Update@Noon

Madlanga Commission Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, says WhatsApp exchanges extracted from the late taxi boss Mswazi Msibi's phone reveal an alleged plan involving a mobile phone surveillance device, known as a "grabber". Chaskalson says the Czech government was told the equipment would be demonstrated to the South African Police Service, while the messages suggest Motsumi, Molefe and Msibi were exploring a plan to sell it to the Kingdom of eSwatini. He says this raised questions about whether SAPS documents were improperly used in dealings with foreign governments, potentially amounting to fraud.

The South African Policing Union (SAPU) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently reinstate General Fannie Masemola as National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. SAPU says evidence before the Madlanga Commission has raised serious questions about the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption’s handling of investigations and the legal basis of charges against senior police officials. The union wants National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi to clarify whether the charges against Masemola will be withdrawn or proceed. Lesiba Thobakgale National Spokesperson is the national spokesperson of The South African Policing Union (SAPU)

Fifa's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has been sacked by the governing body, less than three weeks after he strongly criticised its president Gianni Infantino's aborted plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. In a statement, a Fifa spokesperson would only confirm that "the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. Last month, Lamour described the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plans as "the project of one person", and said "the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions". He added Fifa's own administration was "deceived" about the now abandoned project. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in Malmesbury in the Western Cape for accessing, possession, facilitation and downloading of child sexual abuse material following a partnership between the SAPS and international law enforcement agencies. South African Police Service Spokesperson, Lt-Col Amanda van Wyk has more. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to an Associate and Legal Consultant at The Digital Law Company , Monet du Plessis 

Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka says a systemic investigation has found serious administrative, governance and funding deficiencies at NSFAS. Briefing the media today Gcaleka says  The investigation found delays in funding decisions, appeals and allowances, leaving students facing financial hardship, accommodation instability and withheld qualifications. The Public Protector also revealed that more than 40,000 students across 76 institutions were improperly funded by NSFAS to the value of R5.1 billion, with only R2 billion recovered so far. The public protector's office says NSFAS and other affected parties have 60 days to respond before final findings and remedial action can be taken. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Thato Masekoa spokesperson for the the South African Union of Students, 

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has ordered the recall of four batches of Enalapril 10mg Arya. The recall follows post‑marketing inspections that flagged out‑of‑specification results, prompting urgent action to protect patients and safeguard public health. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Regulatory Compliance Manager at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra), Mokgadi Fafudi

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says gang-related gun violence in Westbury is severely disrupting teaching and learning. Five young people were reportedly shot on Monday, with three killed and two critically injured. One of those shot is a learner from R.W. Fick Secondary School. Some learners missed assessments and exams because of safety concerns, but Maile says they will be given another opportunity. The department has also strengthened psychosocial support and school safety measures.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in Malmesbury in the Western Cape for accessing, possession, facilitation and downloading of child sexual abuse material following a partnership between the SAPS and international law enforcement agencies. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Digital Law Company associate, Monet du Plessis. 

A second suspect is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with the Reiger Park killings. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday for the murder of two Anti-Gang Unit officers and two women in Reiger Park on the East Rand. Police say he was arrested following community tip-offs. The killings happened over a week ago when the officers were responding to a shooting incident where two women, Jaydin Margeman and Rolleen Lessing, were shot dead. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the Premiership, on goal difference, after the opening three rounds of the season.The Buccaneers put three past Chippa United On Sunday.Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hit out at critics in the post-match interviews. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more

Delegates from across Africa have gathered at Rhodes University in Makhanda for a two-day symposium marking 40 years since the death of Mozambique's founding president, Samora Machel. Under the theme Aluta Continua: Samora Machel, Liberation Movements and the Unfinished Decolonial Project, The symposium by Rhodes University brings together the Machel family, liberation veterans, scholars, artists and young people to reflect on Africa's unfinished liberation journey and decolonial future. Sakina Kamwendo Professor Bheki Moyo Chair, of African Centre for Memory & Imagination 

A large police contingent has been deployed outside the Durban City Hall ahead of the march by anti-illegal immigration movements. March and March leaders are expected to lead a march to highlight their grievances over illegal migrants to SADC leaders gathered at the ICC for the 46th SADC Summit. We spoke to SABC News reporter Zanele Buthelezi

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for solidarity in dealing with challenges facing the region during his address of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit this at the Durban ICC. The leaders will discuss the challenges facing the region including migration, peace and security among others. South Africa and other member states have proposed the matter of migration to be place on the agenda. Ramaphosa also says SADC has the means and ways to meet the needs of its people. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Geopolitical analyst Dr William Mpofu 

Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has denied having a close relationship with Northwest businessman Suliman Carrim. Matlala is testifying before the Madlanga Commission. Matlala is at the heart of the 6th of July allegations made by KZN top cop Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that informed the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, which is tasked with investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. Matlala is accused of, among other things, enjoying a highly irregular SAPS medicare contract to the tune of millions and allegedly bankrolling Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s alleged presidential ambitions, as well as maintaining relations with high-ranking police officials to further alleged cartel interests.

The death toll in Saturday night’s shooting at a flat in Newclare, west of Johannesburg, has risen to four. Police are investigating four counts of murder and one of attempted murder after one of the injured victims died in hospital. Three people were declared dead at the scene. The motive remains unknown, and no arrests have been made. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko says detectives are continuing their investigation to establish what led to the shooting and identify those responsible.

NATJOINTS says three people have been arrested for allegedly attempting to circumvent accreditation and security measures at the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. Two Congolese nationals were arrested after allegedly using another person’s accreditation to access the summit venue. They face charges including fraud and impersonation. A Zimbabwean national was also arrested for allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation by claiming to be a performing artist. The suspect faces a charge of being illegally in South Africa. NATJOINTS warns that the misuse, sharing or falsification of accreditation will not be tolerated.It says security measures remain firmly in place, while lawful protests will be respected, but violence, intimidation and attempts to breach restricted areas will face the full might of the law.

The Constitutional Court has ruled Shell cannot proceed with offshore exploration and seismic testing off the Wild Coast. It overturned a previous Supreme Court of Appeal judgment and marking a major victory for local communities and environmental groups. The matter brought by Wild Coast communities and environmental organisations against oil companies, Shell and Impact Africa. It dates back to 2014. 

Pharmaceuticals Made in South Africa (Pharmisa) is calling for urgent government intervention to combat the illicit trade in medicines, warning that the illegal market now also involves healthcare practitioners. Pharmisa Chairperson Stavros Nicolaou made the call during a presentation to Parliament's Standing Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, which is this week receiving stakeholder submissions on South Africa's Industrial Development Strategy. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa says business played a significant role in ending load shedding in South Africa. Speaking at the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa Presidential Business Breakfast underway in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa says the country had made major progress in securing electricity supply.He says the next phase of electricity reform must focus on reducing the cost of power, particularly for energy-intensive industries facing the threat of closure and job losses.

The Zambians are today voting to elect a new president. The current President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a re-election for the second term. During his first term he had to address the economic crisis in that country. Hichilema is hoping that he will get another mandate to serve the country. However, the cost of living remains a major concern for voters. Hichilema's main challenger is opposition candidate Brian Mundubile. For an analysis Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Tendai Mbaje Governance and Election Expert, from University of Pretoria  

Anti-apartheid activist and former Presidency Director-General Reverend Frank Chikane, testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Cases Inquiry, says the attempted poisoning left him with a significant trauma while trying to establish what had happened to him. He is responding to an affidavit by Yasmin Suka, who questioned his decision not to oppose pardon applications by five people convicted of attempting to murder him. Chikane says his refusal was motivated by the pain and trauma associated with repeatedly revisiting the matter. 

The defence of former Defence Minister and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says it will apply for her discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. They argue that the State has failed to establish a prima facie case against her. Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering in the High Court in Pretoria and has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Zara Groenewald 

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has urged caution and called for strict adherence to good governance as global football faces growing internal tensions surrounding Fifa President Gianni Infantino.Infantino, who tried  and failed  to sell off part of the World Cup to private investors, came under renewed fire in an open letter signed by three confederations: Europe's Uefa, North and Central America's Concacaf, and Asia's AFC, accusing the world football boss of breaking trust "through deception". SAfm sports anchor has more Jon Gericke. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to Zimbabwe following the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy that claimed 44 lives. He says South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, offering sympathies to the families of those killed, survivors and families still awaiting news of their loved ones. Ramaphosa has also wished survivors a speedy recovery and paid tribute to emergency teams working to support affected families, communities and to recover those still missing. On Wednesday, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent messages of condolence to the families of those killed. In his message, President Mnangagwa described the accident as a tragedy that has exposed serious deficiencies in the country’s maritime capabilities. He called on relevant government agencies to immediately address the shortcomings and take an active role in implementing remedial measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. Vincent Magwenya is President Cyril Ramaphosa spokesperson 

Twenty-four more bodies have been recovered from Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, bringing the confirmed death toll in the ferry disaster to 38. Officials have also confirmed that the vessel was overloaded at the time of the accident. The country has declared a State of Disaster following the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency vessel that was travelling from Kariba to Chalala.It was carrying 119 people, 114 passengers and five crew members, with an unconfirmed number of children also believed to be on board. Recovery operations are continuing, with police and army teams leading efforts to locate and recover those still missing. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Correspondent in Zimbabwe Ephert Musekiwa

The case against a 23 year old man arrested in connection with the murders of two women and two police officers in Reiger Park on Gauteng's East Rand, has been postponed to the 25th of this month at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court. Reegan Collins was arrested over the weekend following a multi-disciplinary operation that led to the recovery of two R5 rifles, at the KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston. At the time of his arrest he was out on bail for two separate cases of murder as well as two cases of attempted murder. He is facing four counts of murder as well as possession of unlicensed firearms. 

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA SA) says the illicit alcohol sales have increased by an even greater percentage of 55%. SAAPA SA says as government continues to review alcohol taxation and broader policy interventions, public debate has increasingly been shaped by competing claims regarding illicit trade, employment and the economic impact of stronger alcohol control measures. We spoke to Campaign Director of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in SA, Nomcebo Dlamini....

The SADC Council of Ministers is meeting in Durban today ahead of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. In his opening address, South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called on member states to support a woman for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. The UN will soon elect a new leader at the helm of the world body. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri

The Deputy Director for Investigations at IPID in KwaZulu-Natal Len John, says there is evidence of links between some police officers, tow-truck operators and the drug trade. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, John alleges that some tow trucks are used to transport drugs and receive preferential treatment at roadblocks.  The commission has today shifted its focus to alleged hit squads operating in KwaZulu-Natal and consisting of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who allegedly commit extra-judicial killings. .

The All Blacks still have a week and a half until their first Test against the Springboks. In the meantime, they will face the Bulls in their final warm-up match on Saturday. Coach Johan Ackermann admits that the match is not great timing for his side. SAfm sports anchor has more Jon Gericke. 

Deputy Director-General for the Department of Small Business Development, Qinisile Delwa, says discrepancies identified during the verification of spaza shop funding applications were flagged before any money was approved or paid out. The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development is today receiving a briefing from the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the department of Small Business on the Public Protector's report, concerning allegations that some funding from the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund was disbursed to foreign nationals. Deputy Director-General for the Department of Small Business Development, Qinisile Delwa briefing the committee had this to say 

Two foreign nationals have been arrested in Brackenfell for the alleged possession of abalone without documentation. Police say an intelligence-driven operation led members of the Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Maitland Flying Squad to a storage facility in Brackenfell Industrial. They seized 9,439 units of dried abalone, with the value yet to be determined, as well as two vehicles. The suspects, a 49-year-old Chinese national and a 36-year-old Tanzanian national, are due to appear in the Kuilsrivier Magistrates’ Court . Captain Frederick C. van Wyk explains 

A 23-year-old alleged gangster is expected in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court today, facing two counts of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was arrested during a multidisciplinary operation in KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston, where police recovered two R5 rifles. The suspect allegedly took part in the killing of two Anti-Gang Unit members, Constables Tlomatsana and Sibeko, as well as two civilian women. Police say the suspect was out on bail and has several pending cases. Investigations are continuing, with further arrests not ruled out. Hawks spokesperson is Colonel Katlego Mogale

Parliament has refuted claims by National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams that his parliamentary-issued laptop had been malfunctioning for about 18 months. Adams told the Madlanga Commission that technical problems with the device caused him to miss crucial information and contributed to the late submission of his statement. However, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says its ICT service desk records show no evidence of persistent laptop problems, repeated hardware failures or freezing. He says the records also show that the device was not repeatedly booked in for repairs. Moloto Mothapo is National Assembly spokesperson. 

Police in Rustenburg are investigating a case of inquest, following an incident where 14 illegal miners died. This reportedly happened as a result of a rockfall on yesterday evening at Nkaneng near Rustenburg in the North West. North West police spokesperson Adele Myburgh says eight other people have been hospitalised, with many others possibly stuck underground

The Westbury community in Johannesburg is continuing its engagement with residents today following the recent escalation of gang-related violence and shootings in the area. The focus will be on the ongoing violence, safety concerns and the impact of shootings on innocent residents, including children and teenagers. We spoke to Westbury Community Activist, Bishop Dalton Adam....

The Home Affairs Portfolio Committee in Parliament says it will seek legal advice on a potential conflict of interest involving a member of the Immigration Advisory Board. The committee says even the perception of a conflict must be addressed, given the sensitivity around immigration. The committee is interrogating a potential conflict of interest involving a member of the Immigration Advisory Board, after the member allegedly represented former beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina in her ongoing immigration battle.  

City Power is urging Johannesburg residents to cut electricity use as cold and wet weather places added pressure on the network. The utility says 2,450 outage calls remain open across its eight service centres, despite teams working to restore power. It says high demand, rain, infrastructure faults and difficult working conditions are contributing to prolonged outages across several areas. Jon Gericke spoke to Joburg's City power spokesperson Isaac Mangena 

State Advocate with IDAC, Drushantha Ramsamy, testifying before the Madlanga Commission, says an Inspector-General of Intelligence report on Crime Intelligence investigations was not supposed to reach prosecutors through then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. She says investigators were still working on the probe in January 2025 and could not share findings. Ramsamy says Mchunu later arranged for a hard copy to reach prosecutors. Ramsamy testifying before the Commission had this to say

South Africa's official unemployment rate has increased by 0,9 of a percentage point to 33,6 percent in the second quarter of 2026, from 32,7 percent in the first quarter, that's according to Statistics South Africa's latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released today. Jon Gericke spoke to Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says school safety remains a major concern, with the department reviewing its seven-pillar safety strategy. Maile says Search-and-seizure operations will continue at schools, both announced and unannounced. Maile says the department is spending R165 million on school patrollers, while working with SAPS and Community Safety to strengthen security and combat crime. Maile was briefing the media outlining plans to curb issues affecting Gauteng schools. Maile is facing a mammoth task to stabilize compromised safety measures in a number of schools that have been identified high-risk. Briefing the media  had this to say 

Orlando Pirates will have to get past Sekhukhune United in their bid to win a fifth successive MTN8 title.Pirates were pushed into extra time to beat MTN8 debutants Durban City in Soweto.Sekhukhune United got the better of  AmaZulu in a thrilling 4-3 win, which also needed extra time to separate the teams. The second semi-final will see Mamelodi Sundowns face Golden Arrows, who sent Kaizer Chiefs packing. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more   

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has distanced itself from Morita Forestry, following allegations that the company operated an investment scam that cost South Africans hundreds of millions of rand. The department says it had no formal relationship with Morita Forestry, but participated in a tree-planting event where the company donated about 300 trees. The department says Morita Forestry may have used its participation in the One Million Trees Programme to create an impression of legitimacy. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the department's Chief Director for Forestry Development, Tebogo Mathiane  

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe warning for disruptive snowfall over the Drakensberg and northern parts of Eastern Cape. Snow is also a possibility in Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng as the cold front intensifies. We spoke to Senior Forecaster at the South African Weather Service, Tokelo Chiloane.....

Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching a deal over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. However, Tehran says an agreement alone will not be enough to reopen the strategic waterway. The agreement is considered crucial to broader efforts to end the war, which began after simultaneous American and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. We spoke to Senior Researcher and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude

The Road Traffic Management Corporation is urging motorists to exercise extreme caution as snow, rain, freezing temperatures and icy conditions affect several provinces. Multiple roads and mountain passes are closed, including parts of the N3, N6, N9, R58 and R74. Motorists are advised to postpone unnecessary travel, reduce speed and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. RTMC spokesperson is Simon Zwane 

The Transport Department says a number of vehicles are currently stranded on the Barkly Pass, with emergency personnel on the ground working to assist. This comes as three mountain passes have been closed in the province due to heavy snowfall. Eastern Cape Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose says motorists are being advised to delay their journeys and avoid certain areas where possible, to prevent further incidents and reduce pressure on emergency services. He is urging motorists to heed warnings issued by authorities, reduce their speed and maintain a safe following distance. RTMC spokesperson is Simon Zwane   

A raging fire has destroyed about 700 shacks at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, leaving between 400 and 500 residents, mainly women, homeless. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says more than 400 affected residents had been profiled by yesterday afternoon. Duma says he is liaising with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who is expected to visit the province this week with the UN-Habitat Executive Director. The provincial government says R445 million has been allocated to build new houses for Jika Joe residents. Ndabezinhle Sibiya Spokesperson for MEC of Transport and Human Settlements

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has proclaimed the 4th of November as the date for the Local Government Elections, formally launching the 90 day election period. The proclamation marks the first major milestone in the election calendar as political parties prepare to contest municipalities across the country. Hlabisa says government is ready to deliver a free and fair election. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Elections Analyst, Wayne Sussman

South Africa will be hoping that their unconvincing start and adversity in the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will serve as a wake-up call to propel them to greater heights for the rest of the tournament.But despite the poor start, Banyana Banyana are just 90 quality minutes away from achieving their first goal -- qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.They take on host nation, Morocco, in a quarterfinal match in Rabat on Saturday evening. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more