It’s Thursday, 12 March 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
South Africa’s military deployment into crime hotspots in Gauteng and the Western Cape is already drawing scrutiny, with parliamentary committee chairs split over whether the operation’s scope, mandate and oversight are clear enough.
Legal and defence voices insist the President is within his rights to deploy the army under existing frameworks, with Operation Prosper again in the spotlight.
But beyond the constitutional debate, residents in communities hit by violent crime say the issue is immediate and personal. An Eldorado Park mother whose son survived a shooting says visible SANDF patrols are needed to help communities feel safe.
Oil prices are back on a rollercoaster as conflict in the Middle East intensifies. After swinging sharply this week, prices have resumed climbing as disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz threaten global supply routes. Strategic reserve releases may ease the pressure briefly, but markets remain tense.
The global oil shock is now hitting South African travellers too. FlySafair has confirmed higher fuel surcharges on domestic routes, with some fares rising by around R170 depending on the trip.
Also in the episode, former ambassador Kingsley Makhubela says US Ambassador Leo Bozell’s attempt to soften his earlier remarks is likely aimed at de-escalating tensions after he was summoned to Pretoria over comments seen as undiplomatic.
At Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee, proceedings got off to a shaky start as some members walked out over concerns about witness Kishene Chetty appearing without proper legal representation.
The TRC cases inquiry also remains a key focus. Former NPA head Vusi Pikoli says true political loyalty must include the freedom to challenge power, as he revisits claims of political interference in prosecutions.
At the same time, new NPA head Andy Mothibi says the prosecuting authority’s list of priority areas remains open and reviewable, with TRC-related matters among the issues in focus.
In other news…
- Pupils at Umbilo Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal were evacuated after a suspected gas leak or unusual smell left some with breathing difficulties.
l - And at the Madlanga Commission, suspended organised crime head Richard Shibiri denied tipping off Cat Matlala about a raid on his home and rejected any link to Matlala’s SAPS contract.
In sport
- Paris Saint-Germain hammered Chelsea 5-2 in the Champions League, Arsenal drew with Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid beat Manchester City, and Orlando Pirates moved back to the top of the Betway Premiership.
That’s your News Bite for 12 March 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.