Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 13 March 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa focused on domestic issues during his question session in Parliament. The paper writes this on the eve of a crucial Middle East crisis debate that is scheduled.

# Mail & Guardian on Fridays:

Writes Iran war shakes South Africa. Increasing attacks between Iran, Israel, and the US are pushing global oil markets higher, with possible consequences for South Africa’s fuel prices, inflation, and interest rates.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the suspended national head of the police’s organised crime unit, major general Richard Shibiri, has admitted that he lied to the Madlanga Commission. He admitted that he did interfere in the investigation into the murder of Armand Swart of Vereeniging.

Secondly, the website writes the controversial couple, Peet and Mel Viljoen from Pretoria, could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison after they were arrested for shoplifting in America.

And finally, the paper publishes the full farewell message from Naas Botha who is on his way to America.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes members of the South African Police Service and Interpol’s National Central Bureau have arrested three Somali citizens on charges of fraud, corruption and illegal immigration following an operation at border posts in Mpumalanga. The arrests are part of intensified operations carried out with the aim of intercepting forged travel documents at South Africa’s border posts.

# And Sowetan:

Reports that it emerged at the Madlanga Commission that major general Richard Shibiri allegedly used the 70-thousand-rand loan from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to buy two pairs of shoes worth 19-thousand-500-rand and 17-thousand-rand. Shibiri’s financial statements indicate that he did not need money from Matlala.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports the deployment of the army to support the police in Cape Town is going chaotically. There is uncertainty about the coordination of the operation and the accommodation given to the members is also not to their liking.

And secondly, the paper also writes about Naas Botha’s farewell.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports lawyers for the accused murderer Arnold Terblanche have challenged the state to reveal who they believe actually killed his estranged wife, Vicki.

And secondly, the newspaper writes participants are upset because the Bellbuoy sea swimming challenge has been postponed.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes the business community has pledged their support for KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial budget.

And reports Eskom will take action against defaulters by cutting off their power.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports Meatco has filed a lawsuit against its suspended executive officer for livestock production and procurement, Patrick Liebenberg, for the alleged misappropriation of 6.1-million-rand.

And secondly, the paper writes the cost of Namibia’s pension grant is rapidly approaching eight-billion-rand per year.