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Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Picture: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
News today includes a Western Cape doctor, accused of treating patients while under the influence of cocaine, losing a Labour Court case.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority says it is confident that Pethe Sara Simiao, the Mozambican national accused of raping and murdering six-year-old Amantle Samane, will be convicted.
Furthermore, the African National Congress has strongly rejected claims that its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, conducted secret budget negotiations outside official party channels.
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Intoxicated doctor loses Labour Court case after claiming white substance was peppermint, not cocaine
A Western Cape doctor accused of treating patients while under the influence of cocaine has suffered a blow after the Labour Court found his dismissal was fair.
Dr A Kleynhans was fired after reportedly arriving at work on three separate occasions in August 2019 while intoxicated.
His dismissal was initially overturned following an arbitrator’s finding that it was procedurally unfair and awarded him six months’ remuneration.
However, the Labour Court ruled in favour of the Western Cape department of health after a review application was lodged.
CONTINUE READING: Intoxicated doctor loses Labour Court case after claiming white substance was peppermint, not cocaine
NPA confident of conviction in Amantle Samane murder case
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is confident that Pethe Sara Simiao, the Mozambican national accused of raping and murdering six-year-old Amantle Samane, will be convicted when the matter goes to trial.
Simiao made his final appearance in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday as his case was transferred to the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
He faces charges of kidnapping, rape, murder, and contravention of the Immigration Act after it was established that he was in South Africa illegally.
CONTINUE READING: NPA confident of conviction in Amantle Samane murder case
ANC denies reports of Mbalula’s ‘secret’ budget negotiations
The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly rejected claims that its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, conducted secret budget negotiations outside official party channels.
In a statement, the majority party dismissed a weekend report on the matter as “wedge-driving propaganda” designed to create division within the organisation.
According to the Sunday Times, Mbalula’s top seven colleagues were not upset about the establishment of a parallel negotiating team, but they were allegedly disappointed that he kept it secret from them.
The ANC, however, denied the existence of any such team or meeting.
CONTINUE READING: ANC denies reports of Mbalula’s ‘secret’ budget negotiations
Private security industry concerned about new gun law
The private security industry raised concern over the proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill, warning the changes will hamper its ability to respond to crime and protect communities.
The department of police, in conjunction with the industry regulator, recently gazetted a set of draft amendments aimed at tightening firearm control within the private security sector.
According to the gazette, the amendments would limit the number and types of firearms that security personnel may use.
Semi-automatic firearms may only be used for transporting valuables or protecting critical infrastructure. Shotguns and handguns would be restricted to roles such as armed response and close protection.
CONTINUE READING: Private security industry concerned about new gun law
Tyla to perform at Coachella this weekend alongside Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott and more
Tyla is set to make her debut performance at the renowned US festival Coachella.
The highly anticipated festival will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, over three weekends (Friday to Sunday) from 11 to 20 April.
Tyla will perform on Friday, 11 April, and again during the second weekend of the event, on Friday, 18 April.
The 23-year-old South African Grammy winner will share the stage with global icons such as Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, FKA Twigs, GloRilla, Lisa, and others.
CONTINUE READING: Tyla to perform at Coachella this weekend alongside Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott and more
Here are five more stories of the day:
- ‘I can dish it out as much as I take it’: Helen Zille ahead of Showmax Roast
- GNU still stands – unsteadily
- ‘South Africa: Island of Secrets’ winner Rob Bentele to represent SA on ‘Survivor Australia vs. The World’
- Will the new overtime policy affect health workers?
- Farmers’ organisation adding fuel to the SA-US brawl – experts
Yesterday’s News recap
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