Ex-South African Air Force commander caught spying on US
Portia Anyamba, a former brigadier general of the South African Air Force, has been sentenced to six months in prison in the US for acting as an agent of the South African state and for making false statements in an application for security clearance. She had worked at a sensitive facility linked to the US Department of Energy. An FBI investigation determined that she regularly met a South African intelligence operative identified in the court records as IO-1. The FBI claimed she had “knowingly placed US national security at risk”.
Foreigners ordered to leave in latest March and March protests
In a protest in KuGompo in the Eastern Cape, a small group of protesters affiliated with the March and March movement conducted “inspections” of foreign-owned shops. Foreigners were told to leave the country, irrespective of their documentation, and told to close their businesses for the day. Azola Mrano, Eastern Cape organiser for March and March, said that they would continue their actions “until we win”. She also pointed out that there had been no violence and that the organisation had met with the Department of Home Affairs and learned that there was a site for foreigners wanting repatriation. She said that March and March wanted foreigners to leave their homes and businesses and report to this facility.
US, Iran trade strikes, Israel threatens to resume military action against Tehran
Hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate hostilities against Iran if it failed to halt attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the US launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets, with Iran responding with strikes on US-allied Kuwait and Qatar. Tehran also accused the US of striking near its sole nuclear power plant. The tit-for-tat strikes were the largest since the belligerents signed a memorandum of understanding on 17 June aimed at extending the ceasefire and allowing for negotiations on a permanent truce. Meanwhile, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said that, if necessary, his country was prepared to resume its military campaign against Iran, and would do so “with even greater force”.
Bonnie Tyler dies at 75
Welsh singer and songwriter Gaynor Sullivan, known professionally as Bonnie Tyler, died in a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she had undergone surgery in March, her family has announced. She was 75. Sullivan was known for her husky voice and engaging on-stage presence since the 1970s. Her first major hit was It’s a Heartache in 1978, while 1983’s Total Eclipse of the Heart reached No. 1 in both the US and UK. It remained a firm fan-favourite and karaoke staple. “I never get tired of singing it. I love it because everyone can’t wait to sing it,” she said. She released 17 albums over her career. She is survived by her husband, property developer Robert Sullivan.
Madlanga Commission given more time to hear evidence
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the life of the Madlanga Commission by two and a half months. Its report is now set to be submitted on 16 November rather than 31 August. Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the Presidency, said the extension would “enable the Commission to close off topics it has opened up in the course of hearings to date. The extension allows the Commission to hear evidence on all of the matters listed in its terms of reference. Without an extension, the Commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished.”
Sources: IOL, News24, BBC, NBC, Daily Maverick, The Guardian