It’s Thursday, 20 August and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
Stuart Scharnick has been arrested at the Madlanga Commission after a Sowetan journalist opened a case of alleged intimidation. It happened during a break in Fadiel Adams’ testimony on classified crime intelligence, with Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels saying media intimidation is unacceptable.
The Usindiso Building fire trial has heard more evidence after the State reopened its case. Accused Stehmbiso Mdlalose faces 76 murder counts, 12 attempted-murder counts and arson, while the court has raised concerns about postmortem discrepancies and victim identities. The trial resumes Monday.
The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates unchanged, but RMB Chief Economist Isaah Mhlanga warns another hike is still possible. Inflation hit a two-year high in June, driven largely by higher fuel costs linked to the war in the Middle East.
A former Meta engineering director has told a California court that child safety was less important than user engagement while he worked there. Meta faces
allegations that Instagram and Facebook drove addictive use, misled the public about safety and collected children’s data without parental consent.
Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly planning to move back to England six years after stepping down as working royals. British media reports say they plan to settle outside London, with Archie and Lilibet enrolled to start school in September.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, former Knysna mayor Ndoda Aubrey Tsengwa has been shot dead after an assailant opened fire on his vehicle.
The NPA says it is ready to proceed against suspended officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who faces fraud, theft and defeating-the-ends-of-justice charges after firearms, ammunition, a hand grenade, cash and police dockets were seized at his home. He returns to court on 15 September.
SPORT
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has unveiled a two-part magnetic trophy for the four-Test Springboks-All Blacks tour. The winners take both halves after the final Test in Baltimore, but a draw would see each nation keep one half. The first Test is at Ellis Park Saturday.
Khuliso Mudau suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants, a setback for club and country ahead of September’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
And finally, Max Verstappen has ended speculation over his Formula One future by signing a new Red Bull contract through 2030.
That’s your News Bite for 20 August. For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv 403.