August 11, 2020.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sashnee Moodley.

Making headlines:

Ace Magashule sounds criminal justice system interference alarm

Shamila Batohi says new corruption-busting unit must be part of the NPA and led by prosecutors

And, Egyptians vote for newly created Senate

Ace Magashule sounds criminal justice system interference alarm

African National Congress secretary-general Ace Magashule has warned law enforcement agencies not to be caught up in political battles or be used to settle political scores.

At the same time, he said he knew who was tapping his phone and following him, but he could not reveal anything yet.

For now, he has complained to the State Security Minister about the matter.

South Africans have been outraged at claims of political leaders and those linked to them either being involved in graft or being awarded multi-million rand contracts linked to Covid-19 resources.

Shamila Batohi says new corruption-busting unit must be part of the NPA and led by prosecutors

National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi says, if government plans to go ahead with the establishment of a new corruption busting unit, it must be driven by prosecutors and housed in the National Prosecuting Authority.

Last week, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said government felt there was a need for a permanent, multi-disciplinary corruption-fighting unit.

Batohi says a unit which possesses the ability to conduct criminal investigations is imperative and called for the Investigating Directorate to be strengthened and its model improved upon.

Egyptians vote for newly created Senate

Polls opened in Egypt on Tuesday for a two-day election to choose members of a newly created second chamber of parliament, with restrictive measures in place aimed at curbing a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

The Council of Senators will be an advisory body without legislative powers. It will include 200 publicly elected members and 100 appointed by the president.

Nearly 63-million out of a total population of more than 100-million Egyptians are eligible to vote. Polling stations will be open from 9am to 9pm local time.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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