News 15:00

BULLETIN 30 December 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala transferred to South Africa’s maximum security prison
# The accused in the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting case abandon bail
# And, the RTMC reports 6,000 drunken driving arrests since the festive season began

# The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed the transfer of alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre to eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. Matlala faces charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. Authorities say the move enhances security for the high-risk inmate ahead of his Johannesburg High Court trial, scheduled to begin on 29 January 2026.

# The case of KwaNoxolo tavern mass shooting in Bekkersdal, west of Gauteng has been postponed to 5 January 2026 in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court. Five of the eleven suspects abandoned bail and are facing charges including possession of live ammunition, unlicensed firearms and defeating the ends of justice. One accused has a prior attempted murder conviction. Murder charges will follow after an identity parade. Six others are yet to be formally charged. Media coverage has been restricted pending the identity parade.

# The Road Traffic Management Corporation says about six-thousand motorists have been arrested for driving under the influence since the festive season began. Spokesperson Simon Zwane warns traffic volumes will peak ahead of New Year’s Eve and again as holidaymakers return home before schools open. Authorities expect congestion, especially towards coastal routes. He urges motorists to stagger travel times and drive responsibly. He also warned against reckless overtaking and a rise in head-on collisions:

# Firefighting teams continue to battle a major blaze in the Cedarberg region which has devastated natural vegetation and farmland. Cape Winelands district municipality spokesperson Jaco Thynsma says smoke makes accessing the fire, streteching over a distance of seven kilometres, quite difficult. Thynsma warns residents and visitors of ongoing risks, but added that no structural or infrastructure is currently at risk:

# South Africa’s rand is on track for its strongest yearly gain since 2009, rising 13-percent against the US dollar, boosted by dollar weakness, political stability and strong capital inflows. According to Bloomberg, offshore investors bought a net 72.4-billion-rand in local bonds this year, far above 2024 levels. Slower inflation, improved growth prospects and expectations of further US rate cuts support the outlook. In addition, reforms at Eskom, ports and rail, alongside a new three-percent inflation target, have further strengthened investor confidence.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-48-cents to the dollar and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-812-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-385-dollars-59-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

# Cricket: Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been included in England’s provisional T20 World Cup squad announced today, despite a recent left side strain injury that ruled him out of the final two Ashes Tests. The tournament is scheduled to begin on the 7th of February in India and Sri Lanka. Archer will not participate in the preceding warm-up tour of Sri Lanka, remaining in the UK to continue his rehabilitation. The 15-man squad will be captained by Harry Brook.

# And finally, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-48-cents to the dollar and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-812-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-385-dollars-59-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….