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Four mass shootings in six days have sharpened the focus on South Africa’s violent-crime crisis. In Wedela, Carletonville, 18 people were killed and several wounded after gunmen opened fire at a tavern. In Lwandle, 10 people were killed and 11 injured at an entertainment venue. President Cyril Ramaphosa says police have images of suspects, while families are demanding answers.
The violence follows a string of killings of women in Ekurhuleni. Police say there is no evidence yet linking the murder of 23-year-old Boitumelo Nhlanzi to the recent spate. City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe says the deaths cannot be normalised and public-safety measures are being stepped up.
Illegal firearms are also under scrutiny. Dean Peacock of the WHO Global Coalition for Action on Firearm Violence says guns have become an enforcer of criminal power. Willem Els of the Institute for Security Studies says deploying the army to crime hotspots is not a substitute for fixing policing.
In Parliament, the Section 89 Impeachment Committee is opposing legal challenges from the EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association over the removal of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as evidence leader. Chairperson Makashule Gana says an answering affidavit has been filed. The matter is expected to be heard next month.
The Madlanga Commission is moving to lay criminal charges against former Crime Intelligence major-general Feroz Khan after another failure to appear. Khan had been offered virtual testimony, but his lawyers sought a postponement. Commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga called the non-appearance a flagrant disregard of the inquiry's subpoena.
Government says it is struggling to identify indigent households eligible for subsidised municipal services. COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says work is under way to improve indigent registers as municipalities battle unpaid bills and rising Eskom debt.
Also in the bulletin: Iran rejects speculation that Tehran was involved in a bomb scare near RAF Fairford in the UK, while former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula continues her corruption trial and disputes an allegation that she sought R2 million to secure a military promotion.
SPORT
David Miller smashed 142 off 93 balls and Themba Bavuma scored 103 as the Proteas beat Australia by 32 runs to clinch the ODI series.
Kagiso Rabada has been named in the squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia as he continues his injury recovery. The Springboks lost 42-38 to the Wallabies in Perth, with Rassie Erasmus praising an improved Australian side under Les Kiss.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.