The use of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s abandoned plea deal statement at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has sparked a legal dispute, with his defence warning that the ruling allowing the document could undermine future plea negotiations with the state. Matlala’s legal representative, Annelene van den Heever, has indicated that the defence intends to challenge commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s decision permitting questions about the statement, which was prepared during negotiations with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac). The statement, which was…
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa has launched a priority investigation into nine major suppliers of sanitary pads and panty liners following alarming findings from a University of the Free State (UFS) study. Released in February 2026, the research analysed 16 popular sanitary pad brands and 8 panty liner varieties available in local stores, revealing the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in every tested product—even those labeled as “organic” or “chemical-free.” These EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenols like BPA,…
Accused number two in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Bongani Ntanzi, has rejected claims that he possessed or used a cellphone while in prison custody following his arrest in June 2020. Ntanzi is one of five men standing trial at the High Court in Pretoria for the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain. The matter returned to court as the State continued leading evidence related to alleged communications linked to Ntanzi after his arrest. State prosecutor George Baloyi…
The Madlanga Commission has criticised controversial blogger Musa Khawula for making public his communications with its officials. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said discussions with persons of interest and potential witnesses are intended to remain strictly confidential to protect those involved. Michaels addressed the media during a doorstep briefing following the commission’s adjournment on Wednesday. “We certainly do not want to engage in public discussion on individual matters between the Commission and those concerned,” Michaels said. “In this instance, the individual…