It’s Monday, 17 August and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has appeared before the Madlanga Commission, insisting he had no relationship with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi or Feroz Khan. Matlala’s companies were awarded a R228-million SAPS tender, but he says his only communication with Mchunu was through lawyers over a letter sent to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
The Zimbabwean Civic Movement wants about 200 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals detained in Robertson for more than a month to be released and repatriated. South Africa is also trying to recover $18.5-million spent repatriating foreign nationals from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia, but analyst Kingsley Makhubela says reimbursement could be difficult.
Former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has attacked President Cyril Ramaphosa on the campaign trail in Mthatha, saying the country is being run by a “crook” who has done nothing for the people.
In London, a vigil has been held for Cambridge University professor Jason Arday, found dead after a dispute over plagiarism and racism. Arday became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023. His death has also raised questions about the plagiarism dispute, the academic’s stated eugenics beliefs and the media scrutiny Arday faced.
Hollywood actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36. Her father confirmed her death and asked for privacy, while reports say an investigation is open. In Las Vegas, the Tupac Shakur murder trial has begun, 30 years after the rapper was shot dead at 25.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, a second suspect has been arrested over the Reiger Park murders, where four people, including two police officers, were killed. Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and associate Bafana Bafana Sindane are due before the Madlanga Commission on 28 August and 2 September over alleged criminal syndicates.
SPORT
Cameroon are the 2026 Women’s AFCON champions after beating Malawi 3-0 for their first title. FIFA president Gianni Infantino watched alongside CAF president Patrice Motsepe amid scrutiny of his attempt to sell off parts of FIFA’s top competitions.
And finally, Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 3-0 to go top of the Betway Premiership. Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu all have seven points, separated by goal difference.
That’s your News Bite for 17 August. For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv 403.