News 17:00

BULLETIN 22 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SAPS intensifies its operational readiness ahead of the potential unrest on 30 June
# The number of displaced Malawians seeking shelter continues to increase in Pietermaritzburg
# And soccer: Bafana Bafana’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi is ranked among the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s top young defenders 

# Acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia says the government is fully prepared to maintain peace and stability ahead of anticipated developments on 30 June. Addressing the media after a security planning meeting, Cachalia said police have intensified operational readiness across all provinces, with increased deployments to protect communities and critical infrastructure. He added while peaceful protest will be protected, any criminal activity, violence or attempts to disrupt public order will be dealt with firmly:

# The Madlanga Commission has received WhatsApp conversations between Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as documentary evidence. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson highlighted messages in which Matlala claimed that “my person is going to be a national commissioner” following reports about senior police officials facing scrutiny. In his statement, he maintains that Matlala spoke of connections to high-ranking SAPS members but never identified them by name:

# The number of displaced Malawian nationals in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal is rising following the killing of a 29-year-old Malawian man at the Jika Joe Informal Settlement on Friday. The incident has reportedly forced hundreds of foreign nationals to flee their homes and seek refuge in churches and mosques. Authorities have increased police deployments in the area to maintain order. Malawian officials are calling on the South African government and the Department of Home Affairs to establish a temporary repatriation facility to assist those wishing to return home voluntarily.

# Three learners were killed and more injured after two of their peers opened fire at a high school in central Philippines. Investigators believe the two teenagers were motivated by a grudge over bullying. One was arrested soon after the incident while the second later surrendered. The suspects were armed with a revolver and a pistol, the latter of which belongs to a policewoman who is a relative of one of the suspects. Gun violence is not uncommon in the Philippines, but school shootings are extremely rare.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been ranked among the best young defenders at the 2026 FIFA World Cup thus far. The 20-year-old centre-back was placed fourth among Under-23 defenders by the International Centre for Sports Studies Football Observatory after the opening round of matches. Mbokazi impressed with a strong defensive display against Mexico, recording key clearances, interceptions and recoveries. He is ranked behind New Zealand’s Paul Okon, Ghana’s Jonas Adjetey and Spain star Gavi. The recognition could attract interest from international clubs.

And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-966-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-190-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….