News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Eminent Persons Group is reviewing nominations for the national dialogue steering committee
# Seven police officers were arrested for alleged extortion and kidnapping in Joburg
# And the US imposes sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies

# The Eminent Persons Group is currently reviewing and doing quality assurance checks on nominations for the national dialogue steering committee, before submitting recommendations to president Cyril Ramaphosa. The first national convention in August approved the mandate, responsibilities, and composition of the committee. It also agreed that each of the identified sectors would hold consultations to decide on nominees to serve on the committee and its sub-committees. Once the recommendations are approved by Ramaphosa, the steering committee will coordinate the rollout of public dialogues across the country.

# The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa says it has taken a major step forward in bolstering the fight against the theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure, while enhancing commuter safety across its network. This comes as 400 Prasa protection services officers were officially sworn in as peace officers on Wednesday, bringing the number of officers to 686. Prasa’s spokesperson, Andiswa Makanda, says the officers now have expanded legal authority, similar to that of police officers when performing their duties:

# Seven members of the South African Police Service have been arrested for alleged extortion and kidnapping of a suspected illegal miner in Johannesburg. The officers, who are attached to the West Rand Public Order Police Unit, allegedly demanded money from an illegal miner found in possession of gold-refining material. City of Johannesburg’s mayoral committee member for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, says the officers demanded between five-thousand and 30-thousand-rand from the suspect:

# The US has sanctioned two of Russia’s biggest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, due to what it says is Moscow’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process with Ukraine. The Treasury Department says the sanctions will increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector, degrade the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine, and support its weakened economy. The British government also sanctioned the oil firms last week. President Donald Trump says the sanctions will certainly affect Moscow:

# Soccer: Fifteen-time winners Real Madrid extended their perfect start to the Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory against Juventus. England midfielder Jude Bellingham’s 57th-minute strike was enough to clinch the victory. Liverpool ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions with a dominant 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. Chelsea capitalised on a 15th-minute red card to thrash Ajax 5-1, and Bayern Munich won 4-0 against Club Brugge. Tottenham Hotspur played to a goalless draw against AS Monaco, while Sporting managed a 1-1 draw against Marseille.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-43-cents and the euro at 20-rand-21-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-23-cents and Bitcoin trades at 108-thousand-611-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-85-dollars-64-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars.

Stay tuned for more news………….