News 16:00

BULLETIN 18 November 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Former minister Gigaba is charged with corruption relating to Transnet contracts
# Brian Mogotsi alleges the Mamelodi gunman dubbed ‘John Wick’ is Matlala
# And tennis: Alcaraz withdraws from the Davis Cup Finals

# Former Public Enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng today, charged with corruption linked to three Transnet contracts signed during his tenure. He faces charges alongside former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane. The alleged irregular multi-billion-rand procurement locomotive contracts is dated from 2010 to 2014. The case was postponed to 30 January for docket disclosure and indictment.

# Police informant Brian Mogotsi alleges crime intelligence identifies the gunman dubbed ‘John Wick’ as controversial Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The gunman is linked to the 2021 vigilante killings targeting the Boko Haram gang in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Mogotsi also claims before the Madlanga commission former Police minister Bheki Cele knew Matlala in 2018 and maintained a close relationship. He challenged Cele’s claim of only meeting Matlala last year, citing evidence through messages stating Cele indeed visited Matlala’s house:

# Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has ordered a comprehensive internal investigation into serious allegations against senior officials of the city’s Metro Police Department, including suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Last week, the Madlanga commission heard testimony from several officials, alleging the EMPD has been infiltrated by criminal elements. Xhakaza says he has also directed the city manager to deliver a preliminary report on the investigation within 30 days:

# The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa has welcomed new US tariff exemptions that include oranges, calling it great news for the 2026 season. CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele says the exemption restores South Africa’s competitiveness in a key market, supporting export growth and job creation. The 30-percent tariff came in late in the current season, limiting its impact. Ntshabele urges the US to also exempt mandarins, warning of price spikes and supply shortages if tariffs remain.

# Tennis: Spain’s Davis Cup Finals hopes suffered a huge setback when world number one Carlos Alcaraz had to withdraw from the tournament in Bologna. He announced on social media he has swelling in the right hamstring and was given the medical advice not to play. Spain faces the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals on Thursday. France and Belgium start the tournament today while hosts Italy will play Austria tomorrow. The final quarterfinal match will be between Argentina and Germany.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-94-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-63-cents and Bitcoin trades at 91-thousand-222-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-34-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….