The headlines of the leading newspapers on 20 October 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu, still maintains that he alone drafted and signed the December 31 order disbanding the political assassination task force, and that he accepts personal responsibility for the action.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the alleged murderers of 14-year-old Jayden Louw in 2023 during a farm attack in Bapsfontein will also face trial for attempted murder of his mother and brother. Jayden was shot dead while trying to defend his mother.
Secondly, the paper writes about the heavy rain and hail that occurred over Lichtenburg, Hekpoort, and Skeerpoort. The Weather Service has issued further warnings.
And finally, it is reported that president Donald Trump’s reaction to the NO KINGS protest in which thousands of Americans participated, is an AI video in which he throws feces over the protesters from an airplane.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has apologised to Patrice Motsepe for comments he made about the billionaire’s possible political ambitions for the presidency of the African National Congress. Meanwhile, Motsepe has once again dismissed speculation about his political ambitions and made it clear that he has no intention of running for the presidency of the ANC.
# Sowetan:
Reports the Johannesburg Metro Police have cracked down on street vendors who are trading without licenses. However, a body that supports socio-economic rights says that the authorities did not speak to the vendors before the raids.
# And The Citizen:
Writes the revelations by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi indicate a complete collapse of the country’s state security, and that urgent intervention is needed.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Firstly, reports about the cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon due to inclement weather. A total of 24-thousand athletes were to participate in the marathon. The organisers say it will take days to determine the extent of the financial loss. However, Sanlam has offered to pay the registration fees of all athletes who were to participate this year for 2026.
And secondly, the paper writes the warm weather in the Western Cape will continue until Wednesday.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports a dispute over the payment of a contractor is delaying the completion of a R169-million special school in East London.
And secondly, the paper writes the second phase of the Marina Glen upgrade has not yet started.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, writes about the power struggle between the IFP, ANC and Abantu Batho Congress in Umvoti. The DA has called for it to be resolved because it is harming service delivery.
And secondly, it is reported that thousands of participants in the Cape Town Marathon are upset because it was cancelled.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports despite an information campaign on the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease in Namibia in September, unmarked cattle and goats are back on the Namibian side of the Orange River at the beginning of October with authorities being slow to respond.
And secondly, there is news about the funeral of Walvis Bay businessman and philanthropist, John Savva.