While you were sleeping: 20 September 2016

By John Stupart

20 Sep 2016

Allister Sparks passes away, NYC bomber arrested, and Google phone launch looms large.

“So often in this land of contradictions, even in its darkest corners there are inspiring rays of light.”

- Allister Sparks

Story of the Day

Analysis: SARS Makwakwa probe – are we heading for another costly, discredited investigation?

South African Revenue Service Commissioner Tom Moyane, who could face criminal charges for sitting on a report from the Financial Intelligence Centre flagging suspicious activity in the bank accounts of now suspended SARS Chief Officer of Business and Individual Tax, Jonas Makwakwa, and his alleged partner Kelly-Ann Elskie, has appointed the international law firm Hogan Lovells to investigate the matter. Why aren’t the Hawks investigating, you might ask, and can Hogan Lovells, like KMPG, really be considered “independent” when SARS is both the client and the target? And how much will this cost taxpayers? By MARIANNE THAMM.
Read more

While you were sleeping

Allister Sparks passes away

Veteran journalist Allister Sparks has died of a heart attack. Sparks, the former editor of the Rand Daily Mail, was a key opponent to the apartheid state and a constant thorn in government's side. Despite some controversial views later in his career, expect messages of sympathy all day and week. Read More

NYC bombing suspect arrested

A suspect believed to be responsible for the bombings in New York and New Jersey has been arrested. Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, was spotted by a police officer, and was promptly shot in his bullet proof vest. A shootout ensued and Rahami was wounded (and arrested). Read More

50 killed in DRC riots

Opposition protests in Kinshasa on Monday saw 50 killed by police. Opposition groups have now called for nationwide protests against President Kabila. With all sides demanding his departure, Simon Allison takes a look at why he's staying mum.

Google phone expected next month

Invitations were sent out by Google late on Monday for an October 4 "special" event. Strong hints indicated that the tech giant is set to unveil their own smartphone. The timing - during a Samsung exploding battery scandal and dubious iPhone "courage-loaded" tech - could not have been more strategic.Read More

In Numbers

The number of years since Watford last defeated Manchester United.

Facts of the Day

Today in 2011 saw the US military abolish its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on homosexuality.

A pill exists called "Father Christmas" that makes your farts smell like chocolate.

Weather

Financial Data

BFN: min: 8° max: 27°, sunny
CPT: min: 12° max: 20°, cloudy
DBN: min: 16° max: 25°, cloudy
EL: min: 17° max: 24°, cloudy
JHB: min: 8° max: 20°, sunny
KIM: min: 13° max: 27°, sunny
NLP: min: 11° max: 28°, cloudy
PMB: min: 4° max: 27°, sunny
PKN: min: 8° max: 25°, sunny
PE: min: 14° max: 20°, cloudy
PTA: min: 9° max: 26°, sunny

Oil=$46.14
Gold=$1,314.35
Platinum=$1,022.90
R/$=14.02
R/€=15.67
R/£=18.27
€/$=1.11
JSE All Share=18,144.62
DJIA= 18,123.80
FTSE 100=6,813.55
Source

Now on Daily Maverick

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