News 13:00

BULLETIN 8 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

#  SAHPRA warns it’s illegal to have unauthorised drugs on the market
# The Police Union says the shortage of detectives leads to a high number of unresolved dockets
# And rugby: Lions coach wants his team to stay sharp against the Sharks in their URC clash

# The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has warned that it’s illegal for any drug to be on the market without being evaluated. Police confiscated scheduled medicines, steroids, and other performance-enhancing drugs worth 15-million-rand from a self-storage facility in northern Pretoria this week. SAHPRA spokesperson Mokgadi Fafudi emphasised that those handling these substances are operating unlawfully, as these drugs are illegal and unauthorised:

# The South African Police Union has raised concern over the shortage of detectives leading to a high number of unresolved cases. Police minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that South Africa faces a severe detective crisis, with 1.9-million outstanding case dockets. SAPU spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale says the backlog is also attributed to overwhelming caseloads, and salary disparities. He called for more detective trainees and appointments:

# US president Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office it is more difficult to deal with Ukraine than Russia in attempts to broker peace. Hours earlier, Trump had said he was considering large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire with Ukraine was reached. Meanwhile, the US has temporarily suspended Ukraine’s access to some satellite imagery after military aid to the country had already been paused. It comes exactly one week after an extraordinary White House exchange, in which Trump berated president Volodymyr Zelensky for being “disrespectful” to the US.

# Rugby: The Lions are chasing consistency heading into their United Rugby Championship showdown against the Sharks at Kings Park in Durban today. Ivan van Rooyen’s side has a history of failing to follow up on great showings in recent seasons and is the only South African team to have not reached the top eight of the URC. Van Rooyen says his charges will need to stay sharp and keep their defensive structure intact. The Lions are in ninth place on the log with 28 points after 11 games played.

# Motorsport: A General Motors-backed Cadillac entry will become Formula One’s 11th team next year after securing formal approval from the commercial rights holders and governing FIA on Friday. Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula One was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of the sport. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the expansion to 11 teams was an important milestone and the new team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans.

# And today marks International Women’s Day, highlighting equal rights and empowerment for all women and girls. This year calls for action to unlock equal opportunities and empower young women and girls as change-makers. It also celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness about discrimination and serves as a call to action to forge gender parity. The commemoration also coincides with the 30th year of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, to make the world equal and better for everyone.

Stay tuned for more news………….