It’s Friday, 15 May 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
Brown Mogotsi’s recusal application has been dismissed by the Madlanga Commission.
The alleged political fixer has accused evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson of bias, alleging he wanted him to “throw North West businessman Suleiman Carrim under the bus”.
But evidence before the commission suggests Mogotsi himself initiated contact with Chaskalson, offering to provide information linked to Carrim.
Chaskalson, in response, denies the allegations and says it was Mogotsi who approached him first with the offer of information.
As the Phala Phala saga continues to unfold, political parties have until close of business today to submit names of MPs to serve on Parliament’s impeachment committee probing the matter.
The 31-member committee will revisit the report into the 2020 theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm — the same report currently being challenged through a judicial review.
Speaker Thoko Didiza says the committee will include all 16 parties in Parliament, with seats allocated according to proportional representation.
Any move to remove the President would require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the drivers involved in two separate crashes on the N1 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo are expected to face culpable homicide charges.
The accidents claimed several lives, including a mother and her child.
Investigations are ongoing, while social workers have been deployed to assist affected families.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.
In more SAPS turmoil, three Pretoria West detectives have been arrested for corruption and extortion.
They are accused of demanding money from kidnapping suspects.
The trio - two sergeants and a constable - was arrested by the National Anti-Corruption Unit and is expected in court next week.
Police have issued a warning over reckless firearm use after a viral video showed two women handling and pointing guns at each other inside a house.
SAPS says firearms are not toys and should never be used for entertainment or social media content, urging the public to report illegal or reckless use.
In Business news, South Africa has become the world’s top exporter of citrus, overtaking Spain.
The Citrus Growers’ Association says nearly 3 million tonnes were exported in the 2025 season.
Despite the milestone, the industry continues to face mounting pressure.
Pick n Pay is facing backlash from union SACCAWU over proposed labour changes under a Section 189A process.
The retailer says it is aiming to improve efficiency, but the union warns up to 22 workers could be affected and has criticised possible reduced hours and benefits.
In Sport news, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will investigate allegations of poor living conditions at the African Senior Championships in Accra after complaints from athletes, including shot putter Aiden Smith.
Minister Gayton McKenzie says officials are probing the matter and monitoring the situation.
And Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup after receiving an 18-month doping ban.
He tested positive for a banned substance prescribed by a doctor and has 21 days to appeal.
That’s your News Bite for 15 May 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.