News 12:00

BULLETIN 5 February 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Firefighters continue to battle the fire on the slopes of Bainskloof
# Fannie Masemola says the police remain resolute in addressing serious and violent crimes
# And Cricket: New Zealand dominates with the bat in the first Test against South Africa 

# Firefighters in the Cape Winelands District Municipality are continuing to battle a fire on the slopes of Bainskloof. The fire broke out yesterday evening. The municipality’s spokesperson, Anesca Roodt, says various resources, including aerial support, have been deployed:

# The national commissioner, Fannie Masemola, says police will continue to deal decisively with serious and violent crime. This after two suspects were shot and killed in a shootout with police following a foiled cash-in-transit robbery in Dobsonville, Soweto, over the weekend. Officers recovered an R-5 rifle, three A-K-47s and three vehicles used in the commissioning of the crime. Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says intelligence operators are on the ground, and all teams are on high alert:

# The South African Wind Energy Association says the country’s current energy crisis requires swift action through a clear, comprehensive and realistic implementation plan. This comes as the country’s revised draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 has been released for public comment. The plan presents an analysis of broad options at the disposal of the country to meet three distinct aspirations, namely security of supply, energy affordability, and carbon emissions reductions. The association says the draft I-R-P 2023 requires a lot of intense review, transparency and creative resolve.

# Cricket: South Africa reached 80 for four in their first innings at stumps on day two of the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. Rachin Ravindra continued a remarkable return to the Test format by reaching his maiden double-century, 240 off 366 balls, as the Black Caps were bowled out for 511 in their first innings. Captain Neil Brand claimed six wickets. In reply, David Bedingham is unbeaten on 29 as South Africa trails New Zealand by 431 runs with six wickets remaining.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-96-cents and the euro at 20-rand-43-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 43-thousand-35-dollars-12-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-23-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has congratulated South African singer and songwriter Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award. The 22-year-old won in the new category Best African Music Performance for her smash hit Water. The ministry’s spokesperson, Litha Mpondwana, says South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting for a fourth time and nominated for Best Comedy Album, while Acapella group Just 6 and Musa Keys were also nominated:

Stay tuned for more news………….