South Africa reports nearly 75 murders daily, but do these figures reflect reality? With forensic backlogs, low conviction rates and investigative failures, this article questions whether misclassification and systemic weaknesses may be inflating murder statistics, raising concerns about the integrity of crime data and the justice system.

A 46-year-old Malawian national has been arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, after police recovered a Ford Ranger and thousands of bales of jeans suspected to have been stolen during a robbery in Johannesburg central. The recovered goods are estimated to be worth R8 million.

The Film and Publications Board has urged the public to strengthen their online security by using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links and keeping devices updated during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

MK Party president Jacob Zuma has returned home after receiving medical care at a Pietermaritzburg hospital, with the party saying he is recovering well and has resumed attending to party matters ahead of the November local government elections.

Orlando Pirates secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia’s African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie in Botswana on Saturday, leaving the Buccaneers needing to protect their lead in the return leg to book a place in the group stage.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande wants the East London Industrial Development Zone to strengthen local manufacturing, support emerging businesses and turn research into market-ready products, with a focus on advanced automotive technology and inclusive economic growth.

The City of Johannesburg has urged qualifying residents and municipal account holders to apply for its Debt Relief Programme Phase 4 before applications close on 31 October 2026, with more than 18,000 applications already received, covering R2.052 billion in outstanding municipal debt.

More than 62,000 counterfeit items, including designer clothing, footwear, cosmetics and jewellery, have been seized during a police operation in Johannesburg’s CBD, with the goods valued at over R160 million.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa will allow 32 political parties to be deemed to have lawfully submitted their candidate lists for the 4 November local government elections, following a Constitutional Court ruling that compelled the inclusion of 181 ANC candidates across six municipalities.

Wouter Basson’s appearance at AfriForum Theatre has reignited debate over apartheid-era Project Coast, South Africa’s chemical and biological weapons programme, and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. The article examines his controversial legacy and the unresolved questions surrounding his past.

Suliman Carrim will remain behind bars over the weekend after his bail application was postponed to Monday. The State is opposing his release, citing concerns that he could evade trial.

A 59-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman have been arrested in Siyabuswa after about 200 people were allegedly found at an unregistered rehabilitation facility. Police say 14 people were taken for medical treatment during the operation.

LFN has approached the Constitutional Court after delays in High Court appeals left Cape Peninsula baboons at risk of irreversible relocation. With judgments outstanding and no interim protection in place, LFN seeks urgent relief to prevent capture and permanent confinement before the legal disputes are resolved.

The VP Justice Foundation has welcomed an IPID search at KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Deenadayalan “Deena” Govender’s home amid questions over R2.3 million deposited into his bank account and allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who is expected to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October.

A 49-year-old former North West ANC regional treasurer has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for allegedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The African Media and Communicators Forum has called for an impartial investigation after a Kaya FM journalist was allegedly manhandled while covering a story at the Constitutional Court, raising concerns about journalist safety and media freedom.

LFN has taken South Africa’s identity-data battle to the High Court in Cape Town, challenging the legal framework governing access to the National Population Register. The case examines privacy, verification fees, Digital ID proposals and the State’s control over personal information.

Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona says Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital’s four existing radiation therapy machines remain operational, while two newly installed machines are awaiting approval amid concerns about staffing levels.

South Africa has secured five awards at the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage conference in Marseille, France, including recognition for four irrigation heritage sites and the country’s top-performing national committee.