South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 31 March

Whether you’re up early, just leaving for work (in the other side of your house) or feverishly anticipating another busy day ahead, we have all the main news headlines and updates for Tuesday 31 March here:

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Tuesday 31 March

Third coronavirus death confirmed in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is hopeful the country will overcome the coronavirus outbreak despite the country recording its third COVID-19 death and confirmed cases increasing to 1 326. In a televised speech on Monday, Ramaphosa called on residents to adhere to the lockdown regulation in a bid to arrest the rapid spread of COVID-19.

“We are entering a new phase, in the coming days government will be rolling out screening, testing on a huge scale. Health workers will be visiting villages and towns to test people for COVID-19,” he said.

North West citizens defy lockdown

More than 200 people were arrested for flouting lockdown regulations in North West, Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Sello Lehari  said on Monday.

He said they were arrested for failing to confine to their residential places, while others were arrested for movement between the metropolitan and district areas, misrepresentation that they were infected with COVID-19 .

Rustenburg hosts the worst offenders

At least 44 minibus taxis have been impounded for flouting South Africa’s 21-day lockdown regulations in Rustenburg, the municipality said.

The vehicles were impounded for numerous contraventions including operating outside stipulated times, ferrying people not categorised as essential service workers and exceeding the number of permitted passengers in a minibus taxi, municipal spokesman David Magae said.

“A number of sedans were also impounded for being found to have occupants exceeding the required number as per the regulations governing motor vehicles,” he said.

Absa give cash injection to coronavirus fight

Banking group Absa has contributed an ‘initial’ R15.7 million towards South Africa’s COVID-19 fight, it said on Monday. The bank said via a statement that the funds would extend access to testing for the virus and for the supply of hygiene materials for marginalised communities. 

R700 000 would be used to supply food to vulnerable communities, Absa added. The money had been redirected from the Absa Cape Epic, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

SA Express is a hot mess

The board of directors of South African Express (SA Express) said on Monday that the company’s interim CEO, Siza Mzimela, was leaving the airline after just 18 months “to pursue other options”. Thuli Mpse had been appointed acting CEO effective April 1, 2020, said Majatladi. 

SA Express liquidated: DA calls for SAA to suffer same fate https://t.co/vWHhQPsRVB

— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) March 27, 2020

Cop arrested for killing tavern patron during lockdown

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said on Monday it had arrested an Ekurhuleni Metro officer and a security guard for the alleged murder of a Vosloorus man. 

The arrests come amid public outcry over heavy-handed tactics employed by police and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members that have been deployed to ensure citizens comply with regulations during the country’s 21-day coronavirus lockdown. 

According to IPID spokesperson, Sontaga Seisa the man died on Sunday when Ekurhuleni Metro police officers were “patrolling the area and noticed people drinking liquor in a tavern”. 

Tax measures to bring relief for some

South Africa’s Treasury announced a tax subsidy for some employers, among measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

The Treasury is introducing a tax subsidy to employers of up to R500 per month for the next four months for those private sector employees earning below R6,500. It said this would help over four million workers.

Coronavirus case in Alexandra

The Department of Health, after a day of “confirmation ping-pong”, has finally announced that the Alexandra township in Johannesburg has indeed got a case of COVID-19 – just 24 hours after another large township – Khayelitsha – recorded its first case.

To be clear, there is definitely a case of coronavirus in Alexandra. The department dismissed the reports just hours ago, despite reports earlier on Monday 30 March suggesting the contrary, but have now ultimately made the official confirmation of a case.

Latest weather forecast, Tuesday 31 March

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.

Live traffic updates for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban

Stay one step ahead of the traffic by viewing our live traffic updates here.

Horoscope today

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip and lucky numbers for Tuesday 31 March.