News 18:00

BULLETIN 28 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Increased police efforts amid the rising concerns over mass shootings and gun violence
# Over 900-thousand suspects are arrested in 17 months as SAPS intensifies its crime-fighting efforts
# And rugby: Rassie Erasmus is excited to see what Cameron Hanekom can bring to the Bok squad

# National police commissioner Fannie Masemola says the rise in mass shootings in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape is a serious concern that needs immediate action. In a media briefing, Masemola said a comprehensive response is needed to prioritise public safety and address the root causes of violence to combat this troubling trend. He assured the public that efforts are being intensified to tackle the ongoing threats posed by gun violence: 

Police have arrested over 900-thousand suspects in 17 months through high-density crime-fighting operations since May last year. They aim to increase visibility and actively engage with communities to foster cooperation in the fight against crime. Masemola told the media despite challenges such as gun violence and mass shootings, the police is adapting its strategies to tackle organised crime and the issue of illegal firearms: 

# Human Settlements minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed plans to digitise housing beneficiary records and announced a review of housing delivery performance. In an SABC interview, she expressed concern over metro and municipal performance and emphasised the importance of the Housing Consumer Protection Bill in ensuring quality construction. Kubayi also urged the prosecution of corrupt officials to maintain credibility in the sector:

# Rugby: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus says fullback Daiman Willemse’s injury creates an opportunity for young Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom, who was drafted into the squad for next month’s tour of Europe. Willemse sustained a groin injury when playing for the Stormers against Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch. Hanekom could make his debut after being part of the Boks’ alignment camps earlier. Erasmus says he’s excited to see what Hanekom could bring to the team. The Boks face Scotland, England and Wales in November.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-71-cents and the euro at 19-rand-17-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-99-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-904-dollars-44-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-743-dollars-36-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Transnet National Ports Authority anticipates 268 passenger liners will dock across seven commercial ports this year, a 29-percent increase from last year’s 207. South Africa’s cruise season kicked off with the arrival of the World Odyssey in Cape Town last week, carrying 538 international tourists. Cape Town will host 88 liners, with Durban, Gqeberha, and others also receiving vessels. The company’s acting CEO, Phyllis Difeto, highlighted the cruise industry’s contribution to economic growth through tourism revenue.

Stay tuned for more news………….