Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied claims of plans to meet with alleged crime kingpin Vusumuzi Cat Matlala. 

“Deputy President Paul Mashatile has noted claims made by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission earlier today to the effect that the Deputy President met with Mr Vusimuzi Cat Matlala or that the latter intended to meet with him,” said acting spokesperson to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Keith Khoza.

This follows Monday’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who’s been accused of being an intermediary between suspected crime figures and government officials. Monday was his eighth day of testifying at the Commission 

Nkosi claimed that Matlala mentioned to him about a meeting scheduled with Mashatile.

Khoza said the deputy president has denied the claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Commission should they require clarity from him.

“Of significance is that the Deputy President does not know the individuals referenced in the testimony and has never had any association or dealings with them. Of greater significance is that the Deputy President was out of the country at the time that Mr. Matlala purportedly met with him or intended to do so,” said the Khoza in a statement from the Presidency.

Iran has dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington and Tehran are engaged in talks to end hostilities, calling the reports “fake news” and accusing the US of trying to manipulate global oil markets.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Monday that the US and Iran had held discussions on the “complete and total resolution” of the conflict, adding that he had postponed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days to allow negotiations to continue.

He also warned that Iran had “one more chance” to make peace.

pic.twitter.com/PfOn2SVCvA

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2026

However, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, rejected those claims, insisting no such talks had taken place.

1/ Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.
All Irainan officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) March 23, 2026

The apparent diplomatic shift comes just days after Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s energy infrastructure if it failed to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has, however, repeatedly stated that the Strait is only closed to the US, Israel and its allies.

– Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran

– No insurer—and no Iranian—will be swayed by more threats. Try respect

– Freedom of Navigation cannot exist without Freedom of Trade. Respect both—or expect neither

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 22, 2026

Trump’s increasingly erratic pronouncements on the conflict have been raising eyebrows.

Trump has repeatedly claimed to have “won” the war against Iran, often coinciding with claims that Iran’s military capabilities were “destroyed”.

The pre-text for the war has also shifted numerous times. The director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, Joe Kent, resigned recently, citing that Iran posed no threat to the US and that the war was being driven by Israeli pressure.

During a recent media briefing with Japan’s Prime Minister, Trump referenced the Attack on Pearl Harbour while defending his decision not to inform allies ahead of US strikes on Iran, a comment that appeared to unsettle Japanese officials.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour?”

Donald Trump replies to a reporter, after he is questioned about why he did not tell U.S. allies about his plan to strike Iran, during his meeting with Japan’s PM

Read more: https://t.co/P2JDaUI1jo

📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/yNRWwqpcw3

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 19, 2026

In another controversial post, Trump reacted to the death of former FBI director Robert Mueller with a message that was widely condemned as inappropriate.

On the policy front, the administration has been criticised for abruptly lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, a move seen by some analysts as contradictory, given ongoing hostilities.

At a gathering in Memphis on Monday, he seemed to throw his Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, under the bus, saying he was the first one to speak out in favour of going to war.

Trump on Iran:

Pete Hegseth was the first one to speak up. He said, “Let’s do it.” pic.twitter.com/Wuld1wxIT0

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 23, 2026

The rapidly changing developments have the world spinning, with huge uncertainty about what every next day will bring. There is also an enormous amount of fake news and propaganda about the war. This, while the death toll keeps rising.

Motorists and residents in Claremont are being urged to prepare for disruptions as a partial road closure along Claremont Boulevard comes into effect, with construction expected to continue until the end of February next year.

The closure between Stanhope and Hawthorne Roads forms part of the rollout of the MyCiTi bus service expansion. While one lane will remain open, commuters travelling from Stanhope towards Hawthorne will need to make use of alternative routes.

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says the City acknowledges the inconvenience, thanking motorists for their patience and understanding as the City works to complete essential infrastructure improvements.

“We fully recognise the significant disruption these lane closures cause, and we ask for your continued understanding. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Quintas further added that the upgrades will bring long-term benefits.

“Residents can look forward to improved intersections, enhanced landscaping, better signage and, in some cases, new street furniture and public art.”

He stressed that the project will not only improve transport but also boost the local economy and create new opportunities.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could assist them with a tragic accident in which a one-year-old died yesterday.

SAPS spokesperson FC Van Wyk says the Manenberg police have registered a case of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.

“A one-year-old baby girl suffered fatal injuries during the accident at Grace Court Heideveld. The circumstances surrounding this accident are under investigation. No arrests have been made.”

Van Wyk has urged anyone who could assist in the investigation to reach out to SAPS immediately.

“Anyone with further information can contact Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”

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