Lunchtime news: First day of load shedding for 2015

Eskom has confirmed that Stage 1 of the dreaded system is in full swing across the country and will be going on until 22:00 on Monday evening.

 

While there is no clarity yet as to whether it is a sign of things to come for the rest of the week, the sudden announcement follow about three hours after the power giant initially confirmed this morning that the electricity grid was stable.

 

Eskom attributes the load shedding to unforeseen technical problems at its power stations.

 

Jacaranda FM’s Olivia Phalaetsile has more.

 

Owen Brumberg, who represents murder accused George Louca has highlighted problems in the Hawks, by acknowledging that Louca also handed in affidavits to other organisations - alluding to a sense of distrust in the Hawks.

 

Brumberg added that recent accusations of the Hawks has caused them to become weary of the office. Louca has been charged with the 2010 murder of Teazers boss Lolly Jackson.

 

The trial - in which Louca is charged under the name George Smith - has been postponed until 20 April.

 

A strong police presence is being maintained in Langlaagte where two people were shot dead.

 

A factory and a spaza shop were also set alight and looted on Sunday night.

 

The area has been cordoned off with police going into informal settlements to look for looted goods. Jacaranda FM reporter Maryke Vermaak is on the scene and has spoken to residents about the situation.

 

 

Greece's left-wing Syriza party is preparing to launch coalition talk’s hours after a landmark general election victory fought on a pledge to rewrite the country's massive bailout deal with the Eurozone.

 

In Washington, the Secret Service has recovered a 'device' from the White House grounds. It doesn't appear to post any threat.

 

Your weather for today,

Pretoria:                      33

Jo`burg:                       31 

Sun City (Rustenburg): 32

 

(File Photo: Gallo Images)