News 09:00

BULLETIN 1 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in a strike
# The Activist and Citizens Forum questions the credibility of the Parliamentary ad hoc committee
# And, a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for several provinces

# Iran’s state media confirmed that the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the combined US and Israeli air strikes in Iran. An anchor on Iranian state media announced Khamenei’s death, reading out a statement in Farsi. In a video on Truth Social, American president Donal Trump said the action was taken after Iran rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions. The strikes began in daylight yesterday morning as millions went to work or school. Iran retaliated with strikes on several US military bases in the Middle East.

French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile has warned that the escalating conflict carries grave consequences for international peace and security. Macron says France is taking measures to protect its territory, citizens and interests in the Middle East. Macron adds that France stands ready to support close partners if requested. He urged Iran to engage in good faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programmes and regional destabilisation.

# The Activists and Citizens Forum says the credibility of Parliament’s ad-hoc committee hangs in the balance following a turbulent week of proceedings. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem criticised the handling of witnesses, including North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, and condemned the treatment of former National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. He has urged the committee to restore public confidence:

# The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and North West today. Heavy downpours, damaging winds, lightning and hail may cause flooding and infrastructure damage. Damaging waves are also expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Extremely high fire danger conditions persist in parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

And now sport:

# Golf: Young rising South African star Casey Jarvis ignited the home crowd with a spectacular seven metre putt on the final hole to claim the solo lead at the 115th South African Open in Stellenbosch. The 22-year-old Jarvis carded a brilliant six under par 64 to reach 11 under par. He holds a one-stroke lead over Italy’s Francesco Laporta and fellow South African Hennie du Plessis, both at 10-under. The trio will form the final group for today’s high-stakes final round.

# Daniil Medvedev was awarded the Dubai Tennis Championships title after his Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew before the final due to an injury he suffered in the semi-finals. The Russian was chasing a second title in Dubai after he beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals, and the former world number one reached the final without dropping a set. Griekspoor said after his straight-sets win over Andrey Rublev that he was struggling with a hamstring injury, which caused him to withdraw.

Stay tuned for more news………….