News 13:00

BULLETIN 16 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# FOSA condemns Shamila Batohi’s walkout from an inquiry
# Deputy minister Nel represents South Africa at the African Union ustice and legal affairs session in Kenya
# And, Team Western Cape is crowned national school sport champions

# The Forum for South Africa has strongly condemned the conduct of National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi following her walkout from an inquiry. FOSA spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane says Batohi’s actions show disrespect for the commission and undermine accountability. The forum notes she requested the inquiry but later declined to answer key questions. FOSA has demanded a firm commitment to return, and respect for the inquiry’s authority:

# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has reaffirmed its continued support for premier Thami Ntuli following the failure of a motion of no confidence brought by the MK Party and the EFF. DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers praised the stability of the provincial government, saying the party remains committed to turning around a handicapped province. Speaking to SABC News, he affirmed the DA’s support for Ntuli despite the narrow margins in the legislature:

# Deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel is representing South Africa at the African Union’s 11th ordinary session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs in Nairobi, Kenya. The two-day meeting focuses on harmonising African legal frameworks to support integration, governance and development. The committee will review draft laws and protocols linked to Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, reinforcing the rule of law and regional cooperation.

# Police have arrested a deputy principal from the Samit Christian Academy in Tembisa on the East Rand in connection with the fatal shooting of school principal Simon Lubisi. The 61-year-old was shot dead at his home in Maokeng Extension during an early-morning attack on Sunday, where his wife and son were also assaulted. Gauteng deputy police commissioner, Fred Kekana, says four suspects forced entry, with one arrest made yesterday. A murder and house robbery case is still under investigation. More suspects remain at large, and the motive remains unknown.

# The two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines before the assault which killed 15 people and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State. The attack on Sunday was Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community. The death toll stands at 16 including one of the alleged gunmen who was shot by police. His son and alleged accomplice, is in critical condition in hospital after also being shot.

# And, the Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, has congratulated Team Western Cape after being named overall national Champions at the 2025 National School Sport Championships. The province delivered standout performances across the autumn, winter and summer games, earning top honours in athletics, swimming, rugby and netball. Mackenzie praised the dedication of learners, coaches and schools, saying the success reflects strong youth development. In addition, Education MEC David Maynier also hailed the province’s future sporting stars.

Stay tuned for more news………….