Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 05 October 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports Western Cape premier Alan Winde has called for the restoration of diplomatic relations with the USA. Western Cape exports to the USA have dropped by 16.2-percent, and the increased tariffs and loss of trade benefits are particularly affecting the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the leader of the National Coloured Congress, Fadiel Adams, who opposes the dropping of charges against suspended police commissioner general Fannie Masemola, says he could have saved the Police Service millions of rands had he responded timeously to the Medicare24 tender.

Secondly, the website reports the dismissed deputy head of the police’s Crime Intelligence division, major general Feroz Khan, is finally set to testify virtually before the Madlanga Commission.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes at this stage, it appears unlikely the government will intervene with temporary tax relief measures to cushion the impact of the fuel price shock in October. In April of this year, the government reduced the general fuel levy by at least three-rand per litre for two months. The paper reports the minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, stated there are no immediate plans to shield households and businesses from rising fuel costs.

# Sowetan:

Reports a widow and her three accomplices have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband, taxi boss Aubrey Mfolo. The paper writes Lucky Kudumane, Bafana Mototsoe, Sfiso Manana, and Rebecca Mfolo were convicted of murder in the Pretoria High Court after conspiring to shoot Mfolo’s husband dead at a cemetery in the North West.

# And The Citizen:

Writes the sex scandal in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is widening. Sixty alleged victims—some as young as eleven—have now come forward. In one incident, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Hilton recounted how she had been sexually groomed by a man for years.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Firstly, reports on the death of 31-year-old rugby player Dewald ‘Golden Boy’ Naudé—originally from Wellington—who died in Hong Kong on Saturday. His family says the cause of death is not yet known. He is survived by his British wife, Brumilda.

And secondly, the paper writes the SANDF has reportedly spent 2.4-billion-rand on flights over the past five years.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports defamation cases involving Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe are now heading towards the freezing of her assets to cover legal costs.

And secondly, the paper writes about a lawyer from the Bay who alleges that a police officer assaulted him.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Reports a 39-year-old man, who began working as a medical doctor at Northdale Hospital using forged qualifications, has been arrested.

And secondly, it is reported Bronek Masojada is the second alumnus of Durban High School to be elected Lord Mayor of London. He will fulfill the role of international ambassador for Britain’s financial and professional services sector and should not be confused with the Mayor of London; the latter remains Sadiq Khan.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the Namibian government estimates approximately 190.19-million-rand will be required for the lockdown measures aimed at curbing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers have also been warned not to take any action without the permission of the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Secondly, the paper reports approximately 32 tons of fish were seized during Namibia and South Africa’s first joint maritime fisheries patrol.

And lastly, there is news regarding the German astronaut, doctor Matthias Maurer, who is currently visiting Namibian schools.