News 15:00

BULLETIN 25 June 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The state and defence agree to an effective eight-year prison sentence for Matlala as he turns state witness
# Gauteng’s joint operational and intelligence structure is ready for the June 30 protests
# And cricket: South Africa and India are under pressure in today’s World Cup group matches

# The National Prosecuting Authority and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s lawyers have agreed in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to an eight-year prison sentence in exchange for him turning state witness and exposing more senior police officials linked to the Medicare24 tender awarded to his company. Matlala agreed to plead guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering. The state proposed a 15-year prison sentence, with seven-years suspended. Magistrate Adriaan Bekker postponed the case to Wednesday after he wasn’t prepared to agree to the deal and sentence immediately.

# The Gauteng joint operational and intelligence structure says it is fully prepared for Tuesday’s planned demonstrations. The structure has activated an integrated operational plan involving law enforcement agencies, Home Affairs and community stakeholders. Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili says officials will protect the right to peaceful protest while acting against violence, intimidation and criminal activity. She warns temporary traffic disruptions may occur:

# Spanish airline Air Europa has launched its first scheduled service into sub-Saharan Africa, introducing a direct route between Madrid and Gauteng, which touched down at OR Tambo International Airport this morning. The service which began last night will operate three times a week using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Tourism minister Patricia de Lille says the new route is expected to boost tourism, trade and business travel between South Africa, Spain and Latin America.

# Cricket: South Africa and India’s Women are both under pressure in today’s World Cup group matches in England. India first play Bangladesh in Manchester, followed by the Proteas and the Netherlands in Bristol. India is currently second in the group behind Australia and South Africa third, and victories in the remaining group matches will strengthen their changes of reaching the semifinals. The Proteas next play Bangladesh, and India faces Australia. England yesterday qualified for the penultimate round when they beat the West Indies at Lord’s in London.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-56-cents and the euro at 18-rand-78-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-79-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-210-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-977-dollars-21-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, says gambling is having a serious impact on students’ academic performance, finances and mental health. Speaking at a Gambling and Student Wellbeing Symposium at Stellenbosch University, Dube-Ncube warned students involved in gambling may miss classes, struggle to concentrate and perform poorly academically. She adds some students are even diverting money meant for essentials such as tuition and food to fund gambling:

Stay tuned for more news………….