South Africa morning brief: Five stories to know on 23 September 2026

A severe storm warning in the Northern and Western Cape leads Wednesday morning’s South African news. Police have confirmed a search at Senzo Mchunu’s home, while the electoral commission is preparing for a campaign milestone ahead of November’s municipal vote.

Orange level 5 storm warning

The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level 5 severe-thunderstorm warning for the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland districts of the Northern Cape and the Central Karoo district of the Western Cape today. The forecast carried by The Citizen warns of hail, damage to homes and vehicles, and danger to life. A wider yellow level 2 warning covers parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. See the full weather outlook.

Police seize phones at Mchunu home

Police executed a High Court search warrant at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s KwaZulu-Natal home on Monday, 21 September, and seized cellphones, police and his spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. The Citizen reports that SAPS linked the warrant to an investigation opened in 2025. The seizure is an investigative step, not a finding of guilt.

NPA reviews anti-corruption cases

The National Prosecuting Authority says it will review matters handled by its Investigating Directorate Against Corruption to assess the evidence, according to The Citizen’s report on Wednesday morning. Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago also outlined planned lifestyle audits of investigators, prosecutors and management. The announcement follows the withdrawal of charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Tuesday.

Parties due to sign electoral code

Political parties contesting the 4 November local government elections are scheduled to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct today. The Electoral Commission says a new code on countering disinformation is also in force. The planned signing and ballot-paper draw had not yet taken place when this brief was prepared.

Schools reach end of third term

The published 2026 public-school calendar lists Wednesday, 23 September, as the last day of the third term. The fourth term is scheduled to begin on 6 October. Families should use their school’s own notice for any local arrangements.