News 09:00

BULLETIN 3 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Police raid the home of the organised crime officer Fannie Nkosi
# Cabinet approves the draft Whistleblower Protection Bill for public comment
# And cricket: The one-day series between the Proteas and New Zealand women will be decided in Wellington tomorrow

# Police have raided the Pretoria North home of organised crime officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged links between law enforcement and criminal networks. Authorities have not disclosed full details but confirmed the operation forms part of broader probes into the so-called “Big 5” cartel. Nkosi is suspected of acting as a link between senior police officials and the cartel, and now faces criminal investigation as inquiries intensify. He went through intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission investigating corruption in the justice system.

# Cabinet has approved the draft Protected Disclosures Bill for public comment, aimed at strengthening whistleblower protection. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the proposed law criminalises retaliation, and offers legal, financial and psychosocial support. It also introduces possible financial incentives for exposing corruption. The minister says the Bill seeks to address gaps in current legislation, following concerns over the safety of whistleblowers in South Africa:

# The DA says it’s still waiting for the presidential Water Action Plan promised in this year’s State of the Nation address. The party revealed that the water crisis committee set up to develop the plan had not met by mid-March, despite expectations that a plan would be finalised soon after. The DA’s Stephen Moore calls for the full water crisis plan to be released for public scrutiny as millions of South Africans continue to face water challenges.

# The National Consumer Commission has alerted consumers on recalls involving certain Land Rover Defender and I-PACE vehicles due to safety concerns. About 60 Defender units may have faulty seatbelt brackets that could fail in a crash. Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu says a further 67 I-PACE vehicles face a possible battery issue that could lead to overheating or fire risk. He urged owners to visit authorised dealerships for service:

# Africa GreenCo co-founder Cathy Oxby says expanding regional electricity trade is critical to strengthening South Africa’s energy market. In an opinion piece on Engineering News, Oxby warns that despite Eskom nearing a year without load-shedding, the system remains vulnerable without deeper integration. Oxby says cross-border power trading through the Southern African Power Pool can improve stability, reduce costs and support renewable energy. She says that while reforms and private generation have boosted supply, further regional collaboration is needed to ensure long-term energy security.

# And, cricket: The one-day series between the Proteas Women and New Zealand will be decided in tomorrow’s third and final match in Wellington. South Africa won the first match in Christchurch by two wickets off the last ball, while the White Ferns chased down a mammoth target of 347 in the second in Wellington to obtain a world record successfull run-chase in women’s ODIs. After this series, the Proteas will host India in five T20s in Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni.  

Stay tuned for more news………….