News 17:00

BULLETIN 23 September 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Activists and Citizens Forum slams the Sibiya charges as a blow to the fight against gender-based-violence
# Mosotho Moepya reminds parties to uphold the Electoral Code
# And: Pope Leo urges action to protect child migrants

# Activists and Citizens Forum says charges against suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya including grooming and rape are extremely serious because he is a senior officer. The forum’s Dennis Bloem says the courts must show no mercy to rape accused. He called it a blow to the fight against gender-based-violence. He urged investigators to do proper work so the case stands, not bungled like Pastor Timothy Omotoso’s case:

# Electoral Commission chairperson Mosotho Moepya says the Electoral Code of Conduct is vital to free and fair elections. Speaking at the signing ceremony ahead of November 4 local government elections, Moepya says the code gives 136-thousand-790 candidates equal opportunities to campaign without intimidation, violence or unfair distortion. Moepya warns that violations could undermine the electoral process. He says signing the code can also help rebuild public confidence in elections:

# Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Nakedi Kekana is urging road users to exercise caution as traffic volumes are expected to rise from tomorrow to Monday amid school holidays. Kekana’s spokesperson Dali Tshifhiwa says the province is hosting the St Engenas ZCC pilgrimage at Moria and the Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival in Vhembe. Traffic officers and police will be deployed targeting speeding, drunk driving, reckless overtaking and overload vehicles:

# Pope Leo the Fourteenth has called for global action to protect migrant and refugee children from violence, exploitation and traumatic conditions. Speaking at his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square today, the Pope said children fleeing their home countries in search of safety must always be protected and assisted. He made the appeal ahead of the Catholic Church’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, on Sunday. Leo did not mention any specific countries, but has previously called for better treatment of migrants and criticised US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

# Cricket: Fast bowler Adam Milne returns to New Zealand’s T20 squad after an absence of over a year. He was included in the group for next month’s home series against India. The 34-year-old was injured after playing his 56th international match last year. Coach Rob Walter says exciting young allrounder Rachin Ravindra will miss the T20 series through injury, but could be ready for the one-day series. The tour, starting on 22 October, consists of five T20s, five one-day matches and two Tests.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-33-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-69-cents and Bitcoin trades at 85-thousand-355-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-305-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-13-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….