News 11:00

BULLETIN 15 December 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Former president Thabo Mbeki reiterates his call for an inclusive national dialogue
# A suspect has been arrested for killing two police officers and two women in Hammarsdale, KZN
# And, rugby: The Lions overcome adverse weather conditions to beat Section Paloise in the Challenge Cup

# Former President Thabo Mbeki has urged South Africans to engage in a united national dialogue to tackle the country’s challenges. Speaking at the SACP Congress in Boksburg, Mbeki emphasised collective solutions and citizen involvement. He called on the government to heed contributions from ordinary people, stressing that inclusive discussions are essential for addressing the nation’s crisis and strengthening leadership:

# A suspect has been arrested following the murder of two police officers and two elderly women in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal. Provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, condemned the tragic attack which occurred during a crime scene investigation. Police spokesperson Jay Naicker says officers tracked the 38-year-old suspect to a hospital, where he was detained:

# Rand Water says maintenance work on its Eikenhof pump system that began Friday, and supplies water to major areas in the Johannesburg metro, is on track for timely completion on Monday the 16th of December. The work aims to enhance flexibility by making the engine rooms at the pump station independent, thereby addressing growing water demand. In a statement, the water utility says affected municipalities have implemented contingency measures, including providing alternative water supplies. Rand Water has emphasised that strategic timing during school and business closures has minimised disruption.

# South Korea’s acting president, Han Duck-soo, reassured the country’s allies and calmed financial markets a day after president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from his duties over a martial law attempt. The White House confirmed Han spoke with US president Joe Biden by phone. The acting president said South Korea will carry out its foreign and security policies without disruption and strive to ensure the South Korea-US-alliance is maintained and developed steadfastly.

# And, rugby: The Lions notched up their first Challenge Cup victory of the season after beating French side Section Paloise  43-35 at a wet Ellis Park last night. The match was delayed for an extended period due to thunder – and the players also had to leave the field for a few minutes during the second half. In their away game, the Cheetahs went down 26-10 to Cardiff in Wales. The Freestaters  had sniffed victory when they led 10-5 at half-time, before the hosts stepped it up in the second half to secure a bonus-point win.

Stay tuned for more news………….