News 16:00

BULLETIN 19 December 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Hawks continue a probe into the deaths of three Simon’s Town naval officers
# The N1 in Limpopo is closed after a tanker accident
# And the United Rugby Championship resumes with several local derbies this weekend

# Acting minister of Police Firoz Cachalia says the Hawks are still investigating the deaths of three officers from Simon’s Town Naval Base in Cape Town in 2023. They were washed off the deck of the submarine Manthatisi, leaving a senior officer seriously injured. Cachalia says a classified report suggested possible negligence by the South African Navy and the captain on duty, but no suspects have been identified.

# The N1 between Mookgophong and Mokopane in Limpopo was closed following a tanker accident involving dangerous goods. Provincial Transport spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala says southbound traffic is being diverted via Mookgophong as the off-ramp to Y-Press is closed, while northbound drivers are rerouted to the R101 through Zebediela Plaza to Mokopane. He urges motorists to plan ahead, obey diversion signs, and drive cautiously while emergency teams manage the scene:

# Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa urges heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season. Department spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose says central and eastern regions may face flooding, lightning, and strong winds. The public is advised to monitor weather updates, avoid flooded areas, secure property, stay indoors during storms, and report emergencies. She says disaster management centres remain prepared to respond:

# The Western Cape Health Department has renewed calls for parents to immunise their children amid rising measles cases and a diphtheria outbreak. Spokesperson Monique Johnstone says targeted outreach is underway in Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Dunoon in Cape Town, and in Citrusdal. Johnstone says clinics will remain open over the festive season. She urges parents and legal guardians to ensure all children are fully immunised before holiday travel and gatherings.

# Rugby: The United Rugby Championship resumes after a three-week hiatus this weekend, with several local derbies on offer. Top of the log Stormers play the seventh-placed Lions in Cape Town from 3.30 tomorrow afternoon, and at six, the 14th placed Sharks host the eighth-placed Bulls in Durban. Welsh teams Cardiff and Scarlets kick off the weekend in the Welsh capital this evening, while Irish teams Leinster and Ulster will do battle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Four other matches will be played tomorrow.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-76-cents and the euro at 19-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-42-cents and Bitcoin trades at 88-thousand-201-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-324-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 59-dollars-65-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….