News 15:00

BULLETIN 17 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The National Prosecuting Authority says Malema’s threats against prosecutors will have consequences
# The Nkabinde inquiry rejects Shamila Batohi’s request for legal consultation
# And athletics: Gift Leotlela successfully defends his 100-metre national title at ASA’s senior championships

# The National Prosecuting Authority has condemned threats made by EFF leader Julius Malema against a state prosecutor following his sentencing. The NPA says the comments, posted on social media, amount to intimidation and undermine the rule of law, warning that prosecutors must be allowed to perform their duties without fear. The NPA’s Kaizer Kganyago urged any intimidation be reported to law enforcement authorities:

# The Nkabinde inquiry has dismissed former National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi’s request to seek legal advice while under oath during her testimony. The panel ruled proceedings must continue without interruption. Batohi had indicated a need for independent legal counsel before continuing evidence. She was criticised in December for walking out of the hearings before completing her testimony. The inquiry is investigating the fitness to hold office of suspended South Gauteng director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke. 

# Eskom has concluded a three-year wage agreement with the majority unions following its central bargaining forum process. The deal, signed by the National Union of Mineworkers and Solidarity, includes a seven-percent annual salary increase and will take effect from July. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says metalworkers union Numsa has declared a deadlock and did not sign the agreement, with the utility committing to continue engaging all unions:

# The Road Freight Association has criticised Transnet Port Terminals over a new container handling fuel surcharge set to take effect in May at 52-rand-per container. The association’s CEO, Gavin Kelly, says the charge is misleading and will increase logistics costs as containers have no engines. He warns the added expense will be passed to consumers, placing further pressure on prices, amid concerns over how the surcharge will be applied:

# Athletics: Twenty-seven-year-old Gift Leotlela successfully defending his 100-metre national title in a blistering 10.15-seconds at Athletics South Africa’s senior track and field championships, underway in Stellenbosch. On the women’s side, Joviale Mbisha retained her sprint crown, clocking 11.55-seconds to edge out Viwe Jingqi. In the field, Colette Uys dominated the discus with a 57.86-metre throw, while Aiden Smith secured shot put gold. Endurance highlights included Kabelo Mulaudzi’s maiden 10-thousand metre title and Tayla Kavanagh’s personal best to win the five-thousand-metres.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-37-cents and the euro at 19-rand-31-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-14-cents and Bitcoin trades at 75-thousand-498-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-785-dollars-66-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 92-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….