News 15:00

BULLETIN 10 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A former apartheid-era police member is sentenced to 15-years for the murder of a student activist in 1987
# The DA files an additional complaint with Parliament’s Ethics Committee against minister Senzo Mchunu
# And cricket: The IPL’s business value increases to a whopping 330-billion-rand

# Former apartheid-era police member Johan Marais has been sentenced to 15-years in prison for the 1987 murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka. The 66-year-old earlier pleaded guilty in the High Court in Pretoria to gunning down Nyoka at his Daveyton home. Presiding Judge Mokhine Mosopa said the sentence must serve as both punishment and deterrent. The sentencing follows a decades-long pursuit of justice for Nyoka’s family. Marais admitted he acted under orders and refused a plea deal to testify against his co-accused.

# The DA has filed an additional complaint with Parliament’s Ethics Committee against Police minister Senzo Mchnu. The party also laid criminal charges against him this morning. The DA says Mchunu misled Parliament about his links to controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi, which they believe violates the ethical standards expected of public representatives. This comes after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering in police work. The DA’s Baxolile Nodada calls for a full investigation:

# Cosatu has lauded looming criminal charges against those responsible for the George building collapse that killed 34 workers and injured 28 in May last year. Public Works minister Dean Macpherson confirmed the charges following reports revealing systemic failures and unqualified personnel. The Engineering Council’s final report points to professional negligence. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela says they will push for full accountability:

# Cricket: The Indian Premier League’s business value has increased to an estimated 330-billion-rand, with this year’s champion, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, now the wealthiest franchise. US Investment Bank Houlihan Lokey says this is a 13.8-percent rise since last year. RCB now has a brand value of 4.8-billion-rand, followed by Mumbai Indians on 4.3-billion and Chennai Super Kings on 4.2-billion. The bank describes the IPL in its report as a global phenomenon which continues to set benchmarks in sports business.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-73-cents and the euro at 20-rand-79-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-186-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-327-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 69-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Mdluli Safari Lodge, on the edge of the Kruger National Park next to Numbi Gate, is a working example of a land claim turned into a successful community tourism initiative. Director of the lodge, Chris Schalkwyk, says the vision was birthed by Chief MZ Mdluli. It took 4 years to get the land back and another 27 years before the lodge could be built due to environmental approvals and raising capital. The lodge currently employs 130 people on a permanent basis.

Stay tuned for more news………….