eNCA News Bite | KZN mass shooting, rate hike and record election ballots | 23 September 2026

eNCA News Bite | KZN mass shooting, rate hike and record election ballots | 23 September 2026 Vusi.Bafetane Wed, 09/23/2026 - 20:10

It’s Wednesday, 23 September, and this is ⁠News Bite⁠ with Marcelle Gordon. Eleven people, including a pregnant woman, have been killed and three others wounded in a ⁠KwaMakhutha mass shooting⁠. Police are investigating whether an ongoing feud between rival groups may be behind the attack. Residents are demanding a crackdown on illegal firearms, while KZN Premier Thami Ntuli says arrests may be imminent. Senior police officer ⁠Shadrack Sibiya⁠ has been remanded in custody after appearing on rape and child sexual grooming charges. The NPA says witnesses may have been intimidated and is opposing bail. The state also raised alleged escape attempts. The ⁠South African Reserve Bank⁠ has raised the repo rate by ⁠25 basis points⁠ to 7.25%, its second increase this year. Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter, while inflation risks remain tilted to the upside. The ⁠Freedom Front Plus⁠ has drawn first position on the local government election ballot. The IEC says South Africa will have its longest ballots, with ⁠140,000 candidates⁠ and ⁠257 proportional representation ballots⁠. Party logos will sit closer to voting boxes to help voters identify their choice. Donald Trump says US and Iranian representatives held “very productive” talks, despite threatening Iran during his UN General Assembly address. ⁠Brazil’s Lula da Silva⁠ warned that democracy is under threat, while António Guterres called for de-escalation and dialogue. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced ⁠**$100 million in assistance for Palestine**⁠.⁠Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga⁠ has criticised taxi boss ⁠Bafana Sindane⁠ over an urgent court bid and sick note submitted before his scheduled commission appearance. Alleged crime boss ⁠Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala⁠ has been denied bail, while his wife Tsakane and two co-accused were released on R20,000 bail each in the fraudulent lease case.

SPORT

⁠Pitso Mosimane⁠ is preparing ⁠Bafana Bafana⁠ for a difficult AFCON qualifier against Guinea. Rassie Erasmus says the ⁠Springboks⁠ must balance winning now with building depth for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. David Miller says he is ready for the Proteas’ ODI series against Australia despite no longer holding a national contract.

That is your ⁠News Bite⁠ for 23 September 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit ⁠enca.com⁠ or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.