News 14:00

BULLETIN 4 August 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An inquiry begins into former Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni’s conduct
# The Senzo Meyiwa trial is delayed after the accused refuse police transport
# And school transfer applications open in the Western Cape

# The Magistrates’ Commission today begins an inquiry into a complaint against the former Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court’s Chief Magistrate, Tuletu Tonjeni. This follows concerns raised by the National Prosecuting Authority over her handling of an extortion case involving taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni. Former senior state prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba, who was placed in contempt of court for not appearing in court, is expected to testify. The NPA welcomes the inquiry and believes it will establish whether Tonjeni acted lawfully during the controversial proceedings.

Staying in the courts:

# Proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial have been delayed at the High Court in Pretoria after four of the accused apparently refused to board the police vehicle transporting them to court this morning. Five men are accused of murdering the former Bafana Bafana captain in 2014. The state says the four claimed the vehicle was dirty and refused to travel in it. The delay has postponed the start of proceedings while the issue is being addressed. The trial’s resumption remains uncertain as transport arrangements are being addressed.

# Civil society groups are calling on all South Africans to participate in Saturday’s planned nationwide protest action against xenophobia. July Eccles of the Siyafana Sonke Campaign warns vigilante groups are systematically attacking documented and undocumented citizens from other African nations, as well as South Asian communities. Speaking ahead of Women’s Day, Eccles emphasized women’s safety is non-negotiable, declaring that local and migrant women alike deserve to live free from fear:

# The Western Cape Education Department opened applications for school transfers for learners in Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12 for the 2027 academic year. The application period runs until 17 August. Parents can apply online if they meet specific transfer criteria, including relocating home or work, while other applications must be submitted directly to schools. The department’s Bronagh Hammond says supporting documents are required when applying:

# Soccer:  The Premier League has confirmed this weekend’s MTN8 quarterfinal fixtures. Defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their bid for a record fifth straight title against Durban City in Soweto on Saturday. Mamelodi Sundowns host Polokwane City later that evening in their first competitive match of the new season. On Sunday, AmaZulu take on Sekhukhune United in Chatsworth, while Kaizer Chiefs welcome Golden Arrows to the FNB Stadium. Chiefs will be full of confidence after opening their Premiership campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Kruger United at the weekend.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-49-cents and the euro at 18-rand-98-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-17-cents and Bitcoin trades at 63-thousand-416-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-49-dollars-28-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 89-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….