News 08:00

BULLETIN 21 December 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Financial Ombud says 60-million-rand have been returned to banking fraud victims
#  The National Agricultural Marketing Council warns about elevated beef prices over the festive season
# And rugby: Stormers overcome Lions in a hard-fought URC battle

# The National Financial Ombud Banking Division has welcomed 60-million-rand returned to victims of banking fraud, marking a significant rise from previous years. The Ombud highlighted that many cases involve consumers unknowingly sharing one-time pins after clicking fraudulent links, allowing criminals access to their accounts. Mobile and online banking scams now account for nearly 40-percent of complaints, a 15-percent increase amid increased sophisticated fraud.  Authorities call for vigilance and cautious digital banking practices especially during the festive season.

# The National Agricultural Marketing Council says beef prices remain high this festive season, driven by high demand and foot-and-mouth disease cases. The council’s economist Thabile Nkunjana told Newzroom Afrika that reduced slaughter supplies have pushed red meat prices up sharply. Despite headline inflation easing to 3.5-percent in November, meat prices increased to over 12-percent year-on-year. He urged families to buy alternative meats as relief is only expected after the holidays:

# The fire that broke out at the Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, shortly after midday yesterday has been successfully contained by the Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services. Fire crews remained on site during the night to monitor the area and ensure conditions remain stable. Two structures, the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities, were destroyed. The historic Manor House and the second accommodation wing were successfully protected. An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted once mop‑up operations have been completed.

# A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each, in a corruption case involving the under-priced purchase of luxury watches. The latest conviction adds to a series of legal troubles for Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023. He faces dozens of cases filed since he was ousted from office in 2022, ranging from graft to anti-terrorism and state secrets charges. Khan has denied wrongdoing in all the cases, which his party says are politically motivated.

# Rugby: The Stormers continued their unbeaten record in the United Rugby Championships by beating the Lions 34-27 in a hard-fought battle at the Cape Town stadium yesterday. Trailing 17–10 at halftime, the hosts struggled early after Ruan Venter crossed twice for the visitors. However, a dominant second-half performance fueled by the “Bomb Squad” saw tries from Wandisile Simelane, Paul de Villiers, and Evan Roos. Despite a late try by Kelly Mpeku for the Lions, the Stormers held firm to secure their seventh consecutive URC win.

# And finally, the Soil of Africa advocacy movement has welcomed the Africa Cup of Nations as a powerful platform for unity, peace and African economic integration. This comes as the showpiece opening ceremony takes place today. Spokesperson King Bongani Ramontja says soccer has historically brought communities together and can drive continental solidarity. He urges leaders to use AFCON to promote intra-African trade, youth empowerment and economic dignity, as a united Africa beyond sport:

Stay tuned for more news………….