The headlines of the leading newspapers on 16 September 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports that a Kenyan court has blocked Vodacom’s 36-billion-rand takeover of Safaricom. The paper writes the ruling cites arbitrary pricing and concerns regarding competition, particularly concerning the sale of the state’s shareholding.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia announced last night that the police have discovered an eighth female body in the Ekurhuleni area. Cachalia says the latest incident will be included in the police investigation into the seven other murders. The website reports the police are investigating the possibility of a serial killer.
And secondly, the paper reports it is the DA’s view that the fairness of this year’s election would be compromised if the ANC were allowed to register candidates whose registration was not done before the deadline.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Also reports on Cachalia’s confirmation that the number of female bodies found in Gauteng has risen to eight. He made the announcement during a briefing on the investigation into the murders of women in Ekurhuleni. The paper reports the eighth body was found in Olifantsfontein.
# Sowetan:
Features only one word on its front page today: “ENOUGH!”. The paper asks when the community will stand up against the killing of women.
# And The Citizen:
Reports Disabled People South Africa is calling for the dismissal of the minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodima. This follows an incident where she swore at a disabled man on crutches.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports Pemmy Majodima’s apology is insufficient; the DA and ActionSA are proceeding with their complaint to the ethics committee, while the ANC may also take disciplinary action.
Secondly, the paper reports a 21-year-old man from De Doorns has died and his twin sister is in hospital after their vehicle plunged into the Goukou River near Stilbaai.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the police and the Department of Education are investigating alleged sexual offenses involving children at Herbert Hurd Primary School in Nelson Mandela Bay.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, reports the murders of eight women in Ekurhuleni have shocked the entire country.
Secondly, it is reported the man who shot and killed Lefteri Galanis of Marcos Jewellers during a robbery has pleaded guilty.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibia Airports Company has suspended all foreign travel by its employees with immediate effect, following a directive from its new board.
Secondly, the paper writes the government has so far spent two-billion-rand on subsidised tertiary education through the Namibian Students Financial Assistance Fund.