News 18:00

BULLETIN 4 July 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Police minister tables a 121-billion-rand budget to tackle violent crime and corruption
# AfriForum activates an emergency fund to support firefighters battling wildfires
# And Rugby: Six changes to the Argentinian side taking on England

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu says building a safer South Africa requires urgent action, innovation and partnerships. Delivering the police ministry’s budget vote in Parliament, Mchunu announced a 121-billion-rand allocation for the South African Police Service for 2025/2026. Key priorities include reducing murder, gender-based violence, and illegal firearms. He also confirmed additional funding for gang violence hotspots, community policing forums, and technology upgrades, including drones and body cameras:

# AfriForum has activated its emergency fund to support firefighters, including farmers and volunteers, battling wildfires in the northern parts of the country. The organisation has prepared 300 emergency packs containing burn treatments, hydration aids, and protective items. AfriForum’s Tarien Cooks says the initiative ensures immediate relief where government support is often delayed:

# The murder case of journalist Sibusiso Aseri Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli has been transferred to the High Court. This was confirmed during the appearance of the five accused at KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga. All remain in custody. The couple went missing since 18 February and their remains were discovered in May after a suspect pointed out the location. The couple has since been laid to rest. The case has been postponed to 8 August for additional statements and evidence preparation.

# FlyDubai has become the first international airline to land at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport after a 20-day flight suspension caused by Israeli attacks on Iran. Flight FZ1930 from the United Arabs Emirates marks the gradual reopening of Iranian airspace. FlyDubai, a low-cost sister airline to Emirates, resumed services under strict safety protocols. Authorities hailed the landing as a sign of restored stability and strong crisis response. While most airports have reopened, Isfahan and Tabriz remain closed.

# Rugby: Argentina have made six changes to their starting 15 for England’s visit to La Plata tomorrow for the first of two tests. Coach Felipe Contepomi has made three backline changes and three in the forward pack. Santiago Carreras switches from fullback to flyhalf in the reshuffled backline. Gonzalo Bertranou returns at scrumhalf to partner Carreras, while wing Santiago Cordero and debutant fullback Benjamin Elizalde come into the side to make up a back three with Rodrigo Isgro.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-59-cents and the euro at 20-rand-73-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-752-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-333-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….