News 13:00

BULLETIN 22 September 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An economist says the Russian-Ukrainian war is driving the October fuel price surge
# Charges against suspended police commissioner Masemola are officially withdrawn
# And soccer: De la Fuente becomes the longest-serving Spanish head coach

# Economist Thabi Leoka says South African motorists face record fuel prices next month. Central Energy Fund figures show 95 unleaded petrol’s price could surge by two-rand-78 to 29-rand-70 a litre, eclipsing June’s record of 28-rand-6-cents. Diesel wholesale prices could hit 33-rand-5-cents, up three-rand, driven by Russian-Ukrainian war disruptions. Leoka warns higher transport costs will squeeze disposable incomes and fuel inflation, with Brent crude expected to fluctuate hugely amid volatility.

# Criminal charges have been withdrawn against suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. He had been facing Public Finance Management Act charges linked to a 360-million-rand SAPS-Medicare 24 tender awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Masemola was suspended following the charges. The National Prosecuting Authority requested the withdrawal after reviewing the case and finding no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. It is now up to president Cyril Ramaphosa to decide if Masemola will be reinstated to his position.

# National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says they cannot rule out more victims coming forward following the arrest of a senior officer in Sandton, Johannesburg, on sexual offence charges. She was speaking outside the Randburg Magistrate’s Court amid the accused’s first appearance. Mathe urged anyone who has been affected or has information to report the matter. She emphasised zero tolerance for gender-based violence and femicide within the Police Service:

# City Power has disconnected electricity to the Pan-African Parliament premises in Johannesburg over an outstanding municipal debt of 37.2-million-rand. The latest payment of 50-thousand-rand was made last week. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says the South African government is responsible for arrangements relating to PAP’s accommodation, with the Department of Public Works historically responsible for rental payments. He says government institutions are not exempt from credit-control measures:

# Soccer: Spain has extended the contract of head coach Luis de la Fuente until 2032 after leading the country to World Cup glory in July. The six-year extension will see him remain in charge until the end of 2032’s European Championship. Sixty-five-year-old De la Fuente took over as coach in 2022 after playing for several local clubs until his retirement in 1994. Spain also won the European Championship in 2024. The renewed contract constitutes the longest tenure ever for the country’s head coach.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-25-cents and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 85-thousand-866-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-312-dollars-70-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-13-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….