News 09:00

BULLETIN 21 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# At least nine people killed in a Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting
# Masemola confirms the Witness D murder case is complicated
# And, seven elephants killed in an India train accident

# At least nine people have been killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at the Kwanoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg. Police say unknown gunmen stormed into the venue and opened fire, with some victims also shot in nearby streets. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information that could assist the case to come forward.

# National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has described the murder case of Madlanga Commission “Witness D”, Marius van der Merwe, as complex. Van der Merwe was shot dead outside his Brakpan home in Ekurhuleni earlier this month. He had testified before the commission, implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkwanazi in criminal activity. Masemola says investigations are ongoing and suspects have been identified. The murder is linked to other cases and Masemola indicated that arrests will follow in cooperation with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

# The MK Party has confirmed that its internal inquiry into suspended first deputy president and parliamentary leader John Hlophe is underway and expected to be finalised by the end of January 2026. MK Party head of the presidency Magasela Mzobe says Hlophe remains a party leader and Member of Parliament despite the suspension. He confirmed Hlophe has pledged full cooperation, stressing the move is precautionary and aimed at upholding collective leadership.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says he is humbled to represent South Africa at his third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations. The 2025 tournament in Morocco follows his appearances in 2019 and 2023, making him the only current squad member to achieve the milestone. The opening ceremony takes place today, with South Africa facing Angola in a Group B clash tomorrow. He says AFCON is an invaluable, demanding experience:

Meanwhile, the Soil of Africa advocacy movement has welcomed the Africa Cup of Nations as a powerful platform for unity, peace and African economic integration. 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:

# Seven elephants were killed and one was injured when a Delhi-bound train collided with a herd in northeast India early on Saturday. The incident occurred at a location that is not a designated elephant corridor. Elephant corridors are linear, narrow, natural habitat linkages that allow elephants to move between secure habitats without being disturbed by humans. The locomotive pilot reportedly applied the emergency brakes upon seeing the herd, but the elephants rushed toward the train. The collision caused the locomotive and five coaches of the train to derail, but no people were injured.

Stay tuned for more news………….