June 05, 2023.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines:

Mkhwebane's inquiry postponed once again as her lawyers claim they're not ready

Sizeable fuel price cuts announced for Wednesday

And, looting in Sudan's capital as military factions battle for eighth week

Mkhwebane's inquiry postponed once again as her lawyers claim they're not ready

The continuation of suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's testimony before the inquiry into her fitness for office, which was supposed to resume today, has been postponed until Wednesday because her legal team isn't ready.

The long-running inquiry is under pressure from Parliament to conclude its work due to the financial and time implications. Mkhwebane's term of office ends on 14 October.

Parliament hasn't been able to hear more evidence from Mkhwebane since 31 March, because the Office of the Public Protector couldn't continue to fund her burgeoning legal costs into the new financial year.

After the office found R4 million for Mkhwebane, she said couldn't appoint legal representation.

Sizeable fuel price cuts announced for Wednesday

On Wednesday, the petrol price (both 93 and 95 unleaded) will be cut by 71c a litre, while diesel will be lowered by either 80c or 84c al litre, depending on the sulphur content.

Illuminating paraffin will be 43c a litre cheaper.

South African fuel prices are largely determined by international oil costs and the rand exchange rate, as oil is priced in dollars.

The rand took a large hit to a record low following US accusation that Russia received arms from South Africa. But the average Brent crude oil price fell from $82.20 to $75.90 a barrel.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy said this was due to concerns about lower-than-expected economic growth in China, which will affect fuel demand. In addition, oil inventories grew faster than expected, while concerns about the US debt ceiling – which could have triggered a debt default and market chaos – also weighed on the oil price.

Looting in Sudan's capital as military factions battle for eighth week

Shelling hit western areas of Sudan's capital today after rival military factions fought through the night, residents said, with reports of deepening lawlessness in Khartoum and in the western region of Darfur.

Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who have been battling each other for more than seven weeks, intensified after the expiry late on Saturday of a ceasefire deal brokered by Saudi Arabia and the US.

The conflict has uprooted more than 1.2-million people within Sudan and sent about 400 000 fleeing into neighbouring countries, inflicting heavy damage on the capital where remaining residents are at the mercy of battles, air strikes and lawlessness.

Late yesterday, residents reported intense fighting across the three cities that make up the nation's wider capital - Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri - and smoke could be seen rising from several areas early this morning.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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