News 13:00

BULLETIN 3 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Thabo Bester challenges his transfer to a super-max prison in Kokstad
# Ramaphosa says government is strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme
# And Olympics: Japan hopes to better its record of 18 medals at the Winter Games

# Convicted murderer Thabo Bester is set to challenge his transfer from Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria to eBongweni super maximum prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. Correctional Services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale says the move followed safety and security risk assessments and forms part of routine inmate transfers. Bester argues the distance hinders access to his legal team. Correctional Services confirms it is engaging with his lawyers on the matter.

# The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court will tomorrow consider a formal bail application of two VIP protection officials accused of killing South African Air Force sergeant Michael Swanton. Thabang Sohole and Michael Makampa appeared in court yesterday. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the officials assigned to the Madibeng municipality’s mayor, Douglas Maimane, are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched last year. The scheme streamlines visa processes for groups whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says a significant number of tourists from key markets like India and China are already using group tour operators for a more structured, tailored travel experience. He adds retaining the country’s reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort.

# Olympics: Japan hopes to improve on their previous record of 18 medals when the Winter Olympics takes place in Northern Italy from Friday. Japan was the top Asian country in Beijing four years ago, and eyes ever more success in items such as figure skating, snowboarding, speed skating and ski jumping. The country’s Olympic team chief, Hidehito Ito, believes good results will follow when the athletes are able to perform at their very best. A total of 120 Japanese athletes will participate in the Milano-Cortina Olympics.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 18-rand-91-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-972-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-902-dollars-45-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-22-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The ANC extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Leon Levy, who died aged 96, describing him as a towering veteran of the liberation struggle. Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says he was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and accused number four in the 1956 treason trial, a moment in history that symbolised the apartheid state’s attempt to criminalise the aspirations of the oppressed majority:

Stay tuned for more news………….