Kagiso Rabada's return should strengthen the Proteas, but South Africa's batting struggles demand tougher selection decisions if the hosts are to level the series against Australia.

Pope Leo XIV has had a cancerous tumour removed from his right lung in a successful operation, with further tests underway to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Several former clients of a suspended Cape Town attorney have lodged complaints with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and its Fidelity Fund, alleging their Road Accident Fund (RAF) and medical negligence payouts were mismanaged or withheld. The former clients said they were seeking to recover money they claimed was improperly deducted, retained or loaned by Celeste Julius, director of CJ Julius Inc. Former clients allege millions missing from settlements Julius was suspended by the LPC in August last year, following concerns about the administration of trust money and RAF settlement proceeds. Although the former clients welcomed the suspension, they said they remained concerned about recovering their money and dealing with outstanding debts linked to their settlements. One claimant alleged R9 million had been paid into the law firm’s trust account in connection with a medical negligence case. “Julius [allegedly] borrowed R700 000 and R600 000 went missing – and no proper explanation was given,” the claimant said. Another former client alleged Julius asked him to take out a bridging loan and give her the money, but failed to repay it. “I had to pay a lot of interest and pay the new lawyer to stop her from receiving another portion of the RAF payout,” he said. The affected former clients have also approached the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town, where the matter is ongoing. Allegations include unexplained deductions and bridging loans According to information supplied by the claimants, some settlement amounts were allegedly deducted or retained without adequate explanations. Other allegations concern bridging finance and loans allegedly obtained using clients’ names, and demands for clients to redeposit money into an account associated with CJ Julius Inc. Some of the loans remain outstanding, with finance companies allegedly continuing to hold clients liable for repayment. The former clients also allege money deducted from their settlements for expert fees, medical-legal expenses and other services was not paid to the relevant doctors, experts or service providers. Clients face demands for unpaid medical bills One claimant said Julius had allegedly taken R200 000 from an earlier RAF payout, promising to repay it in monthly instalments of R10 000. “She never did. There was also an unexplained deduction from the second payment paid into her trust,” the claimant said. In one case, a doctor is reportedly owed R1.3 million. Some service providers are allegedly pursuing former clients for payment, despite the clients believing the amounts had already been deducted from their settlements. The allegations also include substantial charges for bills of costs, accommodation and travel. In one instance, an RAF offer was allegedly forged and presented to a client. The claimants said the alleged financial losses have left them struggling with demands for payment from bridging finance companies, medical practitioners and other service providers. LPC confirms disciplinary action against suspended attorney LPC spokesperson Kabelo Letebele said the allegations raised serious questions about the handling of trust money, possible unlawful deductions, fraud and professional misconduct. The LPC was dealing with the matter and its provincial director had been appointed as curator, Letebele said. “The LPC confirms the necessary disciplinary process was undertaken when complaints were received. The practitioner is suspended and the court will consider the LPC application to have her struck from the roll.” Letebele urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify the credentials and background of legal practitioners before employing them.

Police have arrested more than 16 000 suspects in a nationwide crime blitz, seizing 164 illegal firearms, arresting 169 rape suspects and dismantling two multimillion-rand drug laboratories as law enforcement launches an intensified festive-season crackdown across the country. Police made the arrests during the latest phase of Operation Shanela, which saw 16 380 suspects apprehended over the past week, including 2 165 wanted fugitives linked to violent crimes. Results Police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi said the operation was delivering significant results against violent offenders, drug syndicates, and illegal firearm networks. “These arrests and recoveries demonstrate the SA Police Service’s continued commitment to disrupting criminal networks, tracing wanted suspects, and removing illegal firearms and drugs from circulation through intelligence-led policing and coordinated law enforcement operations nationwide,” said Mukhathi. GBV In a boost to efforts aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV), police arrested 169 rape suspects, 155 murder suspects and 140 suspects linked to attempted murder cases. Officers also confiscated 164 illegal firearms, 17 277 rounds of ammunition and 760 dangerous weapons, removing a substantial cache of weapons from South African communities. Drug busts The operation dealt major blows to the country’s drug trade. On 6 October, police uncovered a multimillion-rand mandrax laboratory in Hartbeespoort, arresting a Zimbabwean national and three women. Just two days later, another multimillion-rand drug laboratory was uncovered on a farm in Krugersdorp, where five suspects were arrested and mandrax and ecstasy tablets seized. In one of the biggest drug busts of the week, police in Hout Bay recovered 172 000 mandrax tablets worth an estimated R10 million hidden in a secret compartment of a vehicle. “Police will maintain heightened visibility in identified hotspot areas to prevent crime, enforce the law and maintain public order,” Mukhathi said. PKTT Other breakthroughs included the arrest of a second suspect in the murder of EFF member Monica Dube, the recovery of R7 million worth of historic ammunition in De Aar, and the seizure of explosives in Limpopo. With festive-season operations now under way, police say intelligence-driven operations will continue targeting violent criminals, drug traffickers, and organised crime syndicates nationwide.

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillan Shepperd took the reins at the post-match press conference after Da Cruz missed the live on-pitch post-match interview. Asked to shed light on Da Cruz’s whereabouts, Shepperd revealed that the Frenchman had fallen ill shortly after the final whistle at Soccer City. KAIZER CHIEFS COACH FERNANDO DA CRUZ’S ILLNESS DESCRIBED According to Shepperd, Da Cruz suddenly felt unwell before vomiting after the final whistle. “Ya, the coach has fallen ill,” he told reporters. “He was vomitting so ya, he needed the doctors checking on him, to see if he is ok.” Stellenbosch took the lead just three minutes into the second half when Sinoxolo Kwayiba finished first time inside the box following excellent work from Terence Mashego down the left. Kaizer Chiefs responded in the 58th minute as Mduduzi Shabalala produced a brilliant finish at the near post to level the score. Da Cruz remains unbeaten in the Betway Premiership. The result was Amakhosi’s fifth draw in eight matches, alongside three wins. The Soweto giants sit fourth on the log, nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although Kaizer Chiefs have a game in hand. CAF CONFEDERATION CUP ACTION Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are looking ahead to their trip to Zambia on Saturday. They will kick off their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round campaign against Red Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium at 15:00. The return leg will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium next weekend. KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEXT FIVE FIXTURES Sat, 17 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, away (first leg) at 15:00 Fri, 23 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, home (second leg) at 18:00 Sat, 31 Oct 2026: Orlando Pirates, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30 Sat, 28 Nov 2026: Chippa United, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30 Sat, 5 Dec 2026: Milford FC, Betway Premiership, away at 20:15 WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM KAIZER CHIEFS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON? Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye does not believe head coach Fernando Da Cruz will finish the season at Naturena. The outspoken analyst has predicted that the Frenchman could be shown the door by January following Amakhosi’s latest disappointing result. Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening, extending their run of consecutive draws to three. Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye blamed Da Cruz’s team selection and tactical approach for the dropped points, insisting that the coach needs to improve his reading of matches. “Kaizer Chiefs coach must take the blame for tonight’s draw. He must change the way he approaches games and his reading of the match. He needs to improve,” Khanye said. “He played three consecutive draws, and how he approaches games will be his downfall. By now, he should have his main starting eleven. His team needs to have balance in defence and attack.” Fernando Da Cruz underpressure The former winger also believes Chiefs supporters are growing increasingly impatient with the coach, especially given the club’s recent struggles to turn draws into victories. Khanye questioned whether Fernando Da Cruz would be able to succeed after previously working under former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi alongside assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. “Personally, I think Nasreddine Nabi, Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef and Da Cruz are the same because this coach was Nabi’s assistant. He is under pressure now, and I don’t think supporters will allow another draw,” he said. With pressure mounting on Da Cruz to deliver results, Khanye believes the coach’s position could become increasingly difficult if Chiefs fail to turn their performances around. The outspoken analyst has set January as his predicted deadline for the Frenchman’s tenure, warning that matches against title contenders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns could expose the team’s weaknesses. “I don’t think he’ll survive this season. I give him until January. The likes of Orlando Pirates and Sundowns will expose him,” Khanye said. Chiefs will need to find greater consistency if they are to ease the pressure on their coach and remain competitive in the Betway Premiership. Fernando Da Cruz will need to have a good cup run in the coming months to buy time with the league slippig away. Fernando Da Cruz Misses Post-Match Interview Da Cruz was unable to attend his post-match interview following the draw against Stellenbosch. His assistant, Dillon Sheppard, explained that the Chiefs coach had fallen ill and was receiving medical attention. “Coach has fallen ill. He was vomiting, so he is with the doctors, checking on him,” Sheppard said. What’s your take on Amakhosi coach?

Most security teams can't see their full environment. Axonius explains why AI agents need asset data you can trust.

Icasa left R333.7-million unspent in 2025/2026 while telling parliament it lacks money for regulatory tools.