It’s Wednesday, 1 April 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Gareth Edwards.
Gang-ridden communities may finally get some relief, with the SANDF now deployed to crime hotspots across Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. More than 2,200 troops are on the ground as authorities try to tackle gang violence and illegal activity, but in Eldorado Park, residents say boots on the ground are not enough and want lasting solutions instead of a temporary show of force.
The High Court in Johannesburg has dismissed Thabo Bester’s bid to be reclassified as an awaiting trial detainee. The court found the application had no merit, rejecting arguments that his rights were being violated while he remains a sentenced prisoner facing further charges linked to his escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
There was no relief at the pumps overnight as fuel prices kicked in at midnight, with petrol up by R3.06 a litre and diesel up by R7.37. The increases are expected to deepen pressure on already-strained consumers, while warnings against panic buying continue and government says any relief measures under consideration will only be temporary.
In global news, Tehran has been rocked by a fresh wave of explosions as US President Donald Trump says the war with Iran could be over in two or three weeks. Tehran insists there are no ongoing negotiations and says it has not responded to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war.
IN SPORT…
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has raised concerns about his side’s physicality after the 2-1 defeat to Panama in Cape Town, as South Africa continues preparing for the FIFA World Cup in North America. The AmaWheelaBoys have also secured a historic win over Egypt at the IWBF Africa Championships in Luanda to reach the
quarter-finals, while the Proteas Women fell short against New Zealand in the second ODI in Wellington despite posting a formidable 346.
That’s your News Bite for 1 April 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.