Midday Edition: Rand weakens, Op-Fiela and Cop Killings

The rand has hit its lowest level against the pound this morning, trading at R21.01 against the US Dollar. 

Currently the rand now sits R21.22 against the dollar. 

The main contributing factors against its decline include China’s move this morning which was to lower its GDP growth figure for last year. 

Investment Economist, Chris Hart says the rand is not the only currency suffering at the moment but is certainly one of the weakest. 

Government says the spate of police killings in the country are of great concern and should be viewed. 

The official number of police officers killed this year alone is closing in on 60. Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe briefed media this morning on the status of 

Operation Fiela which he says will remain in operation in problem areas in the country. 

Since the launch of Operation Fiela a total of 9000 arrests were made.

These include drug and theft related charges. Radebe Minister says all sectors of society should have role in combating this issue:

Another cop has been killed in the Eastern Cape over the weekend. The Hawks are investigating the murder of the policeman who is believed to have been killed for his car. 

His body was found yesterday morning on a farm between Fort Beaufort and Seymour. 

He had a gunshot wound to the head and was still dressed in his uniform. Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Muluadzi, says a high-level task team is investigating:

In Limpopo, EFF chief whip, Jossey Buthane, and his co-accused have been granted free bail in the Magwelereng Magistrate's Court. 

Buthane spent the weekend behind bars after being arrested for inciting violence on Friday.

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