News 15:00

BULLETIN 24 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the economic impact of road fatalities amounts to billions of rands
# The Western Cape recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools
# And Cricket: Two more members of Australia’s Test squad contract Covid-19

# Transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has revealed that during the 2023/2024 festive period, there were one-thousand-184 fatal crashes, showing a 2.3-percent decrease from the previous year’s one-thousand-212 incidents. The decline is attributed to intensified law enforcement operations. The Eastern Cape exceeded its targeted reduction in fatalities by 18.6-percent. Briefing the media, Chikunga said the festive season faced challenges with heavy rainfall and storms, leading to avoidable crashes as some drivers failed to adjust their speed:

# Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier says despite his department providing security to 486 schools over the December holidays, the province recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools. In 2022, 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools. The department is nonetheless disappointed that once again the schools must pick up the pieces. Maynier says items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras:

# The United States has called on Israel to protect innocent people in Gaza hospitals, medical staff and patients. This comes after Israeli forces yesterday stormed one hospital and put another under siege as they advanced deep into western Khan Younis. Israel says Hamas fighters operate in and around hospitals, which Hamas and medical staff deny. Residents say the bombardment from air, land and sea was the most intense in southern Gaza since the war began in October.

# Cricket: Another two members of Australia’s Test squad have contracted Covid-19 ahead of the second Test against the Windies. All-rounder Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald were diagnosed after batter Travis Head fell ill earlier. Cricket Australia confirmed Green and McDonald will be separated from the squad until they test negative for the virus, while Head has already tested negative and re-joined his teammates. The second and final Test starts in Brisbane tomorrow after Australia won the first encounter in Adelaide by ten wickets.

# And finally: Newly-crowned UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is set to arrive in South Africa early tomorrow morning. He will land at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng at 7.30. Du Plessis made history by becoming the first South African to win the championship when he beat defending champion Sean Strickland of America in Toronto, Canada. The fight, held at the Scotiabank Arena on Sunday morning, saw Du Plessis secure victory with a split decision of 48-47. This was his sixth consecutive victory.

Stay tuned for more news………….