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Finance minister to reveal options amid record-high petrol and diesel costs driven by global turmoil. ebx.sh/Dtx9mh

Eastern Cape attorney who looted R6m from deceased estates faces sentencing snag brnw.ch/21x6yhc

Did Suliman Carrim tailor his evidence? Magistrate wants transcripts before bail judgment dailymaverick.co.za/article/…

South Africa could secure another credit-rating upgrade as early as next month, with BofA, BNP Paribas and Morgan Stanley pointing to improved fiscal discipline and a declining debt-to-GDP ratio. #Moneyweb #CreditRating ow.ly/IHs850ZZbBV

The National Consumer Commission has issued 167 compliance notices to suppliers and retailers in South Africa found to be in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act. businesstech.co.za/news/tren…

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), has set a world record for the longest freight train, measuring 7.6 km with 696 wagons. businesstech.co.za/news/moto…

Why are we so obsessed with true crime? It’s not just morbid curiosity dailymaverick.co.za/article/…

Mbeki denies secret apartheid-era generals meetings, says amnesty talks happened through ANC channels dailymaverick.co.za/article/…

#sapsNC [TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF PROTECTED WILDLIFE IN HANOVER] The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape continues to intensify efforts to combat wildlife-related crimes, with the swift response by members of Hanover #SAPS resulting in the arrest of two male suspects, aged 37 and 38, for the alleged illegal possession and transportation of protected wildlife. On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at approximately 10:00, Hanover SAPS members received information regarding a suspicious white Toyota Quantum taxi that was allegedly transporting two Steenbok along the N10 between De Aar and Hanover. The members immediately operationalised the information and swiftly intercepted the vehicle in Hanover. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of two Steenbok, which were allegedly being transported by the two male occupants. The two suspects were subsequently arrested, while the Toyota Quantum taxi was seized for further investigation. The estimated value of the two protected wild animals is approximately R16 000. The suspects are facing charges relating to the alleged contravention of Section 4 of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009. An Environmental Technician from the Green Scorpions was informed of the incident and will assist with the relevant environmental and wildlife-related processes. The suspects are expected to appear in the relevant court in due course. The Pixley Ka-Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe commended the members for their swift response and effective operationalisation of information, which resulted in the recovery of the protected wildlife and the arrest of the suspects. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal possession and transportation of the animals is continuing. #FightingCrime #EndangeredSpecies #ProtectedSpecies #PartnershipPolicing ST

At least 109 gastrointestinal illness cases hit Rhodes University campus brnw.ch/21x6y9n

Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale is leading a search operation at Klerksdorp Correctional Centre. The operation aims to remove illegal items and improve safety inside the facility. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403.

Tomorrow, amaBhungane, Daily Maverick and Media24 will oppose an application to hear the entire testimony of a senior intelligence official at the Madlanga Commission behind closed doors. Dr N Sifolo, acting coordinator of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC), is expected to give evidence about intelligence reports concerning the infiltration of South Africa's criminal justice system by organised crime syndicates. He will have to explain why the country’s intelligence apparatus did not manage to counter this infiltration. His testimony is expected to draw on four National Intelligence Estimates issued between 2022 and 2025, as well as 11 intelligence briefs and a special report issued between January and July 2025. These documents were declassified for use by the commission, but not for public release. The commission's evidence leaders argue that, because of these restrictions, Sifolo's testimony should be heard entirely in camera. They contend that the commission does not have the power to change the terms of declassification. We are opposing that application. In our heads of argument, we make four central points. First, the evidence leaders have not provided sufficient evidence to show what specific harm to national security would result from public testimony. Second, the fact that information has been classified does not, on its own, justify withholding it from the public. Our submissions draw on Constitutional Court judgments affirming the importance of open justice and the need to justify restrictions on public access.  Third, the Constitutional Court has opened the way for the Commission to make its own assessment and not be bound by the classifications imposed because it is granted the powers of a high court under the Commissions Act. Fourth, even where there are legitimate security concerns, those concerns do not necessarily justify excluding the public from an entire hearing. We are proposing a less restrictive approach: Sifolo should testify publicly wherever possible, with closed sessions limited to genuinely sensitive evidence. Information that could compromise national security, ongoing operations or individuals' safety could be protected through redactions and the use of codenames. This is particularly important given the subject of the commission's investigation. The commission is examining allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system. Among the questions it must confront are how organised crime syndicates were able to infiltrate these institutions, what the country's intelligence structures knew about those threats, and how that information was reported and acted upon. These are matters of considerable public interest. We recognise that some intelligence information may require protection. But the starting point must be open proceedings, with secrecy justified where it is genuinely necessary. The public should not be excluded from hearing evidence about the conduct and accountability of state institutions without compelling reasons.

#sapsMP [THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR BRIBERY AND POSSESSION OF DAGGA WORTH R12 MILLION IN MIDDELBURG] Members of the Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Task Team and Middelburg #FlyingSquad arrested three suspects, aged between 27 and 33, on Monday, 19 October 2026, at about 15:30 on the N4 next to Vandyksdrift. Members were conducting patrols and stop-and-search operations when they spotted a white Isuzu truck driving at a high speed. The truck was stopped and searched; it was then that members discovered a green tent used to cover luggage inside the truck. Underneath, Police discovered a number of compressed bags of dagga. Whilst members were still busy at the scene, two males driving in a white VW Polo, with Mpumalanga registration number plates, arrived and approached the said members. The men are said to have introduced themselves and negotiated for the release of the dagga and the suspect. They then offered members an amount of R12 590. Members warned the suspects against bribery. The suspects are said to have then increased the offer by R10,000 more, stating that they were desperate for the dagga. These two suspects were nabbed on the spot for possession of dagga and for alleged bribery. Fifty-five (55) bags of compressed dagga weighing 1680 kg's with an estimated street value of about R12 million were seized. Each bag was marked with names and destinations. The trio is expected to appear at the Middelburg Magistrate's Court soon facing the said charges. Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the #SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, has hailed the arrest and the confiscation of the large amount of dagga “We are glad that the members have stood their ground and demonstrated what SAPS stands for. We can never allow anyone to corrupt any of our members, and for those who take chances, they will face the full might of the law. We will continue to reduce the space for criminals whilst we applaud the astute members for the job well done,” said the General. #FightingCrime #DrugsOffTheStreets #SaferCommunities ST

Residents in Tshwane have been warned not to drink or use water from their taps due to contamination. businesstech.co.za/news/gove…

#sapsFS [POLICE SEEK PERSONS OF INTEREST TO ASSIST WITH ASSAULT GBH INVESTIGATION] The Namahadi Detective Service is appealing to the community to assist in locating persons of interest, Thabiso Mnguni, Papa Nhlapo, Oupaki Tshabalala and Thabiso Mlganeni (pictured) who may assist police with an investigation into the assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm case. On 1 October 2026 at about 18:15 at Mangaung Village in Qwaqwa near a tuck shop, the man and his sister were walking near the tuck shop when the four young men confronted him and presented themselves to him as the 'Force Group'. Suddenly, a member of the group hit him with a golf club (stick), and another stabbed him with a knife whilst he was on the ground. He sustained multiple serious injuries, both to his body and head. No suspects have been arrested yet. The persons of interest are requested to contact Namahadi Acting Detective Commander, Warrant Officer Nhlapo, at 078 116 1241 to assist with the investigation. Anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the persons of interest can contact Detective Warrant Officer Nhlapo of Namahadi on the above-mentioned numbers. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality. #SAPS #CrimeStop #MySAPSApp #CommunityPolicing ST

BRONKHORSTSPRUIT WATER | Water expert Prof Anja du Plessis says the Tshwane water crisis could have been avoided, adding that accountability is needed and that chlorination alone will not solve the metro's water challenges.

#sapsKZN [RAPIST SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT] On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the Vryheid Regional Court sentenced Joseph Lebenya (41) to life imprisonment for rape and a further five years for housebreaking. The sentence follows an incident that occurred in Bhekuzulu Township within the Vryheid policing precinct on 17 December 2023. A 61-year-old lady was asleep in her home at night when she was suddenly awoken by someone touching her. As she was trying to establish what was happening, an unknown intruder covered her mouth with his hand, undressed her, and raped her. The assailant had gained entry through one of the windows in the house. After he was done, the victim and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation, during which she managed to get hold of the suspect's jacket. The assailant fled leaving his jacket behind which contained his cellphone in one of the pockets. The matter was reported at Vryheid police station and the case docket was handed to Vryheid #FamilyViolence, #ChildProtection and #SexualOffences Unit (FCS) for investigation. The investigation commenced and through the evidence collected detectives were able to identify the suspect as Joseph Lebenya. At that time Joseph had fled the area. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was arrested on 15 May 2025 and was charged with rape and housebreaking. His bail was successfully opposed by the investigating officer. The trial commenced at the Vryheid Regional Court where he was subsequently found guilty. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm. #sentencing #EndGBVF #SaferCommunities ST

The City of Tshwane has increased its water tanker fleet to help residents in Bronkhorstspruit. Mayor Nasiphi Moya has visited the area, which has reported 433 cases of stomach illnesses linked to contaminated water. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403.

‘Dangerous pattern’: Shadrack Sibiya denied bail over threats and wiped cellphone dailymaverick.co.za/article/…

The City of Tshwane has resumed adding chlorine to Bronkhorstspruit water. Water and Sanitation Director-General Sean Phillips is warning that the advisory for residents to avoid using the water for drinking, cleaning, or washing remains in place. Tune in to #eNCA, on #DStv403.