News 09:00

BULLETIN 11 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Police intensify deployments following the unrest in South Africa
# Donald Trump calls for Zelensky’s replacement
# And rugby: Derby victories for the Stormers and the Bulls

# Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane says police have intensified deployments across the country following unrest linked to a Constitutional Court judgment on asylum seeker applications. Twenty-four vehicles and properties have been damaged since Thursday. Dimpane says additional resources have been deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, while maximum operational deployments are in place across all nine provinces. She says intelligence agencies are monitoring developments, verifying information and identifying potential threats to support a swift response:

Meanwhile, the Forum for South Africa has welcomed the withdrawal of the asylum directive by the Department of Home Affairs, while calling for a national referendum on immigration and asylum policy. Forum leader Tebogo Mashilompane says South Africans must have a say in the future of the country’s immigration system and border management. He is urging government to strengthen border controls, prevent abuse of the asylum system, enforce immigration laws and ensure refugee reception offices have sufficient capacity to operate effectively:

# The Transport Department is set to amend road traffic regulations to prevent traffic register certificates, learner’s licences and driver’s licences from being used as general identity documents. The move follows a 2023 investigation that uncovered widespread abuse of Traffic Register Numbers and other road traffic documents. The department’s spokesperson, Collen Msibi says the amendments aim to close legal loopholes and align road traffic legislation with the Identification Act:

# US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelensky amid a dispute over Russian diesel exports. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to ease sanctions on Russian diesel to help curb rising fuel prices. Zelensky has condemned the move, warning that easing pressure on Moscow could encourage further attacks on Ukraine. His criticism followed a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia on Saturday that reportedly killed 20 people, including three children. Trump has also called on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.

# Rugby: The Stormers have beaten the Sharks 38-15 in their United Rugby Championship coastal derby at the Cape Town stadium. The hosts scored six tries, with their dominant scrum laying the foundation for victory. The Sharks struggled to contain the Stormers’ forward power and attacking pressure, falling behind as the home side capitalised on their opportunities. The result gives the Cape side bragging rights in the coastal derby and strengthens their position in the early stages of the competition.

And in more United Rugby Championship news, the Bulls have thumped the Lions 57-15 in their derby at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The hosts ran in nine tries to two, with Springbok eighthman Cameron Hanekom scoring twice in the first half. The Lions briefly took a seven-five lead, but the Bulls soon regained control and led 31-10 at half-time. They continued to dominate after the break, adding to the margin with clinical finishing and powerful attacking play. The victory lifts the Bulls to second place on the URC log.

Stay tuned for more news………….