News 08:00

BULLETIN 6 October 8 pm

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The JSC interviews are to proceed after an MK bid to block them fails
# The South African Policing Union calls for strengthened crime intelligence after the Lusikisiki mass killing
# And soccer, Orlando Pirates claim a historic third MTN8

# The Judicial Service Commission interviews scheduled for this week are on track to proceed as planned. The High Court in Johannesburg yesterday dismissed an eleventh-hour bid by the MK Party and its parliamentary leader, impeached former judge president John Hlophe, to block the interviews. A full bench of the Western Cape High Court last week barred Hlophe from participating in any JSC proceedings. The interviews are set to get underway tomorrow and will see a total of 55 candidates vying for 27 vacancies, including Hlophe’s former post.

# The South African Policing Union has called for enhanced crime intelligence in rural communities following the killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape last weekend. SAPU spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale emphasised the need for proactive policing to prevent mass murders and other crimes. He also called for increased police presence in hotspots and stronger crime intelligence efforts nationwide:

# Human rights activist and Justice Albie Sachs says the government of national unity is empowering South Africans. Sachs feels it is of critical importance to properly implement the Constitution. He says he remains unhappy with the problems that the country is facing and how the majority of South Africans still live. Sachs told the SABC the constitution is the cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy:

# Hezbollah has lost contact with a possible successor to its late leader Hassan Nasrallah. A Lebanese security source told CNN the group has not heard from Hashem Safieddine since an Israeli strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs targeted him on Friday. Safieddine served as head of Hezbollah’s executive council and was seen as one of the most likely heirs to the organisation’s highest-ranking seat. He is a cousin of Nasrallah, and they studied together in Iran. America designated Hezbollah a foreign terrorist organisation in 1997, and Safieddine a foreign terrorist in 2017.

# And, soccer: Orlando Pirates were crowned MTN8 champions for an historic third year running after they battled back to beat Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.  Bradley Mojela opened the scoring for Stellenbosch, but Jose Riveiro’s side equalised through Monnapule Saleng just before halftime. The match looked to be heading to extra time but Tshegofatso Mabasa struck in the 91st minute and Relebohile Mofokeng five minutes later. Spanish coach Riveiro has now collected an impressive five trophies with the Buccaneers – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup crowns.

Stay tuned for more news………….