Making headlines: Thabo Mbeki Foundation 'hopeful' after SCA spy tapes judgment; SACP alleges political interference in arrest of member; And, death toll from blasts in Somalia's capital Mogadishu rises to 300

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Thabo Mbeki Foundation 'hopeful' after SCA spy tapes judgment

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation said it has renewed hope following the Supreme Court of Appeals' judgment in the spy tapes saga against President Jacob Zuma.

The SCA on Friday upheld the ruling of the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that the decision to drop charges against President Jacob Zuma in 2009 was irrational.

Zuma's office labelled the decision "disappointing", but conceded the National Prosecuting Authority must now act.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation yesterday said it "noted with renewed hope" that the decision would finally bring justice to the eight-year long matter.

SACP alleges political interference in arrest of member

The South African Communist Party in KwaZulu-Natal believes there was political interference in the arrest of its district secretary in Umzimkhulu.

Brigadier Jay Naicker said the 45-year-old leader has been charged on Saturday for illegally being in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He told News24 yesterday that the man was still in custody following his arrest during a roadblock.

He is expected to appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court today.

However, SACP’s provincial secretary Themba Mthembu yesterday said the firearm is licensed but at the time of the arrest the leader was not carrying the licence.

And, death toll from blasts in Somalia's capital Mogadishu rises to 300

The death toll from twin bomb blasts that struck busy junctions in the heart of Somalia's capital Mogadishu has jumped to 300, making it one of the deadliest attacks since an Islamist insurgency began in 2007.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo declared three days of national mourning and called for donations of blood and funds to victims of Saturday's attack.

Police said a truck bomb exploded outside a hotel in the K5 intersection that is lined with government offices, restaurants and kiosks, flattening several buildings and setting dozens of vehicles on fire.

Yesterday, police and emergency workers searched the rubble of destroyed buildings. They also recovered dozens of corpses the night before, most of which were charred beyond recognition.

Also making headlines:
Edward Zuma says Gordhan's 'crew of smurfs' are on tour to degrade ANC leaders

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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