It’s Tuesday, 22 September, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of rape, child sexual grooming and human trafficking. The 59-year-old senior police officer is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May and sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl between July and August. SAPS says the case is being handled with particular sensitivity because it involves a minor and a senior officer.
MacG and Sol Phenduka have apologised for a crude joke about the disappearance of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was later found in Ekurhuleni. The podcasters said they should have exercised better judgement and “should have done better”.
The NPA has formally withdrawn charges against suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in the PFMA case linked to the SAPS Medicare24 contract. Masemola says he wants to return to work. The SA Police Union alleges the prosecution was politically motivated.
Tsakane Matlala, wife of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, has been arrested in connection with the controversial Waterkloof lease arrangement. It is alleged that false documents were used to secure a luxury property at about R95,000 a month.
South Africa’s medicine supply chain is under pressure from underfunded budgets, unpaid suppliers and slow procurement. The Health Department says stock-outs are generally temporary but acknowledges that delays can leave vulnerable patients without medication when they need it.
Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira says intimidation and violence continue to threaten the company and its passengers in the Eastern Cape. A High Court has upheld Intercape’s right to load and offload passengers at Ngcobo Police Station. eNCA’s current report confirms the latest High Court judgment and Ferreira’s description of a culture of intimidation. (eNCA)
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, sentencing proceedings continue in the Iain Wares case, while a Cape Town pallet business is under scrutiny after a joint workplace and immigration-law inspection.
SPORT
Pitso Mosimane wants greater competition for places as Bafana Bafana prepare for AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, with Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh back in the fold. eNCA’s squad coverage confirms the Guinea and Eritrea qualifiers and Mosimane’s final selection. (eNCA)
And finally, Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes for the Springboks’ one-off Test against Australia, with Andre Esterhuizen named captain.
That’s your News Bite for 22 September.
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