News 17:00

BULLETIN 19 May 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Freedom Under Law says frivolous lawsuits puts strain on the Constitutional Court  
# ActionSA questions the SAPS disciplinary outcomes on the Phala Phala theft
# And: Emergency Medical Services issues a fire warning as extreme cold grips Johannesburg

# Freedom Under Law has warned that the Constitutional Court is under growing pressure due to a surge in groundless lawsuits and unpredictable legal applications. The court is reportedly facing a mounting backlog, with many petitions remaining unresolved for months. Legal experts warn that the vague nature of some applications is overwhelming the justice system and slowing down key constitutional processes. The crisis has raised concerns about access to justice and the efficiency of South Africa’s highest court.

# Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane says countries worldwide are facing similar disasters linked to global warming and extreme weather. Speaking at the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Simelane joined global leaders discussing affordable housing. She says unpredictable weather continue disrupting cities globally. She highlighted the importance of collaboration through the UN-Habitat, for countries to learn from each other’s approaches to housing, urban development and environmental management:

# ActionSA has raised concerns over the acquittal of two senior SAPS officials on the Phala Phala theft matter on president Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm, despite misconduct findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni says the outcome highlights weaknesses in SAPS internal disciplinary systems. Ngobeni argues repeated acquittals in high-profile cases undermine accountability and public trust. She confirmed that the party plans to file a Promotion of Access to Information Act application seeking full disciplinary records, while continuing parliamentary and legal efforts to strengthen police oversight and transparency.

# Emergency Medical Services urges residents in the City of Johannesburg to take extra caution as extremely cold weather continues across the metro. Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warns that unsafe use of heating devices, especially leaving them unattended, increases the risk of fire-related incidents in homes. He urges residents to ensure proper safety measures, switch off heaters when not in use, and stay vigilant to prevent avoidable emergencies during the cold conditions:

# Cricket: Five teams are fighting it out for the only remaining spot in the play-offs of the Indian Premier League. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified, while Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated. This leaves Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders vying for the fourth qualifying spot. The first qualifier will be played next Tuesday, the eliminator the next day, the second qualifier next Friday and the final next Sunday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-64-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-33-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-880-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-533-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-95-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….