‘Cat' caught with cell in jail; Coach in child sex crime: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes

News24

09-07-2025

News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
Vusi 'Cat' Matlala caught with cellphone in cell – prison authorities
- Vusi 'Cat' Matlala, an awaiting trialist, was found with a cellphone in his prison cell during a raid.
- He has been transferred to the C-Max section of Kgosi Mampuru prison as a result.
- Matlala is also linked to bribery allegations involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and former police minister Bheki Cele, raising national security concerns.
Supplied/Somerset County Prosecutor's Office
SA hockey coach booted from US for child sex crime back on home turf
- Former hockey coach Brett Clay, convicted of a sex crime against a minor in the US, is back in South Africa, prompting the SA Hockey Association to warn members about the risk associated with him.
- Women he coached in KwaZulu-Natal are now accusing him of similar grooming and inappropriate behaviour dating back over a decade, including soliciting explicit images.
- One woman alleges Clay threatened to disseminate explicit photos she sent him, and she is now considering legal options.
Khaya Ngwenya/City Press/Gallo Images
Gigaba's bid to block ex-wife's tell-all Showmax interview thrown out
- Malusi Gigaba sought an urgent interdict to stop Showmax from airing an interview with his ex-wife, Nomachule Mngoma.
- Gigaba claimed the interview contained damaging allegations about infidelity, pornography addiction and misuse of taxpayer funds.
- The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed the application, deeming it not urgent and questioning the timing of Gigaba's action.
Criminal charges imminent over George building collapse
- Criminal charges are expected for those responsible for the George building collapse.
- Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson received a damning report from ECSA outlining preventable errors and negligence.
- The report highlights regulatory failures and professional negligence in the incident.
Godongwana to review state bosses' pay
- The Treasury will review the pay of CEOs and board members in state agencies as part of a drive to rationalise government spending.
- Two other spending reviews are planned: an audit of ghost workers and a review of infrastructure conditional grants.
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana clarified that he, in consultation with the South African Reserve Bank, is responsible for setting the inflation target.
Christian Horner to leave Red Bull with immediate effect
- Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull's Formula 1 team principal after 20 years.
- Laurent Mekies will take over CEO duties at Red Bull Racing immediately.
- The announcement follows the British Grand Prix, where Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished fifth.
ARTUR WIDAK / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
How much is that in rands? A South African guide to currency, card fees and cash abroad
- South African banks charge foreign transaction fees (2-3%) on international purchases, plus potential currency conversion markups and ATM withdrawal fees, so research your card's specific fee structure.
- Always choose to pay in the local currency at foreign ATMs or card machines to avoid inflated exchange rates set by the merchant or ATM operator.
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce flat ATM fees and be aware of daily/monthly withdrawal limits set by your bank, potentially increasing them before departure.