IOL
UK police hunt for Zimbabwe-born man suspected of killing family before fleeing the country
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolds as British police launch an international manhunt for a father suspected of murdering his wife and daughters.
IOL
EXCLUSIVE | SAIDS confirm Craven Week drug testing as data analytics ping Kai Pratt over steroid use
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport CEO Khalid Galant has confirmed that testing teams are active at Craven Week, following a high-profile steroid bust involving a Junior Springbok.
The Citizen
Bok jerseys for All Blacks match feature an anthem tribute that has fans buzzing
The Springboks will turn one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries into a celebration of South African identity after unveiling a special jersey for the upcoming All Blacks Test series. According to News24, the national team will wear the commemorative kit during all four Tests against New Zealand this year, with a design feature that has already captured the attention of fans across the country. What makes the jersey special? The standout element is that the words of South Africa’s national anthem have been subtly woven into the jersey design. The lettering appears in a tonal, embossed pattern across the chest and shoulders, making the words visible up close, but blending into the fabric from a distance. This approach makes the tribute feel both personal and understated. Rather than being just another alternate strip, the jersey carries a deeply symbolic tribute to the anthem that unites the nation. The anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, is one of the most recognisable symbols of post-apartheid South Africa and reflects the country’s multilingual and multicultural heritage. By placing its words on the jersey, the Springboks are effectively carrying a piece of the nation’s history and identity onto the field. For many supporters, that makes the kit far more meaningful than a simple fashion update. On social media, fans have described the new jersey as “goosebumps-inducing” and “a symbol of unity”. One supporter wrote, “Wearing the anthem close to your heart takes representing the nation to a new level.” The excitement has even spread among former Springboks, with several praising the design for capturing the spirit of South African rugby. Powerful moment before kick-off The national anthem has become an emotional ritual before every Springbok Test, often creating goosebump-inducing scenes in packed stadiums. The jersey is expected to add another layer to that moment, especially when the team lines up opposite the All Blacks before the traditional pre-match ceremonies. In recent years, Springbok jerseys have evolved beyond match-day apparel, becoming cultural statements worn by supporters from all walks of life. This latest edition continues that trend by linking the team directly to the anthem that resonates in stadiums, schools and national celebrations across the country. It’s expected to become a sought-after collector’s item in the sports fashion space.
The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 9 July 2026
Protesters gather during an anti immigrant march to the Diepkloof police station in Soweto, on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Mzingenkosi Sibanda / AFP) Performers prepare to play drums outside the venue for a community event with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on July 9, 2026. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) A bead of sweat trickles down the face of a sentry of the Life Guards, a unit of the Household Cavalry, wearing his Albert helmet, whilst sat upon his horse outside Horse Guards in London on July 8, 2026, during a heatwave. Britain’s Met Office said on July 6 that the UK was entering its third heatwave of the year, although it was not expected to break any records. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP) A rickshaw puller wades through a flooded street after heavy rains in Chittagong on July 8, 2026. (Photo by AFP) The pack of riders (peloton) cycles during the 6th stage of the 113th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 186,2 km between Pau and Gavarnie-Gèdre in the French Pyrenees, on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) A firefighter sprays water on burning cars during a fire in front of a camping site in Villeneuve-les-Beziers, Southern France on July 9, 2026. The largest wildfire recorded, which broke out July 8, in the departments of Aude and Herault, kept spreading, fanned by the wind, having already scorched about 900 hectares. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) A tourist enjoys the sunrise from a terrace of the Tuileries Garden in Paris on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) An aerial view shows a combine harvester driving across a field as it cuts the grain near Niederkassel, western Germany on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) A woman holds an umbrella as she walks past a mural during rainfall in New Delhi on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) This handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) on July 8, 2026 shows India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Prambanan Temple, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex in Sleman, Yogyakarta. (Photo by Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) / AFP) This handout photograph provided by the media office of the Imam Abbas Shrine shows mourners surrounding the coffins of relatives of late Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who were killed alongside him, at the Imam Abbas Shrine in Karbala on July 8, 2026, ahead of a funeral procession. Iran began six days of public funeral ceremonies for Khamenei on July 4, including a dedicated day in neighbouring Iraq — a Shia powerhouse with close ties to Tehran and home to the faith’s most sacred shrines. (Photo by IMAM ABBAS SHRINE / AFP) This aerial view shows the Strombolicchio Island near Stromboli Island, north of Sicily, on July 8, 2026. Stromboli, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, is part of the seven-island Aeolian Archipelago of Sicily in southern italy. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) SAMWU members during the SAMWU March to National Treasury of South Africa on July 09, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. The South African Municipal Workers Union members are marching against unfair labour practices, underfunding of municipalities and implementation of collective agreements. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu) A tourist fills a bottle at the “Barcaccia” fountain in front of the Spanish Steps during a hot summer day in Rome on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) A general view shows the new Onitsuka Tiger flagship store in Tokyo on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP) People use umbrellas to shelter from the rain in Seoul on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP) Bull runners sing a homily to San Fermin before the start of the second running of the bulls of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 8, 2026. Thousands of people every year attend the week-long festival and its famous ‘encierros’, or running of the bulls, in which six bulls are released at 8:00 a.m. evey day to run from their corral to the bullring through the narrow streets of the old town over an 850 meters (yards) course while runners ahead of them try to stay close to the bulls without falling over or being gored. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP) People ride escalators as they visit Dusit Central Park mall in Bangkok on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Amaury PAUL / AFP) A woman holds an umbrella as she waves to the photographer on the tenth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) MORE PICTURES: Joburg Ballet brings The Bacchae to life in African-inspired production
The South African
Julius Mkhwanazi and Kemi Behari granted R50 000 bail
The Germiston Magistrate’s Court granted suspended EMPD deputy chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and suspended Ekurhuleni legal services head Adv Kemi Behari R50 000 bail each. The Germiston Magistrate’s Court granted them bail on Thursday after they appeared alongside former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi and suspended head of human resources Linda Gxasheka. The four face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice following their arrest by the Commission-Recommended Task Team. Strict bail conditions The court imposed strict bail conditions on Mkhwanazi and Behari. They must hand over their travel documents to the investigating officer and report to Brooklyn Police Station every Friday between 5am and 8pm until the case concludes. They may not contact City of Ekurhuleni employees or officials working in the finance, human resources or procurement departments, except for matters relating to disciplinary proceedings. The pair must also notify the investigating officer before leaving Gauteng or travelling outside South Africa. Allegations before Madlanga Commission A court previously granted Mkhwanazi R30 000 bail in a separate case linked to Ekurhuleni municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla Their arrests follow allegations made before the Madlanga Commission, where witnesses claimed Behari failed to act on findings against Mkhwanazi for several years, allowing disciplinary proceedings to stall. The commission also heard allegations that Behari and Gxasheka received irregular salary increases worth about R600 000 in exchange for ensuring Mkhwanazi’s disciplinary case did not proceed. Former municipal employee relations head Xolani Nciza testified that disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi was unexpectedly halted in 2023. Both Mkhwanazi and Behari have denied the allegations. Behari has also rejected claims that he accepted a bribe, describing them as false and without foundation.
The South African
Soweto derby dates for 2026/27 Betway Premiership season confirmed
Only two dates matter for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans when the Premier Soccer League (PSL) reveals the fixture list ahead of any domestic season. Those dates are the two Soweto derbies to be contested between South Africa’s biggest two clubs. Testing start The PSL on Thursday unveiled the opening fixtures for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. However, Buccaneer and Amakhosi fans scrolled right past the opening fixtures, looking eagerly for the dates when the two Soweto giants will clash. Orlando Pirates will host Kaizer Chiefs – no doubt at the FNB Stadium – on Saturday, 31 October 2026 while Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Orlando Pirates in the return clash on Saturday, 13 March 2027. Kick-off times for both fixtures will be announced in due course. Orlando Pirates begin title defence against Milford FC Orlando Pirates will launch their bid for back-to-back league titles against Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August, with kick-off at 15:30. The Buccaneers will then embark on consecutive away trips, travelling to AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, 12 August, before facing Chippa United four days later. They return home on Tuesday, 25 August to host Sekhukhune United before travelling to newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday, 5 September. The PSL has yet to confirm the venues and kick-off times for four of the five fixtures. Orlando Pirates’ opening five fixtures Saturday, 1 August: Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC, Orlando Amstel Arena – 15:30 Wednesday, 12 August: AmaZulu FC vs Orlando Pirates Sunday, 16 August: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates Tuesday, 25 August: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United, Orlando Amstel Arena Saturday, 5 September: Kruger United vs Orlando Pirates Kaizer Chiefs handed difficult opening month Kaizer Chiefs face a demanding start to the new campaign. Amakhosi open away against newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 1 August, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15. Kaizer Chiefs then host Sekhukhune United before welcoming perennial title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns in one of the standout fixtures of the opening weeks. An away trip to Richards Bay FC follows before Kaizer Chiefs round off their first five matches at home against Siwelele FC. The PSL is still to confirm the dates, venues and kick-off times for the final four fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs’ opening five fixtures Saturday, 1 August: Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela Stadium – 20:15 Wednesday, 12 August: Kaizer Chiefs vs Sekhukhune United Saturday, 15 August: Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns Wednesday, 26 August: Richards Bay FC vs Kaizer Chiefs Wednesday, 2 September: Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele FC Early statement opportunity Both Soweto giants have little time to ease into the new season. Orlando Pirates will be eager to begin their title defence with maximum points before navigating two tricky away fixtures, while Kaizer Chiefs’ opening five matches include an immediate test against a promoted side followed by key clashes with Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns. Those early encounters could prove crucial in shaping the direction of both clubs’ 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaigns. READ | How much are the new Kaizer Chiefs jerseys? Betway Premiership 2026/27 opening weekend fixtures
TechCentral
Africa’s data centres: AI, edge computing and new energy demands
Vertiv and OADC unpack how AI is reshaping power, cooling and connectivity in African data centres.
TechCentral
The best way to automate customer engagement using AI and WhatsApp
CM.com's James Bayhack on how agentic AI and WhatsApp are transforming customer engagement at scale.