- Severe weather continues: The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued two Yellow Level 2 warnings for parts of the country on Monday, cautioning residents about severe weather. Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in some regions. Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by excessive lightning, are predicted for the north-eastern Free State, north-western KwaZulu-Natal, and the eastern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga. [IOL]
- Alleged Bergville killer arrested: A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of seven family members in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night in the Bethany area, resulting in the deaths of five people while two others are recovering from their injuries. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this horrific attack. [eNCA]
- Several die in Orange Farm murder: In Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, a shooting incident at the Mokokotlong informal settlement resulted in the loss of seven lives, including a three-year-old child. Four others were injured, and the suspect allegedly shot himself and died upon arrival at the hospital. The SAPS is investigating the incident and has registered appropriate charges. [SABC]
- Fentanyl warning for South Africa: South Africa’s Criminal Assets Recovery Account (Cara) received an R8.1 million boost in the second quarter, according to a recent report from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). However, the report raised concerns about the growing presence of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, in the country. The DPCI is monitoring this emerging threat closely. [BusinessDay]
- Markets: South Africa’s currency, the rand, strengthened against the dollar on Friday due to U.S. data this week, which reinforced expectations for an upcoming interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. On Monday (14 October), the rand was trading at R17.44 to the dollar, R22.77 to the pound, and R19.05 to the euro. Oil is trading at $78.12 a barrel. [Reuters]