It’s Thursday, 09 April 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Gareth Edwards.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has once again denied any links to alleged criminal kingpin Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, insisting he was out of the country at the time of the supposed meeting. The fresh denial follows testimony at the Madlanga Commission from suspended sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who claimed Mashatile was either due to meet Matlala or had already done so. Mashatile has said he is willing to appear before the commission if called.
Gang violence continues to grip Cape Town, where a six-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being shot in the head during a gang shooting in Valhalla Park. Police say she was caught in the crossfire when rival gangs opened fire. The suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested.
Authorities have also carried out another surprise raid at the maximum-security St Albans Prison in Gqeberha. Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale says the operation is aimed at uncovering hidden contraband and addressing security vulnerabilities. It is the second raid at the facility this year.
The Constitutional Court has ordered Cash Paymaster Services to repay more than R81 million in unlawful profits to SASSA, in the long-running fallout from an invalid social grants contract that ran between 2012 and 2018. The court says the money must be repaid despite the company being in liquidation.
South Africa’s history curriculum is set for a major rewrite after Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube gazetted a draft curriculum for Grades 4 to 12. The proposal would make history compulsory, place a stronger African focus at the centre of teaching, and is now open for public comment.
Online shoppers are also being hit with a pricing shift, with Temu now adding VAT and import duties at checkout. The move comes as SARS tightens import rules in a bid to improve compliance and protect local retailers, while giving consumers more transparency before delivery.
In the Middle East, the fragile US-Iran ceasefire is already being tested. Iran has threatened to resume hostilities after intensified Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while fears around the stability of the Strait of Hormuz are once again rattling markets and global trade nerves.
IN SPORT…
CAF president Patrice Motsepe says the organisation would welcome a corruption investigation after Senegal demanded a probe into the decision to strip it of hosting rights and award the tournament to Morocco. Liverpool’s troubles have also deepened after Paris Saint-Germain claimed a 2-0 first-leg advantage in their Champions League quarter-final, while Polokwane City’s win over TS Galaxy has tightened their grip on seventh place in the Betway Premiership.
That’s your News Bite for 9 April 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.