News 09:00

BULLETIN 29 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# RISE Mzansi says the decline in murder is masked by escalating gender-based violence and normalised mob justice
# The MK Party welcomes the SIU findings on the Nkandla upgrades
# And tennis: Carlos Alcaraz is confident ahead of his US Open return

# RISE Mzansi has criticised recent police crime statistics, arguing that reported declines in contact crimes create a false sense of security while ignoring an escalating crisis of gender-based violence in the country. Between April and June this year, 305 people were murdered as a direct result of mob justice and vigilantism. RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana says gender-based violence accounts for a staggering 95.8-percent of all verified nine-thousand-201 rape cases:

# Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, is calling for tougher action against unlicensed liquor outlets, as alcohol is a major driver of violent crime nationwide. Briefing the media on the latest crime statistics between April and June, Cachalia said violence often occurs at night and over weekends, particularly around liquor outlets. He added stronger enforcement of liquor laws and municipal by-laws is needed to help reduce murders and serious assaults:

# The MK Party says the Special Investigating Unit’s findings on the Nkandla upgrades to former president Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead in KwaZulu-Natal raise questions about who should be held responsible for the costs linked to the project. The party’s secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo says the SIU’s finding that the architect involved should pay 156-million-rand to the state challenges the narrative that Zuma was solely responsible for repaying money related to the upgrades:

# Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz says he feels great about his wrist ahead of his US Open title defence, although the Spaniard admits he is anxious about returning to singles after a four-month layoff. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since April with a right wrist injury, missing the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz says intensive practice sessions have reassured him that the wrist is ready for competition. He admits the bigger challenge could be mental, saying he needs to trust his support team and put aside any fear. The defending champion begins against Roman Safiullin on Sunday.

And staying with the US Open: World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she remains confident as she begins her bid for a third consecutive title in New York. The Belarusian arrives without a tournament victory since March and has suffered early exits at the French Open, Wimbledon, Canadian Open and Cincinnati. Despite the recent slump, Sabalenka says she has used the setbacks to strengthen her mental game and believes it is only a matter of time before she finds her best form again. A third straight title would put her alongside legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams.

Stay tuned for more news………….