Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 16 March 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports experts are of the opinion that cooperation between the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority is of crucial importance to assist with joint strategies for arrests and prosecutions.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Firstly, reports on South Africa’s victory over Fiji in the New York Sevens tournament and their conquest of the league. The Blitzboks defeated Fiji 10-7.

Secondly, the website writes the alleged animal abuser, Jamie Pieterse, appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court with his girlfriend, Marizelle Swanepoel, after an earlier raid on his home in Kirstenhof.

And finally, there is news about a 48-year-old farmer from Upington, André van der Merwe, who died in America from complications due to pneumonia.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said at the launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation in Saldanha Bay that he is convinced that Joshlin is still alive. He also said that the foundation must ensure that Joshlin’s brother and sister are taken care of.

# Sowetan:

Reports a former member of the police task force has been arrested in connection with the murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, before the Madlanga Commission.

# And The Citizen:

Writes despite spending 90-million-rand to develop a business centre for Kaalfontein in Ekurhuleni, the site is still overgrown with weeds and tall grass. There are numerous excuses and allegations of municipal fraud.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Also reports on McKenzie’s statement about Joshlin Smith. On Saturday, he handed over information from a private investigator he had hired to the police, indicating that Joshlin may still be alive.

Then the paper writes about the deployment of the army to all nine provinces to help with action against gang violence and illegal mining activities.

And finally there is news about a Cape thief who tore a gold chain from a tourist’s neck and swallowed it.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Firstly, give a full explanation of the Eastern Cape provincial budget and how it affects the residents.

And secondly, the paper writes the SPCA in Uitenhage has managed to raise 2.7-million-rand in the past seven weeks and will soon move into a new facility.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes there is hope for a huge energy injection for KwaZulu-Natal after a meeting between premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and various stakeholders from the private sector.

And secondly, it is reported the provincial government wants to erect a statue for Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports that only 294 senior government officials will receive medical care at the seven designated state hospitals from April so that the new system for civil servants can be tested.

And secondly, the paper writes a guideline from the ministry of Education requiring private schools to urgently register Grade 12 learners with recognised examination bodies is raising concerns among some private schools.