It’s Monday, 16 March 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
A suspect in the killing of the Madlanga Commission’s Witness D has appeared in court, as the family of Marius van der Merwe says it will only find closure once everyone involved in the hit is brought to book.
Matipandile Sotheni faces charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Van der Merwe, a former EMPD officer and security company owner, had testified at the Madlanga Commission about corruption and an alleged police cover-up before he was killed in December.
Families of apartheid-era victims are also pushing back hard against what they say are attempts to derail the Khampepe Inquiry into the suppression of prosecutions recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
At a deeply emotional media briefing, Nomonde Calata and other families accused powerful political forces of trying to collapse the inquiry, as former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma seek to have Justice Sisi Khampepe removed. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since responded, saying the inquiry will not collapse.
International pressure is building around the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump contacted seven countries demanding help to reopen the vital shipping route after Iran blocked it during the war with the US and Israel.
Japan and Australia have already indicated they do not plan to send naval vessels, even as the waterway remains critical to around a fifth of the world’s energy transit. Flights to and from Dubai were also briefly grounded after a drone strike sparked a fire near Dubai International Airport, while US-Israeli bombardments in Iran and Iranian counterattacks on Israeli cities continue. A strike was also reported on the US embassy in Baghdad.
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie says he has proof that Joshlin Smith is still alive.
It has now been two years since the little girl disappeared from her home in Middelpos in the Western Cape. McKenzie made the claim while launching The Joshlin Smith Foundation in Saldanha Bay, despite Kelly Smith and two others having already been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping and child trafficking.
Cape Town residents are being warned that water restrictions may be on the horizon, even as the city heads towards its rainy season.
Dam levels have dropped sharply, and the city is bracing for a drier-than-usual winter. Elsewhere, heavy rains are causing damage of a different kind, with the Pafuri and Giriyondo Ports of Entry between South Africa and Mozambique temporarily closed because of flooding, and schools in Limpopo’s hardest-hit districts set to remain shut on Monday and Tuesday. The province’s education department is also dealing with a spate of burglaries targeting school nutrition stockpiles and electronic equipment.
IN OTHER NEWS
The White House has launched a probe into forced labour in countries exporting to the United States, with South Africa among the 60 countries targeted. Analysts say the move may be used to justify fresh tariffs or restrictions.
SPORT
· The Springbok Sevens have held off Fiji to win the New York Sevens tournament and seal a World Series victory.
· Kaizer Chiefs have moved into fifth place on the table after a 1-nil win over Durban City at FNB Stadium.
· Tottenham manager Igor Tudor says he is pleased with his side’s fighting spirit after a late 1-all draw with Liverpool left them hovering just above the relegation zone.
· And Jannik Sinner has become only the third man in history to complete the set of six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles after beating Daniil Medvedev to win at Indian Wells.
AND FINALLY…
· Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem made an unmistakable anti-war statement while presenting best international feature film at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
· The big winner on the night was One Battle After Another, which took home six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, adapted screenplay, editing and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. Sinners also had a major night, winning four awards, with Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first woman and first black cinematographer to win an Oscar, Ryan Coogler taking Best Original Screenplay, and Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor.
That’s your News Bite for Monday, 16 March 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.