News 13:00

BULLETIN 21 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Police hunt for at least 12 gunmen involved in the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting
# The minister of Justice mourns the passing of advocate Riegal Du Toit
# And Cricket: Australia crush England fightback to retain Ashes with 82-run victory in Adelaide

# Gauteng deputy police commissioner, Fred Kekana, says at least 12 unknown suspects carried out a random mass shooting at the Kwanoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg. Nine suspects were armed with pistols and one with an AK-47 rifle. Kekana told Newzroom Afrika that nine people, including two women, were killed, while ten others were seriously injured. He says the motive remains unknown and investigations are ongoing:

# The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents and tourists to refrain from polluting beaches following the reopening of eThekwini, Country Club and Battery beaches. Blue Lagoon remains closed due to pollution. This brings the number of open bathing beaches to 22. The city says lifeguards and law enforcement are on duty to ensure safety. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, spokesperson Simphiwe Ndlovu warns that pollution and water contamination could lead to further closures during the festive season:

# Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has expressed deep sadness at the passing of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in Johannesburg, Riegal Du Toit. The ministry’s spokesperson Terrence Manase, says Du Toit is remembered for his dedication and contribution in the justice system. Manase says the minister has hailed Du Toit’s meaningfully work in the broader pursuit of justice:

# Rugby: The Sharks secured a dramatic 21–12 victory over the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship encounter at a packed Kings Park yesterday. Despite trailing for much of the match against a dominant Bulls scrum, the Sharks mounted a stunning late comeback. Handré Pollard kicked four penalties to keep the visitors ahead, but a 70-metre intercept try by Hakeem Kunene kept the hosts in touch. Late tries from Siya Kolisi and Edwill van der Merwe ultimately sealed a vital win for Durban’s revitalised side.

# Cricket: Australia wrapped up an 82-run win over England on day five of the third Ashes test to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and retain the urn with two tests to spare. Chasing a world record 435 runs to win, England battled bravely into the second session at Adelaide Oval but folded for 352. England have now lost the Ashes in three matches for the fourth consecutive tour, while losing 16 of their last 18 tests in the country.

# And finally, Kylie Minogue has secured her first Christmas number one in the UK with her hit track XMAS [pronounced EX-EM-AY-ES]. The 57-year-old Australian pop star is the first solo female artist in 12 years to secure the coveted festive spot. Minogue has also become the first woman to have number one singles across four different decades. Her success comes after two consecutive years in which Last Christmas by Wham! was at the top. XMAS is followed in the singles chart by Last Christmas, with Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You at three.

Stay tuned for more news………….