Police Chief Masemola Under Criminal Investigation | Leading Causes Of Death In South Africa For 2023 | Cost Of Easter Eggs Rises Sharply

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# South Africa’s Top Stories: Masemola Faces Charges, Mortality Data Released, Easter Costs Surge

**Police Commissioner to appear in court over controversial R360 million tender**

South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, is facing imminent criminal prosecution linked to a R360 million SAPS health services contract that was granted to embattled businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Masemola received a court summons on Wednesday, 25 March, with his court appearance scheduled for 21 April. He is expected to face charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act.

**SIU pushes to broaden scope of lifestyle audits**

The Special Investigating Unit is seeking to close gaps in how government officials are scrutinised for unexplained wealth, with proposed expansions to lifestyle audits now set to include livestock holdings, land ownership and international travel.

The SIU’s acting head, Leonard Lekgetho, told parliament on Wednesday that the unit had moved away from the Department of Public Service and Administration’s existing framework, adopting an approach better suited to its investigative mandate.

**Matlala denied bail as co-accused walk free**

Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain incarcerated following his appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the disputed R360 million SAPS contract. Several of his co-accused, including a police officer reportedly romantically linked to Matlala, were granted bail. The contract, awarded to Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane District in June 2024, was terminated in May 2025 following the discovery of alleged irregularities.

**South Africa’s 2023 death toll approaches 500,000**

Newly released figures from Statistics South Africa indicate that just under 500,000 people died in the country during 2023, representing a decline compared to the previous year. The latest Mortality and Causes of Death report suggests the country continues to recover from the catastrophic loss of life experienced during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. The data originates from civil death registrations processed through the Department of Home Affairs.

**Easter treats becoming a luxury as prices climb sharply**

With Easter approaching, South African consumers are contending with significantly steeper prices for seasonal confectionery. A box of 36 Beacon marshmallow eggs has nearly doubled in cost compared to six years ago, with prices now rivalling — and in some cases surpassing — those of regular eggs. Analysts describe the trend as part of a broader pattern of shrinkflation, with households increasingly forced to weigh traditional seasonal spending against essential monthly expenses.

**Weather outlook for Thursday, 26 March 2026**

Residents in KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape and the Free State should prepare for heavy rainfall on Thursday, while KwaZulu-Natal will simultaneously experience hot and humid conditions. Full forecast details are available on The Citizen’s weather page.