News 13:00

BULLETIN 24 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team arrests a police forensic science laboratory captain
# Six people are killed and eleven injured in four different crashes in Limpopo
# And tennis: Novak Djokovic faces a tough start in his quest for 25 as Roland Garros begins

# The Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team has arrested a captain attached to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory on charges of defeating the ends of justice. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the suspect was arrested on Friday at his residence in Pretoria. She says the arrest is linked to allegations of defeating the ends of justice in several high-profile murder cases currently under investigation as well as evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry:

# The Forum for South Africa says corruption within the police contributes to the high number of crimes in the country. Acting national police commissioner Puleng Simpane announced that the State Security Agency is currently conducting lifestyle audits of lieutenant-generals, with plans to expand the process to major-generals. The FOSA leader, Tebogo Mshilompane, says referring to lifestyle audits conducted by the State Security Agency means nothing unless it leads to immediate suspensions, criminal prosecutions and jail time for corrupt officials:

# Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says infrastructure investment remains central to economic growth, job creation and improved public services. Godongwana says government continues spending significant resources responding to water leaks and system failures, rather than addressing the root cause of the crisis, namely ageing and dilapidated water infrastructure. The minister says the current water funding landscape remains fragmented across multiple grants and funding instruments, limiting coordination, reducing efficiency, and weakening the long-term sustainability of infrastructure investment.

# The Limpopo Transport and Community Safety Department has confirmed that six people were killed including two pedestrians and eleven injured in four different crashes that were reported on the province’s roads last night. Spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says the department continues to urge motorists to obey road safety regulations, as reckless behaviour on the roads can result in fatalities and life-changing injuries:

# Soccer: The Gauteng Government has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Orlando Pirates following their historic triumph in winning the Betway Premiership championship for 2025/2026. Government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga says this achievement is a testament to the club’s hard work, discipline, resilience and commitment to excellence throughout the season. He says the victory has brought immense pride and excitement to millions of supporters across Gauteng and the country at large. He adds that soccer continues to unite communities across the country.

# And tennis: Novak Djokovic will today begin his latest attempt to make history. Winning the French Open for a fourth time would bring the 39-year-old that elusive 25th major title. Djokovic’s last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz winning every Grand Slam since then. Djokovic will face a tough match tonight against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The former world number 29 has one of the biggest serves on the tour and will enjoy raucous home backing on Roland Garros’ centre court.

Stay tuned for more news………….