Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 31 August 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports following the release of police crime statistics, Cape Town gangs and widely available firearms are still responsible for the country’s high murder rate. The paper writes experts warn that the lower murder rate reported is still well above the national average.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports a prospective ANC mayoral candidate, Kgoši Maepa, is in trouble after he circulated a fake video recording of DA representatives in the Ekurhuleni metro discussing so-called corrupt practices.

And secondly, the website writes that the mastermind behind a group of zama-zamas was shot dead in Carletonville when he pointed an AK47 at the police.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes the suspended deputy head of Crime Intelligence, major general Feroz Khan, has been readmitted to a Johannesburg hospital, just days before he was due to appear before the Madlanga Commission. He was seriously wounded in a suspected assassination attempt on June 28.

# Sowetan:

Report on the horror story of an 11-year-old boy from Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve who was attacked and circumcised by four older learners in a toilet at the school.

# And The Citizen:

Leads with: “METRES FROM DISASTER?” The paper writes about the debate on social media about the flyby of two Airlink jets before the Springboks and All Blacks match in Cape Town on Saturday.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Firstly, reports the mother of one of the South Africans missing in Nepal, 33-year-old Terricia Govender, says she believes her daughter is alive. Linda says her daughter is strong, energetic and determined.

And secondly, the paper writes the airline Airlink says Saturday’s flyby at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town was with the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority and at approved altitudes.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports the community of Chatty in Nelson Mandela Bay is concerned about the high rate of gender-based violence in the area.

And secondly, the paper writes Yvette Georgiou and her son Philip were arrested in Kariega in connection with theft and property damage.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes the problems at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg are still ongoing. It is closed to the public due to serious water damage after a pump in the basement failed. The roof also has several leaks.

And secondly, it is reported that according to an environmental report, the air quality in Pietermaritzburg is safe.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports veld fires have already destroyed more than 100-thousand-hectares of grazing land in the Erongo region since June. The paper writes no one has yet been arrested for arson.

Secondly, the paper writes the case against a Swakopmund psychiatrist accused of rape and indecent assault has finally been dropped.

And finally, there is news about the Creative.Sport.Tourism exhibition that will be held from 2 – 4 September at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Windhoek.