News 16:00

BULLETIN 28 October 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA demands an urgent police forensics overhaul following a ballistics scandal
# The TRC inquiry slams government departments for withholding key information
# And cricket: Uncertainty over the fitness of the top-ranked ODI bowler for the World Cup semifinal against South Africa

# The DA has called for an urgent overhaul of the police’s forensic and ballistics systems following shocking evidence at the Madlanga commission. Evidence revealed error-riddled reports linking the AK-47 used in the murder of engineer Armand Swart to at least 20 other killings, including DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos, and businessman Don Tindleni. The DA’s Ian Cameron warns of possible systemic corruption, calling for independent audits, forensic laboratories upgrades, and lifestyle checks on senior police officials:

Meanwhile, deputy Police minister Cassel Mathale says his suspended minister, Senzo Mchunu, needed time to familiarise himself with the ministry and would receive full support from him, a legal advisor, and experienced deputies. Addressing Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Mathale also confirmed briefing Mchunu on the organisational structures:

# The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases has expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from key government departments for failing to provide requested information, including affidavits and reports. The police, the Justice Department, the Presidency, and Parliament have not responded to requests for information on old TRC cases. Spokesperson Lionel Adendorf confirmed that despite these challenges, public hearings will start as scheduled on 10 November:

# Moody’s Ratings has shown confidence in Johannesburg’s finances, citing sound operations, moderate debt, and prudent management despite political turmoil and wasteful spending. Analysts say the city maintains positive margins and solid financial oversight, but warned of rising debt from infrastructure backlogs and population growth. The review contrasts with Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s concerns over 24.4-billion-rand in irregular expenditure. Johannesburg retains a Ba3 stable credit rating, indicating a moderate to high level of credit risk, just below Cape Town’s Ba2 and the national government’s rating.

# Cricket: There is still uncertainty over the fitness of the world’s top-ranked one-day bowler, Sophie Ecclestone of England, for tomorrow’s World Cup semifinal against the Proteas Women. She injured her shoulder during Sunday’s final group match against New Zealand and couldn’t complete her bowling spell. Management says Ecclestone will be assessed continuously before the game. She and teammate Linsey Smith are the joint leading wicket-takers at the tournament with 12 each. Australia and co-hostess India will face off in Thursday’s second semifinal.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-24-cents and the euro at 20-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 114-thousand-172-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-925-dollars-30-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….