Jacaranda FM Newswatch @ 13H00

0:00In terms of the traffic, I spoke too soon. First crash of the RV, it's on the N-12 East before Atlas Road, and we still got a station to vehicle on the N-1 South at Linwood Road. We start with bad news for motorists and the department of mineral and petroleum resources announced an increase in petrol prices this month. This comes amid a skyrocketing bread crude oil price after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. Emile Pina has more. Effective ad met night tomorrow, the price of both grades of petrol will rise by approximately 20 cents per litre, while diesel prices will increase by 62 and 65 cents per litre depending on sulfur content. This adjustment comes as crude oil prices have climbed to just under $70 per barrel, largely due to heightened tensions in the straight hover moves. It is a critical

1:02passageway for global oil transport through which one of every five barrels of oil is shipped. For Jack Randofim NewsMarch, I'm Neil Pinaar. Forensic Investigator Paul O'Sullivan is expected back before Parliament's Anarchamizzi this first day. It comes a week after his walk out during hearings on political interference in the justice system. Parliament has already prepared legal measures to ensure his attendance. Parliament's legal advisor, Tilana Halisnaki, says the committee, is legally empowered to compile his return to complete his testimony. Leaving the proceedings prematurely, Mr O'Sullivan's actions may reasonably be construed as interfering with or impeding the committee in the execution of its mandate. On to crime-related matters, at least a hundred suspects arrested for serious crimes remain at large after escaping from police custody across South Africa during the 2025 and 2026 financial year. Out of the 284 escapees, only 184 have been recaptured. Most incidents

2:06occurred from police station cells or court areas or were due to wrongful releases with halting, recording the highest number. South Africans have until the end of the month to comments on new draft laws, on working hours and rules around parental leave. The Employment Minister and Labour Minister published the new draft laws for public comment last week. In October, the constitutional court ruled that parents are entitled to share a combined total of four months and 10 days of parental leave regardless of birth, adoption or serigacy. The apex court said couples should be allowed to decide on how to divide the four months and 10 days, allowing for concurrent or consecutive leave. Another key proposal introduces new protections for employees working on call zero hours or flexible contracts. Employers would have to clearly state in writing the guaranteed hours, maximum working hours, availability times and notice periods for shifts

3:08or cancellations. Public comment will remain open until the twin either farch. For checker ending news watch, I am Nufun Dutwala. News abroad, British forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at its military base in Cyprus. So far, no casualties have been reported. The incident came as Britain agreed on Sunday to allow the US to use British military bases to fire defensive strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and their launchers. And a first lady, Melania Trump, is slated to chair a UN Security Council meeting today. Her appearance was announced last week before the United States launched its war against Iran. Her offer said the former model would make history at the UN. That's a wrap of your big stories, a lunchtime one user too.