The City of Tshwane is investigating up to 160 cases of diarrhoea and stomach-related illnesses in Bronkhorstspruit, with water contamination among the possible causes yet to be confirmed.

Missing Durban woman Torell Abrahams has been found safe after an extensive overnight search by community members, days after she disappeared while travelling home from work in an e-hailing vehicle.

The Madlanga Commission has issued a rare, forceful rebuttal to allegations that individuals linked to the inquiry tried to interfere in a criminal investigation, dismissing the claims as “false, incoherent and not supported by any facts”. The Commission’s response follows allegations purportedly made by Serge Cabonge in a voice recording played during the bail proceedings of former deputy national police commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Shadrack Sibiya, in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 October. Allegations In the recording, Cabonge allegedly claimed he knew someone who “sits in front” at the Madlanga Commission and suggested that senior figures linked to the inquiry sought to influence a criminal investigation. Cabonge further alleged that the individual was the “judge president” of one of the country’s largest courts and wanted him to make a criminal case involving his girlfriend’s daughter disappear. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the Commission learned of the allegations when the recording surfaced in court and initially said it would engage Cabonge and investigate the matter in line with its terms of reference. Speculations However, he said growing public speculation and commentary had compelled the Commission to issue a more comprehensive response. “The nature of the allegations and commentary suggesting that senior representatives of a judicial commission sought to interfere with a criminal investigation cannot simply be allowed to circulate as though they have a factual foundation,” the Commission said. Without merit Michaels said the allegations were entirely without merit. “The Commission wants to state clearly and categorically that the allegations are false, incoherent and are not supported by any facts.” Michaels said the inquiry was concerned by attempts to lend credibility to unsubstantiated claims. “The Commission rejects these allegations outright. There is simply no factual basis for the suggestion that any commissioner, evidence leader or representative of the Commission sought to influence or interfere in any criminal investigation.” Commission mandate He added that the Commission remained committed to carrying out its mandate independently and without fear, favour or prejudice. “The Commission has always conducted its proceedings transparently and within the framework of its terms of reference. Any suggestion that its representatives have acted outside those parameters is entirely untrue.” Cabonge Michaels further stressed that none of its commissioners or evidence leaders had ever met, spoken to or known Cabonge. “None of the commissioners or evidence leaders have met, spoken to or know Mr Cabonge. Neither has anyone on behalf of the Commission ever communicated with Mr Cabonge, whether directly or through an intermediary, concerning Mr Cabonge’s appearance before the Commission.” Michaels also urged members of the public to approach such claims with caution. “We urge South Africans to treat allegations of this nature with the necessary caution and to distinguish between unverified claims and established facts.” Resumption of Commission The Commission said it would continue its mandated work, with public hearings set to resume on 9 November 2026. Chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the inquiry was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement and intelligence structures. Despite the controversy surrounding the latest allegations, the Commission has insisted that its work will proceed uninterrupted.

Get the Daily Lotto results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen, so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated Daily Lotto jackpot for Thursday, 15 October 2026: Daily Lotto: R500 000 Daily Lotto results for 15 October 2026: The winning Daily Lotto numbers will appear below after the draw. Usually, within 10 minutes of the draw. You might need to refresh the page to see the updated results. Daily Lotto: 16, 24, 26, 31, 32. For more details and to verify the Daily Lotto results, visit the National Lottery website. How to play Daily Lotto in SA? If you are buying a ticket in-store: Pick up a betslip in any lottery store. Choose five numbers between 1 and 36 or ask for a Quick Pick. Entries cost R3 each. You can play a max of R150, but you are allowed to play multiple boards. Select how many consecutive draws you wish to enter, up to a maximum of 10. Leave blank for a single draw. Take your betslip to the teller to pay for your ticket. Write your details on the back of your ticket in case you need to claim a prize. If you do not sign your ticket and you lose it, anyone can use it to claim the prize. If you are playing online: Set up a lottery account here and make a deposit to pay for tickets. Choose five numbers from 1 to 36 or select ‘Quick Pick’ to generate a random set. Repeat this on as many boards as you want to play. Decide whether to enter a single draw or multiple draws. Confirm and pay for your entry. What time is the Daily Lotto draw? The Daily Lotto draws take place shortly after 9pm every evening, and tickets can be bought until 8:30pm.

St. Anne’s Diocesan College in KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the death of matric learner Reneiloe Monkhi, who tragically took her own life via suicide. This comes as the class of 2026 has officially commenced their final exams. ST ANNE’S MATRIC LEARNER TAKES HER OWN LIFE In a statement on their Facebook account, St Anne’s Diocesan College announced the sad passing of one of their Grade 12 learners. The statement read: “Rest in peace, Reneiloe. 💙🕊️ The St Anne’s community mourns the untimely loss of one of our precious matrics, Reneiloe Monkhi, who, it appears, tragically took her own life. “Rene was greatly appreciated for her loyalty, care and kindness towards others. Her gentle nature was complemented by her sense of humour and vibrant spark. She was poised, beautifully elegant and dignified.  “Rene will be remembered with much love and will be sorely missed” No othr details about her death was publicly shared In the comments section, schools from near and far, including Hilton College, Durban Girls High and St Andrew’s School for Girls, sent their condolences On Tuesday, 13 October, matric exams commenced for learners around South Africa.  Just days earlier, St. Anne’s had urged its learners ot practise self-care amid Mental Health Awareness Month and the onset of matric exams. MATRIC DANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH Earlier this year. Reneiloe Monkhi’s video documenting her St Anne’s Matric Dance went viral on various social media platforms. The teen wore a sparkly gown and a matching tiara Reneiloe appeared to be struggling with her mental health, as her final repost hinted at suicide @reneiloe.gm #md26 ♬ Cinderella – flame

While Asanda Duma is focused on his political ambitions, it is his good looks that have seemingly captured the hearts of many on social media. Duma, a young politician representing the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), is actively campaigning for the coveted Ward 10 councillor position in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. IFP’S ASANDA DUMA CAPTURES HEARTS WITH HIS FACE CARD Facebook user Mayor Mduduzi Myeza shared a viral video that drew over 2,000 comments and 51,000 likes. In the clip, a woman can be heard admiring Asanda’s handsome face while looking at a campaign poster. She also playfully says that his good looks alone were enough to earn her vote, adding that his contact details should have been included on the poster. She said: “We will vote for you because you’re handsome, but they should’ve included your number as well. Could we please have your number?” ELECTION SEASON IS UPON US The election season is officially upon us, as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections are underway. Naturally, political parties have rolled out vigorous campaigns in a bid to garner support and votes. Among them is the IFP, which launched its manifesto in September 2026, reinforcing its presence as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading political parties. The IFP has thrown several hats in the ring ahead of the elections, including that of Mkhuleko Hlengwa, whom the party is touting as its mayoral candidate in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Meanwhile, Asanda Duma is also forging his political career, with many seemingly warming up to the young leader.

Private wheeling projects have no regulated compensation if the grid operator curtails them because of oversupply.

South Africa will phase out support for semi-knocked-down vehicle assembly, trade minister Parks Tau has said.