The headlines of the leading newspapers on 28 October 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the head of the police ballistics division, brigadier Mishak Mkhabela, told the Madlanga Commission that the ballistics expert, who is accused of omitting information in the firearm analysis report of the murder of engineer Armand Swart, did not commit sabotage, but rather made errors in the report.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports deputy president Paul Mashatile says the ANC has not done enough to improve people’s lives and the party must admit that it has made mistakes. This is the only way for the ANC to improve.
Then the website writes the acting minister of Police, professor Firoz Cachalia, says the best way to combat crime is to first ensure that the right people are appointed to the service.
And finally, it is reported president Cyril Ramaphosa says in his weekly newsletter that removing the country from the grey list has positive consequences for the economy.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula is accused of political interference in the administrative affairs of the City of Johannesburg. Sources within the ANC allege that Mbalula issued direct instructions regarding the appointment of the new municipal manager and played a role in delaying the regional conference, intending to influence its outcome.
# Sowetan:
Also reports on brigadier Mkhabela’s testimony. The paper writes Mkhabela testified that poor resources and a shortage of staff lead to errors in the forensic reports of the police ballistics department.
# And The Citizen:
Writes that with tensions rising between the EFF and the ANC over the reappointment of Floyd Brink as Johannesburg city manager, it is an open question whether the party will support the DA’s motion of no confidence in Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with the death of 32-year-old wildlife veterinarian doctor Alwyn Venter and his assistant Angelo Robbertse, 35. They died along with their pilot, 23-year-old Anlo Ferreira, when their helicopter crashed near Daniëlskuil in the Northern Cape. At the scene, it appears that the helicopter’s blades hit branches.
And secondly, it is reported the portfolio committee on Basic Education has instructed the department to compile national guidelines on dealing with bullying behaviour at schools.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape are upset because they are not receiving any medical aid benefits or a pension.
And secondly, the paper writes the Buffalo City Metro will allocate 79-million-rand for the disaster services centre in East London.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the tenderpreneur, Hangwani Maumela, purchased the Pagani Huayra roadster worth 52-million-rand with money from the Tembisa Hospital tender.
And secondly, the paper reports hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Homii building in Joe Slovo Street in Durban after eight-year-old Aphelele Dlamini died when he fell down an elevator shaft. A woman died two years ago under the same circumstances.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed the deputy prime minister and minister of Industry, Natangwe Ithete. No reasons were given. The president will now take responsibility for the portfolio of Industry, Mining, and Energy herself.
And secondly, the paper writes the president has also announced that office bearers will now only get one vehicle that can drive on tar and dirt roads.