South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 25 March

Stay informed and up to date with all the latest news in South Africa by reviewing headlines which are making waves across the country.

As South Africa braces for a stringent three-week lockdown, intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 which has already infected more than 554 people in less than a month, government has instructed both law enforcement agencies and the National Defence Force (SANDF) to maintain law and order during this time of uncertainty. In sports news, the Tokyo Olympic Games, which were due to be held later this year, have been postponed to no later than summer 2021.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 25 March

Enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown in SA

In accordance with terms stipulated by the National Disaster Management Act and emboldened by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster will, today, hold a media briefing to address issues of enforcement.

President Ramaphosa has confirmed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and police services (SAPS) will be tasked with enforcing lockdown regulations which have effectively called for South Africans to stay indoors. Citizens will be allowed to access pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and select supermarkets. All other non-essential establishments will close their doors at midnight on Thursday 26 March. Ramaphosa added:

“The categories of people who will be exempted from this lockdown are the following: health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services – such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers – and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic.”

Bob Hewitt granted parole, will be released on 24 April

Former tennis coach and convicted rapist Bob Hewitt has been granted parole after serving three years of his six year prison sentence. He is due to be released on 24 April 2020.

Hewitt, who is also a former Grand Slam champion, was found guilty of sexually assaulting three youths who he had coached over 20 years ago.

The Correctional Services Department confirmed that Hewitt’s parole was granted on condition of ‘certain conditions’ which will be in effect for the remainder of his original sentence.

No food shortages during lockdown, says Didiza

Agriculture Minister, Thoko Didiza, has denied rumours of food shortages and agricultural collapse during the COVID-19 lockdown period. As South Africans stock up essentials and consumables ahead of the three-week sit-in, Didiza addressed the media on measures government has taken to ensure a steady supply of food from the agricultural sector. Didiza said:

“Agricultural business production will remain un-compromised.”

Didiza condemned “panic-buying” which has seen store shelves run dry in recent weeks. The minister urged citizens to avoid stockpiling of groceries and goods, saying:

“I appeal to the public, as I have indicated that we are self-sufficient at the moment and there is no need to embark on panic buying, the country has sufficient food supply.”

Warrant of arrest looms over Parliament Speaker Thandi Modise

Speaker of Parliament, Thandi Modise, could land herself behind bars if she fails to appear before the Potchefstroom Regional Court on 31 March.

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), supported by Advocate Gerrie Nel and AfriForum, has taken Modise’s to court on charges of animal cruelty after animals suffering from neglect and starvation were found on her farm in 2014. According to the NSPCA, which instituted legal proceedings after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute in 2017:

“Modise’s farm was littered with the carcasses of over 50 pigs and other dead animals, such as geese, ducks, sheep, and goats.”

Modise claims that she was unable to attend her latest court date because of her involvement in the COVID-19 lockdown plan, which summoned her to Pretoria at the request of President Ramaphosa.

The court, however, has issued Modise with a warrant of arrest which has been reserved for 31 March. If Modise fails to appear before the court, the warrant becomes active. However, the national lockdown, which only allows for essential services to operate until 16 April, may prove to be a caveat in the court’s action.

Lions and Dolphins declared champions as remainder of SA cricket season scrapped

The  Lions and Dolphins have been crowned franchise champions for the 2019/20 season as the remaining SA competition fixtures scrapped due to the spread of COVID-19.

The business end of the season was poised for an exciting finish, before it was brought to an abrupt halt following the global pandemic that caused the cancellation of the knock-out rounds of the Momentum One-Day Cup as well as the final two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series.

CSA’s Board of Directors and Members’ Council have both endorsed the recommendation of the Interim Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, that tournament titles will be awarded in accordance with log standings across the men’s franchise and senior provincial tournaments as well as the women’s leagues. (Source: ANA)

Tokyo Olympics postponed over coronavirus pandemic

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, the International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday.

The Games were scheduled for July 24-August 9, but after telephone discussions between IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a historic joint decision was taken to delay the Olympics — the first time that has been done in peacetime.

Abe said Bach was in “100 percent agreement” when Japan asked the IOC to push back the Games. (Source: AFP)

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