Here’s your daily news update for Wednesday, 17 September 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has told the Madlanga commission that evidence exists proving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s involvement with crime syndicates.
Meanwhile, controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has been denied bail.
Furthermore, Kaizer Chiefs and head coach Nasreddine Nabi have reportedly reached a mutual agreement to part ways.
Weather tomorrow: 18 September 2025
The South African Weather Service has warned of extremely high fire risks in northern regions. Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West expect fine, warm weather with morning fog in places. Full weather forecast here.
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Madlanga commission: Mkhwanazi pulls no punches, says Mchunu involved with criminals
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has told the Madlanga commission that evidence exists proving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s involvement with crime syndicates.
Mkhwanazi took the stand on the first day of the judicial commission of inquiry’s public hearings at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Resuming his testimony under the guidance of evidence leader Mahlape Sello after lunch break, Mkhwanazi explained he had received a letter on 2 January from a friend which appeared to confirm Mchunu’s decision to dismantle Saps’ political killings task team based in KZN.
“I had not received any communication from anyone with regard to the disestablishment of the team. I learnt through a WhatsApp message with a copy of the letter that was sent by a friend,” he told the commission on Wednesday.
CONTINUE READING: Madlanga commission: Mkhwanazi pulls no punches, says Mchunu involved with criminals
Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala denied bail
Controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala will remain in custody after his bail application was rejected by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Matlala faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and money laundering after his former lover Tebogo Thobejane’s vehicle was allegedly shot at in Sandton, Johannesburg, in October 2023.
While he is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack, he denied any involvement in the incident and said he intends to plead not guilty.
CONTINUE READING: Businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala denied bail
Nasredine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs agree to part ways – reports
Kaizer Chiefs and head coach Nasreddine Nabi have reportedly reached a mutual agreement to part ways.
The latest news comes a day after Amakhosi suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United at home at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night. It was Chiefs’ first loss of the season having won four and drawn one of their opening five Betway Premiership matches.
IDiski Times now reports that Nabi has asked to be released by the club in order to return to Tunisia to be with his wife who is recovering from a car accident recently.
“The Tunisian who ended the club’s decade long trophy drought will not be on the bench this weekend in their CAF Confederation Cup 1st round preliminary qualifier against Girabola side Kabuscorp S.C.P,” reported the football publication.
CONTINUE READING: Nasredine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs agree to part ways – reports
Leigh Matthews’ family fights killer Donovan Moodley’s parole bid
Pushback is building up against the possible release on parole of convicted murderer Donovan Moodley, who abducted and killed Leigh Matthews, a 21-year-old university student, in 2004.
The Matthews family and their attorney are questioning the decision, particularly as they don’t believe the 45-year-old, who has been behind bars for 20 years, has been rehabilitated.
They point to the fact that he has steadfastly refused to reveal who else was involved in the abduction, following the trial court’s finding that he had not acted alone.
The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board approved Moodley’s release on parole, but approval must still be given by the National Council for Correctional Services and Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald.
CONTINUE READING: Leigh Matthews’ family fights killer Donovan Moodley’s parole bid
Phala Phala housekeeper says she doesn’t know if accused entered main house
The housekeeper at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo has told the court she does not know whether one of the accused had access to the room where cash in US dollars was stolen.
Proceedings resumed in the Modimolle Regional Court on Wednesday, where alleged mastermind Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph and her brother, Ndilinasho David Joseph, are on trial.
On Wednesday, the housekeeper – who is the state’s second witness and cannot be named due to a court order – continued her testimony.
She told the court she does not know whether Froliana had access to the main room. She explained that on the day of the incident she was at the main house and noticed that a window was open and the sliding door was unlocked.
CONTINUE READING: Phala Phala housekeeper says she doesn’t know if accused entered main house
Here are five more stories of the day:
- East London set to become a ghost town due to US tariffs, says Naamsa CEO
- R5 million lawsuit: O’Sullivan’s comments on Mkhwanazi go to court
- Wayde van Niekerk shows good form as he cruises into 200m semis
- Jesse Clegg and Msaki to drop first single from joint project featuring Sjava
- Get to know the Miss SA 2025 Top 10: From doctors and CAs to flight attendants [PICS]
