News 17:00

BULLETIN 3 January 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Department withholds details of Oscar Pistorius’ parole release
# Rescue teams end their search at Ladysmith as death toll reaches 23
# And, tennis: Raducanu secures her place in main draw of Australian Open

# The Department of Correctional Services maintains strict confidentiality around the impending parole release of convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius, effective from Friday, citing security concerns. The decision, aligning with the victim-centred justice system, aims to protect the safety and privacy of both Pistorius and those involved in the process. The former Paralympian shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria on Valentine’s Day in 2013. The department’s spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, says this move restricts media access to transportation plans and release timing:

# Search and recovery efforts have come to a close after flash flooding in the vicinity of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal since Christmas Eve. The rescue teams concluded their search after discovering a man’s body in the Klip River, bringing the death toll to 23. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda reports that members from various locations have returned to their bases, marking the completion of the search mission. The flooding has affected over one-thousand-400 homes.

# Border Management Authority commissioner, Michael Masiapato, says there is heightened monitoring of increased traffic at the Beitbridge port of entry in Limpopo. Masiapato says deployed authorities are diligently overseeing the return of holidaymakers to South Africa, ensuring compliance with proper documentation and preventing the entry of counterfeit goods or drugs at the border:

# Hundreds of sealed court filings related to late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are being made public this week, revealing prominent names. US District Judge Loretta Preska ruled for the release of the over 150 mentioned individuals. The documents originate from a 2015 civil lawsuit involving allegations that Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, facilitated the sexual abuse of trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre accused Epstein, Maxwell, and Britain’s Prince Andrew of directing her to engage in sexual activities. Prince Andrew has since settled a lawsuit filed by Giuffre.

# Tennis: Emma Raducanu of Britain has secured her place in the main draw of the Australian Open after American Lauren Davis had to withdraw with a shoulder injury. The 2021 American Open champion would otherwise have to participate in the qualifying tournament. The 21-year-old’s career took a downward turn after her victory at Flushing Meadows over two years ago, with a lack of form and several injuries taking their toll. The year’s first Grand Slam tournament starts in Melbourne on the 14th of this month.

Stay tuned for more news………….