News 08:00

BULLETIN 8 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AgriSA urges calm over the Expropriation Act
# Two female officers accused of assaulting a woman at Heidedal police station are granted bail
# And mixed martial arts: Dricus and Strickland promise an epic showdown in Sydney

# AgriSA warns against misinformation surrounding the Expropriation Act, clarifying that no land seizures or expropriation without compensation have occurred. The organisation assures that private property rights are still protected under the Constitution. They urge the government to release state-owned land for emerging farmers to enhance agricultural growth. AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé says despite political uncertainty, the agricultural sector remains focused on growth, with farmers committed to producing food and supporting the economy.

# The GOOD Party has welcomed the appeal ruling reinstating scholar transport for Morrisdale and Ceres Primary pupils in Witzenberg. Previously, learners walked five kilometres daily because their homes were 200 metres too close to the schools to qualify for free transport. Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, acknowledged the unfairness. GOOD’s Brett Herron, calls this a victory for fairness but condemns the initial decision that jeopardised young learners’ safety:

# Two female police officers from Heidedal police station in the Free State, accused of assault, have been granted bail of one-thousand-rand each by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. Mamorena Shuping and Lucia Marumo allegedly assaulted Stephanie Booysen inside the police station after she sought help regarding a protection order violation. IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping says Booysen reportedly sustained injuries during the incident:

# A total of 79 countries have said Donald Trump’s decision to sanction the International Criminal Court would erode the international rule of law. The joint statement came hours after the American president signed an executive order slapping financial sanctions and visa restrictions on ICC staff and their family members, alleging the court has improperly targeted the US and Israel. France, Germany and Britain were among those reaffirmed their continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC, while Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy were absent.

# And, mixed martial arts: South Africa’s fighter fighter Dricus du Plessis looks forward to putting Sean Strickland in his place. Du Plessis will defend his UFC middleweight world title in a rematch against the American in Sydney on Sunday at around 5 am South African time. Du Plessis is determined to demonstrate that his narrow decision victory over Strickland in January last year was no fluke. Both Du Plessis and former title holder Strickland hit 185 pounds on the scale during Friday morning’s press conference.

Stay tuned for more news………….