It’s Wednesday, 5 August, and this is News Bite with Gareth Edwards.
Suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested for a fourth time, now over the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, whose body was found in Spaarwater Dam in Brakpan in April 2022. Mkhwanazi is among four suspects, including EMPD and SAPS members, expected in court on 6 August.
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has been suspended by Parliament for 20 days and docked 20 days’ salary. The sanction follows a social-media post exposing a Democratic Alliance staff member’s contact details. Parliament treated his earlier breach as an aggravating factor.
At the Madlanga Commission, Andrea Johnson’s credibility is under renewed pressure. Peter Serunye says he repeatedly warned her that the case against senior Crime Intelligence officials had weak evidence, questionable charges and possible mandate problems. Drushantha Ramsamy has also returned to the stand, saying Captain Mark McLean advised her to be careful around the Eastern Cape team because it could ruin her career.
Ronald Lamola has called the war in Sudan one of the greatest moral failures of our time. He says South Africa will use African Union summits this month to push for stronger African-led conflict prevention and resolution.
Globally, 25 Democratic-led US states are suing the Trump administration over new tariffs affecting countries including South Africa. They want the measures blocked and duties refunded, while the White House says they lawfully target unfair trade and forced labour. South Africa faces a 12.5% tariff increase.
Iran says talks with Oman are nearing an agreement on safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz through a jointly managed route. The proposal appears tied to the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Donald Trump claims an Iran deal could arrive as early as today and reopen the strategic waterway. Iran insists its negotiations are only with Oman.
SPORT
Banyana Banyana have booked a Women’s AFCON quarter-final against hosts Morocco after Thembi Kgatlana’s goal secured victory over Burkina Faso. Ivory Coast’s win over Tanzania completed South Africa’s route into the knockout rounds; Ivory Coast face Algeria.
Rassie Erasmus has made 13 Springbok changes for the one-off Test against Argentina. Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager return, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back after two months out and partners Cobus Reinach.
And finally, Banyana’s campaign has gone from the brink to a date with the hosts. Morocco now stand between South Africa and a semi-final.
That’s your News Bite for 5 August. For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.