News 11:00

BULLETIN 26 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Dineo Mokwele files a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Directorate Ombud against Andrea Johnson
# One person was killed, and 16 others were injured at the Gay Pride festival in Berlin
# And the former SABC newsreader Gillian van Houten dies at 72

# SAPS head of Crime Intelligence Technical Support Services, Dineo Mokwele, has lodged a formal complaint with the IDAC Ombud against the head of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption, Advocate Andrea Johnson. The complaint follows Johnson’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where she admitted Mokwele’s arrest was based on incorrect allegations and apologised for questioning her qualifications. Mokwele’s legal team has asked the IDAC Ombud to investigate allegations of misconduct, maladministration and abuse of prosecutorial authority, arguing Johnson’s actions unfairly damaged her reputation.

# Vodacom Group has partnered with the University of Johannesburg and Amazon Web Services to launch the Vodacom AI Lab, aimed at building South Africa’s artificial intelligence talent pipeline. Speaking at the launch in Johannesburg, Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub said the initiative would strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while equipping students with practical AI skills. He added that the partnership supports Africa’s ambition to become a global AI hub by developing local innovation and technology solutions.

# Soccer news:

An emotional Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe paid tribute to the late Jayden Adams, describing him as a soccer player whose talent and legacy will be remembered beyond South Africa’s borders. Speaking at Adams’ funeral, Motsepe celebrated the midfielder’s achievements as a Bafana Bafana international, African champion and FIFA World Cup player. Motsepe described him as a humble and quietly charismatic teammate whose selfless character made him loved and respected:

Meanwhile, CAF president Patrice Motsepe says discussions are under way on how Mamelodi Sundowns can continue supporting the family of Adams. Motsepe says the club remains committed to standing by the family during their time of grief. He praised Adams for making South Africa proud through his achievements on the field and earning the respect of teammates, coaches and supporters:

# One person has died, and 16 others were injured after a car was driven into a crowd at a Berlin Pride event. An intensive manhunt is underway in the German capital. Officers have released a photo of the suspect and are appealing for help finding him. The incident happened at Tiergarten Park, near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, shortly before ten last night. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called the incident a “horrific act” and promised a full investigation.

# And finally: Former SABC television newsreader and renowned conservationist Gillian van Houten has died at the age of 72. Van Houten became one of South Africa’s most recognisable news presenters during the 1980s and 1990s before leaving broadcasting to pursue wildlife conservation with filmmaker John Varty. She had been living with dementia in recent years. Varty paid an emotional tribute, describing their lifelong bond and shared passion for Africa’s wildlife. She is survived by their three children.

Stay tuned for more news………….