News 15:00

BULLETIN 26 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Gopaul flags protocol concerns over Mchunu’s call regarding councillor Mabhida’s murder
# Bail is denied for the accused in the DJ Warras murder case
# And cricket: Sunrisers’ coach says quality and consistency handed them the SA20 title

# Acting KwaZulu-Natal deputy police commissioner Anthony Gopaul has told the Madlanga commission Police minister Senzo Mchunu contacted him regarding the February 2025 murder of the ANC’s ward councillor in Mandeni, Phendukani Mabhida. Gopaul says Mchunu sought updates on suspects and charges, which he referred to investigators and senior officials. He stressed that such direct communication did not follow protocol, noting updates should ordinarily be channelled through provincial leadership:

# The accused in the murder of media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, Victor Majola, has been denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. Majola faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy after Stock was fatally shot near the Carlton Centre on 16 December. The magistrate cited his lack of a fixed address, conflicting alibi, and unreliable video evidence in rejecting bail. The case has been postponed to 11 February for further investigations.

# Higher Education minister Buti Manamela is urging the matric class of 2025 to consider multiple post-school options. Speaking in Pimville, Soweto, where Gauteng’s top achievers received certificates and study grants, Manamela encouraged learners to look beyond traditional universities. The class of 2025 recorded a historic pass rate amid limited university spaces nationwide. Manamela highlighted TVET and community colleges:

# South Africa and Zimbabwe border officials are intensifying efforts to tackle the trafficking of undocumented minors. Over 50 children have been intercepted at the Beitbridge border post this month, travelling without parents or guardians. Border Management Authority commissioner Michael Masiapato warns adults facilitating the journeys and negligent parents will be arrested and face legal action. He says authorities also engaged bus and taxi companies to ensure compliance, while both countries work together to prevent the illegal movement of children across their borders.

# Cricket: Head coach Adrian Birrell says Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the SA20’s fourth season because of quality and consistency. The team was crowned champions for the third time after beating Pretoria Capitals by six wickets in yesterday’s final in Cape Town. This happened after they lost to the same team in the first qualifier after finishing on top of the log. Birrell believes the squad was the most balanced of all six teams, and they had been competitive in every facet of the game.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 19-rand-99-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-717-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-89-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-45-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….