Update@Noon

The Statistician-General of South Africa and Head of Statistics South Africa, Risenga Maluleke, says murder is the only crime households experienced more frequently over the past five years. He says murder cases increased significantly in the 2025-26 period, while most other household crimes declined. Maluleke says housebreaking remains the most common household crime. Maluleke was  briefing the media on the findings from the Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey 2025/26.

The lawyer representing suspended police intelligence boss Major-General Firoz Khan has argued that discrepancies in Khan's medical certificates amount to an administrative error, rather than fraud. But the commission has challenged this interpretation, saying the letters from SAPS only requested outstanding temporary incapacity leave forms and did not instruct Khan or his doctor to alter medical certificates. The lawyer maintains there was a disconnect between the records and the source documents.

Retired Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya has told the Madlanga Commission that he approved a request by KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head General Sonona for DPCI members to undergo polygraph tests. Lebeya says Sonona submitted the request as the provincial head, with the tests accommodated under DPCI directives and employment processes. However, the commission questioned why Sonona made the request while two separate investigations into the theft had already been commissioned. Sonona had also been responsible for the keys to the safe where the drugs were stolen, although Lebeya says he was unaware of this at the time.

Retired Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya testifying before the Madlanga commission says he immediately ordered two investigations after being informed of the theft of seized drugs from a strong room at the Potchefstroom police offices in November 2021. He says one investigation was a fact-finding exercise, while Major General Kana was tasked with the criminal investigation. Lebeya says General Sonona informed him about the burglary, but he does not recall receiving a report directly from Sonona about the theft.

Retired Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya has told the Madlanga Commission that he does not have a personal relationship with convicted drug dealer and alleged kidnapping kingpin Timmy Marimuthu. Lebeya says Marimuthu first came to his attention in 2010, while he was investigating irregular appointments in Crime Intelligence. He says Marimuthu would occasionally call him claiming to have information, but Lebeya deliberately avoided meeting him and instead sent police officers to engage with him. Lebeya confirmed that information relayed by the officers was linked to a kidnapping investigation.

The Office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he is recovering well after being admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation.  The office says Deputy President became unwell at home in Johannesburg and was later discharged under the care of his medical team. His office says Mashatile remains in contact with officials and continues performing his duties virtually, including participating in Parliament and other crucial meetings. The office has urged the public and media to disregard speculation about his health, saying it respects his medical privacy. Keith Khoza, is the Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President 

The IFP has announced mayoral candidates for eThekwini Metro and Umhlathuze Municipality as it seeks to win control of KwaZulu-Natal's major port cities. Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, will lead the party's campaign in eThekwini, while Xolani Ngwezi will seek to retain his position.  Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa unveiled the candidates at a press conference in Durban. He also urged political parties to ensure there's political tolerance in the build up to the Local Government Elections in November, amid growing reports of attacks and intimidation in the province. Zanele Buthelezi has more.... 

The National Department of Health has assured the public that medicine supplies in the public healthcare sector remain stable. The department says changes in the colour, shape, packaging or manufacturer of medicines do not mean the medicine itself has changed. It says patients may receive equivalent medicines from different approved suppliers, with the same active ingredients, strength and therapeutic benefits. The department says temporary shortages of specific brands or pack sizes do not necessarily mean treatment is unavailable, as healthcare professionals can provide suitable alternatives. Foster Mohale  is the Departmental Spokesperson  

Wits University has dismissed claims that 98 percent of its staff are foreign nationals, describing the figure as fake news. The university says international staff make up nine percent of its workforce. Wits says its approach to internationalisation does not come at the expense of transformation or the development of South African talent. It says its goal is to build South African leadership while drawing on global expertise where necessary, maintaining a balance between local talent and international experience. Wits spokesperson is Shirona Patel 

Over 800 traditional practitioners converged at Kamhluswa Stadium in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga. This, as the Provincial Health Department commemorates African Traditional Medicine Day. The gathering brought together traditional healers, medical doctors, as well as traditional associations, to discuss the importance of working together to provide the best health-care services to the public. This year, the day is commemorated under the theme "reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in African. Nonkululeko Shongwe reports....