News 13:00

BULLETIN 26 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fikile Mbalula says the Madlanga commission and ad hoc committee are vital to end criminality
# The DA calls on the police management to address the rise of suicides in the service
# And the Louvre transfers its jewels to the Bank of France after the heist

# ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s Ad Hoc committee into political interference with police are vital to end criminality and to bring those to justice, if found guilty of wrongdoing. Mbalula was speaking at the Tshwane University of Technology in Soshanguve during the 100th birthday celebration of Tlou Theophilus Cholo, a stalwart of the liberation struggle:

# The DA says it is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in suicides within the police. The party says recent reports reveal that, on average, one police officer takes his or her own life every week. The DA’s Lisa Schickerling called on the national police commissioner, Fannie Masemola, and SAPS management to take urgent, decisive action to address the crisis, including the immediate rollout of mandatory and confidential mental health support and debriefing sessions after traumatic incidents:

# Limpopo police opened a culpable homicide case following the untimely death of a six-year-old female learner on Friday. Police spokesperson, Malesela Ledwaba, says a 34-year-old driver of a scholar transport bus was busy collecting learners at Ga-Molepo, Laastehoop villag,e and intending to transport them to a local primary school. He says learners suddenly began pushing each other while preparing to board the bus. He adds that while busy attempting to park the bus, the driver accidentally drove over a six-year-old female victim:

# The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France, according to French radio RTL, after an audacious daylight heist last week. The transfer of some precious items from the museum’s Apollo gallery, home to the French crown jewels, was carried out on Friday under secret police escort. The thieves stole eight precious pieces worth an estimated 1,2-billion-rand from the Louvre’s collection last week, exposing security lapses. They broke into the museum using a crane to smash an upstairs window during opening hours. They escaped on motorbikes.

# Tennis: Top-seed Jannik Sinner of Italy reached the Vienna Open final after beating Australian Alex De Minaur in straight sets yesterday. His victory confirms 20 consecutive wins on indoor hardcourts and 50 wins against top-10 opponents. The 24-year-old Sinner will face Alexander Zverev of Germany in the finals later today. Zverev, the 2021 champion, beat fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti from Italy 6-4, 7-5, firing nine aces as he racked up his 300th hardcourt win.

# And finally: Government has congratulated Qhawekazi Mazaleni after she was crowned Miss South Africa 2025 at a prestigious ceremony in Pretoria on Saturday. Government spokesperson, William Baloyi, says at just 24 years old, the Eastern Cape-born beauty and youth ambassador has brought pride to the nation through her remarkable achievement. He says the government wishes Mazaleni well as she undertakes her reign and continues to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society:

Stay tuned for more news………….