News 13:00

BULLETIN 19 September 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Steve Letsike calls for the greater protection of women
# Two suspects are arrested after the Libode police murders
# And: Defend Our Democracy trains election observers today

# Deputy minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, says gender-based violence and femicide is unacceptable and requires urgent action. This follows the discovery of nine bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. Letsike says a rapid-response team has been established, while some victims remain unidentified or unclaimed. She has called thoroughly investigations to ensure justice for the victims and their families:

# Unity Forum of Family Practitioners vice-chairperson Angelique Coetzee is urging the public to remain vigilant amid an increase in Mpox cases, while avoiding panic. Coetzee told the SABC that anyone exposed to this viral infection or experiencing symptoms including fever, painful rashes or blisters, chills and swollen lymph nodes should seek medical attention immediately. She urges people exposed to isolate for up to 21 days to help prevent further transmission:

# Police have arrested two suspects and fatally wounded three others during operations following yesterday’s killing of two officers in Libode, Eastern Cape. Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali were responding to a theft at a spaza shop when they were shot and killed, and their firearms stolen. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane says a 72-hour operation was launched, involving intelligence gathering and multidisciplinary teams. Dimpane says attacks on police undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.

# Defend Our Democracy is holding election observer training today in Lenasia, Johannesburg, ahead of the local government elections. The session aims to equip community observers with skills to monitor elections and promote transparency, accountability and compliance with electoral laws. Participants from areas including Lenasia, Diepkloof, Meadowlands, Orlando and Protea Glen will be trained. The organisation says the training forms part of a national roadshow, with sessions planned in Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape during September and October.

# Lesotho and South Korea have marked 60 years of diplomatic relations at a commemorative event in Maseru. Speaking to delegates, Employment and Labour minister, Ts’eliso Mokhosi, hailed the partnership as one based on mutual respect and cooperation. Mokhosi highlighted South Korea’s support for skills development through the Korea International Cooperation Agency. He expressed Lesotho’s hopes to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and digital services:

# And lastly, rugby: The United Rugby Championship will still allow coaches to meet referees on their own before matches this coming season. World Rugby’s ban on such interaction frustrated Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie in the recent Test series between South Africa and New Zealand, and lead to a warning this could result in coaches using the media to get the referee’s attention. The URC’s head of referees, Tappe Henning, says the communication is critical to the developmental nature of the competition. The URC kicks off next weekend.

Stay tuned for more news………….