News 08:00

BULLETIN 2 November 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Six people were killed and three injured in a drive-by shooting in Boksburg
# COSATU welcomes the boost in labour inspections and enforcement
# And in rugby:  Rassie is pleased with the Japan win but bracing for massive battles ahead

# The death toll from Saturday evening’s drive-by shooting in Reiger Park, Boksburg, has risen to six after one of the injured victims died in hospital. The acting provincial police commissioner in Gauteng, major general Fred Kekana, has since mobilised resources to investigate the incident. Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said three people are still being treated in hospital:

# Justice and Constitutional Development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government is reviewing the judgment by the High Court in Lilongwe, Malawi, regarding the extradition of pastor Shepherd and Mary Bushiri to South Africa. The Bushiris fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail for fraud and money laundering. Spokesperson Terrence Manase says Kubayi reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring justice:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has welcomed the Department of Employment and Labour’s renewed focus on workplace inspections. The Department has hired ten-thousand additional labour inspectors this year, with another ten-thousand planned for 2026. COSATU’s Matthew Parks says over 250-thousand workplaces were inspected, uncovering more than 120-thousand labour law violations. He urges stronger enforcement, especially in high-risk sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality:

# The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has confirmed South Africa’s full support for the international ban on commercial ivory and rhino horn trade. Minister Dion George emphasised the country will not reopen trade, prioritising wildlife protection over profit. Ahead of CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan, the minister says South Africa commits to science-based conservation, combating poaching, and collaborating with international partners to safeguard elephants, rhinos, and communities living alongside wildlife.

# Several days of torrential rain, powerful winds and catastrophic flooding have left widespread destruction across the Caribbean, displacing families and disrupting essential services. Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, submerging communities, destroying crops and crippling vital infrastructure. Roads remain cut off and power outages continue as families struggle to access clean water and shelter. According to UNICEF, more than 700-thousand children have been affected, with many displaced. Melissa is one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded, with scientists pointing to climate change as a key factor behind the storm’s intensity.

And finally rugby: Rassie Erasmus lauded his team for their emphatic 61-7 victory at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, and although the Springbok coach was pleasantly surprised with the result, he said the next few weeks would pose completely different challenges. The Boks scored eight tries and were awarded a penalty try and limited Japan to only a converted try for their efforts.  Although it was a fantastic start to the tour, Erasmus and Bok skipper Siya Kolisi remained grounded after the victory, as they prepare to travel to Paris today, to face France at the Stade de France next Saturday.

Stay tuned for more news………….