The headlines of the leading newspapers on 22 April 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the commissioner of police, general Fannie Masemola has been charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act in a 360-million-rand tender. The state alleges gross negligence and the failure to stop irregular payments to Medicare24.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports ActionSA has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against the Mpumalanga police chief, lieutenant general Daphney Manamela, after corruption allegations against her came to light.
The website also writes about the court appearance of general Masemola. He told journalists that he was innocent and that he should rather be busy fighting organised crime.
And finally, there is news about the controversial diamond trader Louis Liebenberg and his wife Dezi. More charges have now been attached to the charge sheet, bringing it to 127.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes six mourners from Limpopo have died and dozens have become seriously ill after eating food served at a funeral in Mmotong-wa-Bogobe, outside Polokwane in Limpopo. At least 74 people have reportedly been admitted to the hospital in Lebowakgomo.
# Sowetan:
Reports businessman Siyabonga Nkosi allegedly defrauded Eskom to the amount of 76-million-rand. He allegedly received 50-thousand-rand for a relay that actually cost 450-rand. The Special Investigation Unit has seized 17 houses and seven luxury cars.
# And The Citizen:
Writes suspended Seta boss Nokukhanya Mafahla has argued in the Labour Court that Numbelo, the husband of former Labour minister Thulas Nxesi, is wrongly blaming her. This is in connection with a 630-million-rand funding scandal.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports on the extensive charge sheet against Louis and Dezi Liebenberg.
And secondly, the paper writes about the memorial service for the Stormers’ team manager, Chippie Solomon.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the relocation of the manganese plant has now been postponed until 2030.
And secondly, the paper writes a councillor has lashed out at stray cattle in urban areas.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Also writes about general Fannie Masemola’s court appearance, and then the paper reports that foot-and-mouth disease is still spreading in KwaZulu-Natal.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports there is a serious shortage of housing for victims of gender-based violence. There are currently only eight houses available nationwide.
And secondly, the paper writes Jandré Dippenaar, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison after three Namibians and three German tourists died in an accident he caused, is still fighting for his freedom in the Supreme Court.