News 17:00

BULLETIN 31 October 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political party’s leader files a criminal complaint against the national police commissioner
# The City of Johannesburg is taken to court over the removal of informal traders
# And cricket: Government wishes the Proteas Women well ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against India

# National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has filed a criminal complaint against national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, alleging nepotism within the police. Adams claims several of Masemola’s relatives hold positions, some without proper credentials. Adams says the case has been referred to the Anti-Corruption Unit in Pretoria for investigation, urging transparency. He insists evidence includes names, dates, and timeframes and challenges Masemola to publicly deny the allegations:

# The Activists and Citizens Forum says government is spending millions on VIP protectors while the South African Police Service’s ballistics section struggles with a severe staff shortage. This after Police ballistics head Mishak Mkhabela told the Madlanga commission that the section has just 42 analysts, causing delays in firearm analysis and court cases. The forum’s spokesperson, Dennis Bloem, calls on political leaders and the government of national unity to prioritise public safety above their own interests.

# Tensions rise as the City of Johannesburg and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute face off in the local High Court over the removal of informal traders in the inner city. Rival crowds gathered outside the court to show support for both sides. SERI says the evictions violate traders’ rights, while the city says unregulated trading harms the city and public safety. Mayor Dada Morero hopes the court will understand the city’s interventions:

Moving abroad:

# The family of late Virginia Giuffre who accused King Charles’ brother, Andrew, of sexual abuse, has welcomed the decision to strip him of all royal titles. Now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, he must vacate Royal Lodge and relocate to Sandringham. Buckingham Palace cited serious lapses in judgment linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, told BBC Newsnight this move is historic, but he demands a full investigation:

# Cricket: The Government Communication and Information System has extended its best wishes to the Proteas Women as they prepare to face India in Sunday’s final of the Women’s World Cup against co-hostesses India. The historic match which will see a new champion being crown, will be played at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Spokesperson William Baloyi calls on all South Africans to show their support by wearing green and gold and cheering on the players as they aim to bring the trophy home.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-34-cents and the euro at 20-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 110-thousand-890-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-29-dollars-81-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….