IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping says cases of murder, attempted murder, assault, and torture have been opened.

# Limpopo police commissioner Thembi Hadebe has issued a warning after two teenage boys and a 22-year-old man died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning when using a braai stand for warmth while sleeping. Their bodies were found in their Morongoa Park home near Polokwane. Police report the trio had enclosed themselves with the braai stand and coals. Hadebe has warned against using braziers indoors, citing serious health risks.

# And, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent his intelligence head to Qatar to resume stalled negotiations with Hamas this week. Head of Mossad David Barne’s resumption of the talks has raised hopes of a Gaza ceasefire and de-escalation on the boundary between Israel and Lebanon. This follows after Hamas reportedly told its Lebanese ally Hezbollah it had accepted a ceasefire proposal. The group also told Reuters they would cease fire as soon as any Gaza ceasefire agreement takes effect.

Stay tuned for more news………….