News 15:00

BULLETIN 27 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# FOSA slams Ramaphosa for allowing Andrea Johnson to resign
# A forum says the public deserves answers after Johnson steps down
# And government approves a liquor action plan to curb violent crime

# Forum for South Africa condemns president Cyril Ramaphosa for allowing Andrea Johnson to resign as head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption instead of ensuring she is held accountable. The organisation’s Tebogo Mashilompane says the decision undermines public trust and weakens the fight against corruption. He argues serious questions surrounding Johnson remain unresolved. Mashilompane says law enforcement must continue their investigations and hold her accountable if any wrongdoing is established:

Activists and Citizens Forum welcomes Johnson’s resignation. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem says her decision will help protect the evidence presented before the Madlanga commission and the integrity of its proceedings. He says the commission must be allowed to complete its work independently and without interference:

# The case against the alleged murderers of popular musician DJ Warras Stock has been postponed to 19 August in the High Court in Johannesburg. Victor Majola and Armando Pacula were charged after Stock was shot and killed in the Johannesburg CBD on 16 December last year. The postponement follows indications that Majola is experiencing difficulties paying for legal representation and is still making arrangements with his lawyers. Presiding judge William Karam granted the postponement.

# Government adopted the National Liquor Action Plan as a key strategy to reduce violent crime and alcohol abuse. Acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia says the plan was endorsed during a meeting with MEC’s in Mpumalanga following consultations across government. Recent crime statistics show alcohol was linked to 231 murders between January and March. Cachalia says government will also continue prioritising the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of vulnerable groups.

# Cricket: Pakistan trails the West Indies by 112 runs at the start of the third day of the first Test in Tarouba in Trinidad. The Brian Lara Stadium is hosting its very first Test. The hosts posted a first innings score of 311 after Shai Hope contributed 92 and Kavem Hodge 84. Mohammad Ali took four wickets and Mohammad Abbas three. Shan Masood will resume on 88 today after Imam-ul-Haq was caught for 63. The final Test will start in Port of Spain on Sunday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-70-cents and the euro at 19-rand-3-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-113-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-100-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-4-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….