News 17:00

BULLETIN 13 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A huge fuel price shock looms for South African motorists in April
# Richard Shibiri claims an informer relayed information on Witness A’s promotion
# And, BOSA criticises the Gauteng budget for lack of a clear job creation plan

# Motorists could face sharp fuel price increases next month, driven by rising international oil prices, a weaker rand and new fuel tax adjustments. Current data from the Central Energy Fund suggests the petrol price could increase by nearly four-rand per litre, while diesel may rise by between six-rand-63- and six-rand-75-cents per litre. Brent crude oil has climbed significantly in recent weeks amid global tensions. From next month, additional fuel levies will add 21-cents per litre to pump prices.

# The suspended head of SAPS’ Organised Crime unit, Richard Shibiri, told the Madlanga Commission an informer told him that Witness A was promoted after testifying against top SAPS officials. Shibiri said while SAPS has a clear policy on promotions, he is not saying Witness A does not deserve advancement, but noted perceptions around promotions can create suspicion:

# Build One South Africa says the Gauteng government is relying on hope rather than a clear strategy to drive economic growth and create jobs. The party has criticised the provincial budget, with 1.8-rand-billion allocated to economic development compared to larger amounts for housing and social services. BOSA’s Ayanda Allie warns that without concrete plans for infrastructure, investment, and business growth, the province risks stagnation:

# The bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in a torpedo attack by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean last week are due to be flown home today. They were among 130 people thought to be aboard the Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, when it was sunk about 40 kilometres off Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. The ship had been returning from a military exercise hosted by India. Its sinking in international waters came during the current US-Israeli war with Iran and marked a dramatic widening of the conflict.

# Rugby: The Six Nations reaches it’s final round on Super Saturday tomorrow, with France, Scotland and Ireland all still with a shot to clinch the title. Defending champion France, who tops the log, faces England in Paris in the final action of the competition. Earlier, third-place Ireland will welcome second-placed Scotland to Dublin, with the winning team improving its chances to clinch the crown. Then Wales will do battle with Italy in Cardiff. Italy is currently fourth on the log, England fifth and Wales last as usual.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-79-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-28-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-28-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-755-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-113-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-99-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….