News 11:00

BULLETIN 3 January 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# There are unconfirmed reports of attacks in Caracas, Venezuela
# Beitbridge records the lowest illegal crossing interceptions
# And new EU carbon tariffs are set to hit South Africa’s steel industry

# Airplanes and loud noises could be heard, and a column of smoke was visible in Caracas early on Saturday. According to Reuters, power was out in the south of the Venezuelan capital, near a major military base. The cause and precise locations of the disturbances were not immediately clear, with unconfirmed videos showing multiple explosions across Caracas. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela. He announced a “blockade” of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the region.

# Beitbridge Border Post has recorded its lowest interception figures, with only 439 people stopped so far. Border Management Authority Commissioner Michael Masiapato says 319 officials have been deployed at the port. He attributes the decline to intensified operations, drone surveillance, and body cameras. He says many illegal crossers are now avoiding the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo, shifting to other border areas where deployments have also been reinforced:

# South African steel and aluminium exporters face financial strain as the European Union rolls out its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism this month. Importers must register as traders for the Mechanism and purchase certificates covering carbon emissions linked to imported goods. Costs will fluctuate with the EU carbon market. Despite lobbying for exemptions, South Africa remains exposed. The new tariffs could add billions in compliance costs, worsen job losses, and compound pressures from existing US tariffs on the already struggling local steel sector.

# The Western Cape Health Department says emergency, hospital, medical, and forensic services faced extreme pressure over the festive season. Between 2 December 2025 and yesterday, hospitals recorded over 74-thousand admissions, including more than 18-thousand trauma cases and 52-thousand medical cases. Emergency centres treated 254 gunshot victims, over three-thousand stabbings, and nearly five-thousand assaults. Motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, self-harm, sexual offences, and child abuse cases further highlighted the strain on healthcare services.

# Police in Embalenhle, under the Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga, are investigating two counts of murder following a tavern shooting in Extension 15 on New Year’s Day. Two men were killed when an armed suspect allegedly opened fire inside the tavern and fled the scene. Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says a manhunt and 72-hour plan have been activated:

# And rugby: The Stormers have been boosted by the return from injury of Springbok stars Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the United Rugby Championship encounter with the Bulls at the Cape Town Stadium. Willemse will make his 100th start in a Stormers jersey in the first match of 2026, which kicks off this afternoon at 6. Director of Rugby John Dobson said his team is looking forward to what should be a special occasion. Dobson said the team knows they will need to be at their absolute best throughout the game to come away with the result.

Stay tuned for more news………….