News 16:00

BULLETIN 20 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Sergeant Fanni Nkosi’s bail decision will be delivered on Wednesday
# The Matlala case is postponed amid ongoing legal delays
# And rugby: New Zealand plans a massive onslaught during their tour of South Africa

# The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court will deliver judgement on suspended police sergeant Fanni Nkosi’s bail application on Wednesday. He is facing charges including defeating the ends of justice. State prosecutor Tholoana Sekhonyana argues Nkosi alleged centrality between criminal syndicates and senior police management makes him a flight risk. She says he unlawfully handled dockets, interfered with investigations, and poses risks of witness intimidation and evidence tampering:

# The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has ordered that controversial businessman Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala remain at the Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility. He and his co-accused face 25 charges, including money laundering and attempted murder. Proceedings were delayed to allow the state to respond to defence submissions. Prosecutors are reviewing fresh representations, while defence teams argue key documents remain undisclosed, delaying progress toward a pre-trial hearing. The case resumes on 13 May.

# The recruitment company Job Crystal has warned rising fuel and electricity costs are prompting urgent calls for workplace flexibility across South Africa. Experts told IOL that soaring fuel prices are placing heavy financial strain on employees, reigniting debate around hybrid work models. Job Crystal CEO Sasha Knott says commuting costs are becoming unsustainable, while Debt Rescue’s Neil Roets warns of deepening household financial stress. Analysts say although government introduced temporary fuel levy relief, more support is needed as businesses reconsider policies to cushion workers during the crisis.

# Motorists are advised the R531-2 Orpen Road, which connects areas around the Kruger National Park, is fully closed following a road collapse near the Wits Rural Facility. Traffic from Mpumalanga is being diverted via the R40 towards Hoedspruit, while traffic from the Kruger National Park is rerouted via Phalaborwa in Limpopo. Spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says the section is unsafe and urges road users to allow extra travel time:

# Rugby: New Zealand is planning a massive onslaught during this year’s tour of South Africa, starting in August. The size of the squad could be in the region of 80. The All Blacks will face the Springboks in three Tests in South Africa and another in America, and the visitors will also play the Stormers, the Sharks, the Bulls and the Lions. New Zealand’s new coach, Dave Rennie, reportedly faces a unique challenge before the tour because he still has club commitments in Japan until early June.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-34-cents and the euro at 19-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 75-thousand-441-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-807-dollars-66-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-12-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….