News 17:00

BULLETIN 9 November 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# IDAC remains mute on the suspended chief investigator Dylan Perumal’s critical condition
# The national leadership of SANTACO engages with Western Cape structures amid taxi industry violence
# And: Oil prices fall as Trump signals a reluctance to renew strikes on Iran

# The Investigating Directorate against Corruption will not comment on the personal matters of suspended chief investigator Dylan Perumal. This follows reports he was taken to a hospital in GuKompo City in the Eastern Cape in critical condition on Friday after an apparent suicide attempt. Perumal was expected to face scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission soon. He was suspended in July alongside other investigators following allegations of fabricated witness statements and abuse of power. Calls have emerged for an independent medical assessment.

#  South African National Taxi Council national leadership, led by President Abnar Tsebe, is meeting with Western Cape taxi associations to address recent violence and tragic loss of lives. Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala says the delegation aims to understand root causes and promote peaceful, lawful resolution of disputes. Phala emphasized the protection of human life above all and called for constructive engagement to restore stability for commuters, operators, and communities:

# Oil prices have fallen after US President Donald Trump signalled he was unlikely to order fresh attacks on Iran while peace negotiations continue. Brent crude dropped nearly two-percent to around 97-dollars a barrel on Monday. The softer stance has raised hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, although renewed attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz threaten oil supplies. Iran and the United States have reported vessels being targeted. Analysts warn prices will remain volatile until shipping through the strategically important waterway returns to normal.

# Tennis: Coco Gauff has beaten fellow American Jessica Pegula in a three-set thriller to make a winning start to her WTA Finals campaign in Indian Wells. The fourth-ranked Gauff won 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 after two hours and 39 minutes. Pegula fought back from 5-1 down in the second set, saving a match point before taking the tie-break. But Gauff dominated the deciding set to secure victory. The 2024 champion said she was pleased with her performance, having played her first match in more than a month.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-44-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-41-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-619-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-122-dollars-28-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-99-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to South Africa’s Hindu community as they celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali, and the Hindu New Year. He wishes Hindu families a blessed and festive celebration as they mark the occasion with prayers, reflection and celebrations. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Diwali is a wonderful affirmation of faith and culture for individual adherents and the Hindu community as an important part of South Africa’s diverse nation:

Stay tuned for more news………….