It’s Friday, 5 June, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
It is raining suspensions at the SAPS, with 11 police officers linked to the controversial Medicare24 contract served with suspension notices. The officers are implicated in the R350-million SAPS tender linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with Brigadier Rachel Matjeng among those suspended. They face charges of failing to perform their duties and failing to verify information supplied for the tender bid. At the same time, Major General Richard Shibiri has been fired after a disciplinary hearing found he brought the SAPS into disrepute by associating with Matlala and being accused of accepting an R80,000 gift.
Several Nelson Mandela Bay communities are battling after days of heavy rain, with the South African Weather Service issuing a Level 4 warning for the Eastern Cape. The metro has activated its disaster plan and opened shelters for affected residents. Gift of the Givers is assisting flood victims in Gqeberha, while calling for vulnerable residents to be moved to safer areas. In KwaZulu-Natal, heavy snowfall near Sani Pass has forced road closures, with authorities urging travellers heading into Lesotho to suspend trips until the route is declared safe.
In Mossel Bay, the 23-year-old arrested in connection with the murder of Nhlamulo Sambo has been released because of insufficient evidence. Sambo was stabbed to death in Nonqaba during ongoing anti-migrant unrest, but police say the killing is not linked to the protests. In Gauteng, anti-illegal migration protests have reached Tsakane, where residents are protesting over illegal businesses, corruption and safety concerns. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says a so-called national shutdown will not happen, and President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation next week.
In Johannesburg, Mayor Dada Morero and city officials are targeting Midrand in the city’s revenue collection drive, as officials try to recover around R200-million in outstanding municipal debt. The city says it needs to strengthen its financial sustainability after coming under pressure from the Finance Minister. Meanwhile, Gauteng water outages continue, with Riverlea residents still dealing with a major leak that has spread to several points in the area after years without a permanent fix.
South Africa is marking a major milestone in its HIV response with the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable option that health officials say could strengthen prevention efforts as infection rates remain too high. Pick n Pay retrenchments are also on hold after Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth stepped in to try to help save 22,000 jobs. The National Consumer Commission has announced a safety recall for more than 6,500 Toyota and Lexus vehicles, while Eskom has signed a gas supply agreement linked to the proposed Richards Bay gas-to-power project.
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Bafana Bafana’s World Cup warm-up against Jamaica has been postponed to Saturday after their delayed arrival in Pachuca, Mexico. The match is now set for 11pm South African time and will not be televised. Formula 1 returns with the Monaco Grand Prix, where all eyes are on teenage championship leader Kimi Antonelli. At the French Open, Maja Chwalinska has made history as the first qualifier to reach the final. In rugby, the Bulls and Stormers are chasing another all-South African URC final, but must first get past Glasgow Warriors and Leinster, respectively.
And finally, South African rugby fans are daring to dream again. If the Bulls and Stormers both get through Saturday’s semifinals, the URC could be staring at another all-SA final.
That’s your News Bite for 5 June 2026.
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