News 17:00

BULLETIN 19 July 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum opens a case against Malema and Shivambu over VBS Bank allegations
# DA leader Steenhuisen welcomes policy interventions by the government of national unity
# And, rugby: Clayton Blommetjies returns for Province against the Griffons

# AfriForum has opened a case against EFF leaders Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu for fraud, corruption, and money laundering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. CEO Kallie Kriel’s complaint at the Sandton police station in Johannesburg calls for an investigation into VBS Bank allegations and the EFF as an organised crime enterprise. AfriForum’s advocate, Gerrie Nel, has urged equality before the law:

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has welcomed policy interventions discussed at the Cabinet Lekgotla. These include expanding VAT-exempt food items, reducing fuel prices, preventing political interference in the Public Service, and setting up specialised units to combat violent crime and construction mafias. He also confirmed the party’s commitment to a responsible fiscal path, reducing national debt, and increasing exports:

# The deputy director of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Machitje, has been found dead after being reported missing on July 8. He was hijacked while traveling from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape. Machitje’s family received confirmation of his death this morning. Family spokesperson Sello Mphaga says they are awaiting more details from law enforcement while mourning the loss. Police are investigating whether a 53-year-old suspect, arrested with Machitje’s vehicle, is linked to his murder.

# The Israeli military is investigating an apparent drone attack that hit central Tel Aviv in the early hours of the morning. Israeli emergency services say the explosion left one person dead and several injured. Yemen’s Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident came after the Israeli military confirmed it had killed a senior commander of the Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon. Both Hezbollah and the Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians.

# Rugby: Fullback Clayton Blommetjies makes his return from injury for Western Province in the Currie Cup encounter with the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday. There will also be debuts for wing Jared Africa, centre Jonathan Roche, props Mhleli Khuzwayo and Nicolas Roebeck, and lock André Goedhals. The bulk of the debutants have shown their worth for Western Province under-21 and will be eager to make an impression for the senior team. Kick-off is at 3pm.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-32-cents and the euro at 19-rand-95-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-248-dollars-67-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-397-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-62-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….