News 9:00

BULLETIN 1 June 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# IFP mourns assassination of deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole
# Police clear Fezile Ngubane in Olorato Mongale murder
# And, Minister Parks Tau secures temporary lottery deal with Ithuba Holdings

# The Inkatha Freedom Party is mourning the loss of its deputy chief Whip, Khethamabala “Jobe” Sithole, who was gunned down in Katlehong last night in what the party calls an assassination. The 68-year-old served in Parliament since 2010 and was a respected leader in the IFP’s National Council. In the same incident the Provincial Secretary of the IFP, Alco Ngobese, was shot and sustained injuries. The party spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, urges law enforcement to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Sithole is remembered as a dedicated patriot and servant of the people.

# A man earlier linked to the murder of Olorato Mongale has been cleared. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says Fezile Ngubane, a car guard, was a victim of identity theft. A suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly used Ngubane’s identity card to register SIM cards tied to the crime. Police continue searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu. Mathe also confirmed that the parents to one of the two suspects have been released after giving statements:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau has reached a 12-month temporary licence deal with Ithuba Holdings to prevent disruptions to the National Lottery. The appointment, effective today, comes despite a court ruling calling the move unconstitutional. Tau is appealing that decision, citing public interest. Concerns were raised about halted ticket sales and funding to charities. The National Lottery Commission’s Jodi Scholtz has welcomed the minister’s move:

# Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says winter seasonality continues to challenge the industry. Tshivhengwa highlights northern regions like Limpopo as ideal winter destinations, offering mild climates and rich cultural experiences. Tshivhengwa encourages tourism businesses to use strategic pricing, events, and conferencing to boost domestic travel. He urges establishments to adapt their offerings during colder months to sustain tourism activity.

# And, Tennis: For the first time since 2003 the top eight seeds in the women’s competition have all reached the last 16 of the French Open at Roland Garros stadium in Paris. Coco Gauff beat Marie Bouzkova and Mirra Andreeva beat Yulia Putintsiva, both matches in straight sets. Jessica Pegula needed three sets to beat former finalist Marketa Vondrousova, while Madison Keys saved three match points before scrambling past Sofia Kenin.
The world’s 361st ranked player, Lois Boisson, beat Elsa Jacquemot to become the lowest-ranked player in the last 16 in Paris in the last 40 years.

Stay tuned for more news………….