News 12:00

BULLETIN 16 October 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# All four wanted suspects in connection with the Lusikisiki massacre have now been arrested
# The GOOD Party joins calls for Chris Brown not to perform in South Africa
# And rugby: The All Blacks lose three forwards for the season-ending five-Test tour

# The remaining three wanted suspects believed to be linked to the killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape last month were arrested this morning. The arrests come less than 24 hours after police requested the assistance of the public in tracing the suspects aged between 20 and 31. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says they won’t divulge where the suspects were found and arrested at this stage, as this may jeopardise investigations:

# The GOOD Party has condemned American Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in South Africa. There have been strong objections to the musician performing in South Africa due to his alleged abusive history. Women’s rights activist group, Women For Change, has called for the organiser, Big Concerts, and sponsors to cancel the concerts, and for Home Affairs to revoke Brown’s visa to prevent him from performing. The GOOD Party says there is a responsibility to prove that the country takes gender-based violence seriously.

# Eastern Cape Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo’s trial, linked to allegations of using a fake matric certificate to secure a government job, has been postponed to March 2025. Kupelo was arrested by the Hawks in April and briefly appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court. The delay in the case was due to logistical challenges involving the state prosecutor. Kupelo, who is out on 30-thousand-rand bail, faces charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering related to his 2002 employment with the provincial government.

# Rugby: The All Blacks have made three injury-enforced changes to their squad for the season-ending tour, where they will face Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy. Loose forwards, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, and Dalton Papali’I, are all injured. Uncapped flanker Peter Lakai and Waikato Chiefs lock Josh Lord have been added to a squad that has been reduced in size from 36 to 35. All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, says the injuries open up opportunities for some other players:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-60-cents and the euro at 19-rand-16-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-65-dollars-63-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-675-dollars-94-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The National Sea Rescue Institute is urging caution as a full moon spring tide is set to peak tomorrow. The NSRI warns that these tidal conditions can lead to strong currents and higher waves, posing risks for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. The institute’s spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, advises the public to stay informed about local conditions, avoid risky behaviour near the water, and follow any safety warnings:  

Stay tuned for more news………….