Update@Noon

A second suspect linked to the deadly Westbury shooting is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court today. The 36-year-old, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack that left two teenagers dead and five others injured, was arrested in Westbury on Friday. His arrest follows that of a 20-year-old suspect, apprehended by the Anti-Gang Unit at a Soweto high school last week. The earlier suspect's case has been postponed to Thursday for a formal bail hearing. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Refilwe Mekoa

United Nations officials have condemned mass killings by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's el-Fasher. UN officials have warned the UN Security Council that the city has "descended into an even darker hell". The RSF took over el-Fasher, capital of North Darfur state, on Sunday after forcing Sudan's army to withdraw from its last stronghold in the western Darfur region. The paramilitary force has been accused of ethnic killings since its power struggle with the army erupted into violence in April 2023, but the RSF leadership has consistently denied the accusations - although this week its leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo admitted to the violations in el-Fasher. Meanwhile , the World health Organisation says it has received reports that more than 450 civilians in a hospital in the Sudanese City of Al Fasher. BBC's Jeremy Bowen reports

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa says it is negotiating with the City of Johannesburg and all relevant stakeholders over the removal of informal traders from various parts of the City. This has court proceedings remain delayed at the High Court in Johannesburg. This follows the municipality's clean-up and by-law enforcement drive, which includes a new registration system aimed at regulating more than 20,000 informal traders. As part of the operation, officials have been removing those trading without permits or outside approved areas. For the latest in these negotiation Sakina Kamwendo spoke to advocacy officer at the the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa, Edward Molopi

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across large parts of the country. A yellow level four warning alert is in place for the central and eastern Free State, while a level two warning affects the rest of the Free State, the North West, Eastern Northern Cape and Southern Gauteng. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to meteorologist, Lehlohonolo Thobela.

National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams has laid a complaint against the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola for nepotism. Adams is accusing General masemola of establishing a network of patronage within SAPS by facilitating and promoting family members and close associates into strategic positions.. He says he has evidence to back his claims. Adams spoke with SABC News reporter Bulelani Phillip outside the Cape Town Central Police Station

Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says officers are working tirelessly to track down the four teenage suspects behind the deadly Westbury mass shooting. Masemola says two deceased victims, aged 17 and 18, have been identified, while five others remain in hospital. Masemola spoke to reporters today while visiting Westbury, where a mass shooting on Tuesday claimed the lives of two teenagers and left five others injured. Masemola says police are clamping down on gang activity, drug dens, and the illegal firearms trade fueling youth violence. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Puseletso Mokoena

In The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Advocate Zithulele Nxumalo, representing accused number four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, has begun cross-examining accused number one, Muzi Sibiya. Nxumalo questioned Sibiya about his past communication with Maphisa, to which Sibiya replied they never discussed Meyiwa's death. Nxumalo also referred to Constable Zungu's 2023 affidavit, mentioning a firearm linked to an earlier shooting involving Snako. Sibiya confirmed the 2017 incident but denied any involvement. The high-profile trial of the five accused continues at the Pretoria High Court. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Pearl Magubane j

Families of the 43 people that were killed during a bus crash in Tshambudzi Valley in Limpopo on Sunday are continuing with the identification process of their loved one's bodies. The bus was travelling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape enroute to Zimbabwe and Malawi when it lost control, rolled down the valley just outside Louis Trichardt and landed on its roof. Overloading was identified as a possible cause of the crash. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Michael Makungo

The inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four has adjourned to resume on Friday at the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape. The inquest seeks to determine whether anyone can be held responsible for the killings of anti-apartheid activists Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkhonto. Proceedings of the inquest have been marred by delays with former Apartheid Security Branch Officer, Eugene de Kock indicating his unavailability due to ill-health. For the latest, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Tombozuko Balintulo

Tributes continue to pour in for Kenya's former prime minister Raila Odinga who has died at the age of 80. Odinga died after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in the southern Indian city of Kochi. Meanwhile , the military in Madagascar has seized power after weeks of protests over corruption, power and water shortages, forcing the country's president into hiding. For more on these stories Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Specialist Correspondent Sophie Mokoena

The Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations made by KZN police commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has lifted the lid on divisions between top cops in the country. Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya has told the Adhoc committee that attacks and smear campaigns against him may be linked to plans to prevent him from vying for the vacant position of Hawks boss or national police commissioner when it becomes vacant . Sibiya was testifying for the second consecutive day before the ad hoc committee. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Professor Kholofelo Rakubu, Security expert and Head of the Department of Law Safety, and Security Management at the Tshwane University of Technology

At least 42 people have died in a devastating bus crash on the N1 near Makhado in Limpopo. The bus, travelling from Gqeberha to Harare, was carrying passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi when tragedy struck on Sunday afternoon. President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt condolences to the affected nations, describing the crash as a shared regional tragedy. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Michael Makungo

The Madlanga Commission established to look into the criminality, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system has adjourned following an opposition application to host proceedings in-camera. The opposition application was brought by media companies Daily Maverick and Media 24. Advocate Charles Du Plessis of Willem de Klerk Attorneys, representing two media houses says the secrecy could undermine the public's right to know and the integrity of the inquiry process. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sibahle Motha

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel for what's being hailed as a historic mission to cement a landmark Gaza peace deal. His visit comes as Hamas releases all 20 living Israeli hostages under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, with the Red Cross overseeing the exchange. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Correspondent in Tel Aviv, Blake Sifton

Six activists from the South african Global Sumud Flotilla which includes among them uNkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela have received a warm welcome at OR Tambo International Airport. The group, detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza were met with applause after their release. Speaking on behalf of the activists at the OR Tambo international airport , Mandela expressed deep gratitude to supporters and urged South Africans to sustain their solidarity until the suffering in Palestine ends Sakina Kamwendo spoke to South Africa's Global Sumud Flotilla support team member Nazim Adam

Parliament's ad hoc committee set up to investigate allegations around national security, adjourned earlier today for a short while to sort out issues raised around the statement of KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Members of the committee took issue with the evidence leader, advocate Norman Arendse SC, calling Mkhwanazi's statement a supplementary statement to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, that was submitted to the committee. The committee was set up to investigate the wide-ranging claims of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the criminal justice system, made by Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema, has raised firm objections to Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee proceeding without a formal statement from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Malema called the move unconstitutional and fundamentally wrong.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal expert, Elton Hart, attorney at the University of Johannesburg ' Law Clinic

The South African government has confirmed the safe arrival of the Flotilla activists in Jordan. DIRCO in a statement says Ambassador Tselane Mokuena welcomed the group on behalf of the Republic. Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed deep gratitude to all stakeholders who helped ensure their safety. The activists are expected to land at O.R. Tambo International Airport tomorrow morning. Government has dismissed false claims about funding their return, saying the trip is financed by families and solidarity groups, with DIRCO only facilitating diplomatically. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Sunny Morgan from the Global Sumud Flotilla-South Africa

Parliament's ad hoc committee set up to investigate allegations around national security, adjourned earlier today for a short while to sort out issues raised around the statement of KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Members of the committee took issue with the evidence leader, advocate Norman Arendse SC, calling Mkhwanazi's statement a supplementary statement to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, that was submitted to the committee. The committee was set up to investigate the wide-ranging claims of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the criminal justice system, made by Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema, has raised firm objections to Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee proceeding without a formal statement from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Malema called the move unconstitutional and fundamentally wrong. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal expert, Elton Hart, attorney at the University of Johannesburg ' Law Clinic

In a move to reshape South Africa's political landscape, three opposition parties have united under a new banner. Build One South Africa's Dr. Mmusi Maimane, Good Party leader Patricia de Lille, and Rise Mzansi's Songezo Zibi have officially launched a new political formation Unite For Change. The alliance aims to contest the 2026 local government elections, promising ethical leadership, economic recovery, and improved service delivery. Maimane is calling on South Africans to fund this new movement, urging citizens to embrace a culture of political party funding. De Lille says the new party fills a political void left by traditional parties that have drifted too far left or right. Unite For Change is positioning itself as a centrist alternative, inviting civic groups and individuals to join the mission to restore trust and accountability in governance. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Political Analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa made his closing address at the party's special NEC meeting. The meeting was looking at key national issues of the economy, trade, and the party's processes towards local government elections next year.

The survivors and families of victims of apartheid-era crimes together with the Foundation for Human Rights welcomed Friday's High Court ruling dismissing the Government's application to stay proceedings in the constitutional damages case. In January 2025, 25 families and survivors, together with the Foundation, launched a constitutional damages claim against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government for the political suppression of investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era political crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Foundation for Human Rights spokesperson, Sesethu Holomisa

Minister of co-operative governance Velekosini Hlabisa has called on councillors of Ditsobotla Local Municipality to unite behind service delivery. Hlabisa is on a sight visit in the area where he will engage local residents and visit a number of infrastructure projects. The municipality was recently placed under control of the national government following years of mismanagement and political instability. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Tebogo Phakedi

The department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) has sent a specialist team to Israel to negotiate release of six detained South African activists. According to DIRCO , the team met with the South African delegation at the Negev Israeli Prison facility and has also confirmed that the detainees are in good health and in high spirits. Meanwhile, the family of the late South African Ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa , hopes that his autopsy will be released soon so that the repatriation of the body can be finalized. For more Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson at Department of international relations and cooperation

The Constitutional Court has ruled that both parents are entitled equal parental leave that they can share amongst themselves. Both parents, regardless of gender, race or circumstances, are now entitled to share four-months 10 days leave. ConCourt unanimously confirmed constitutional invalidity against sections which deal with maternity and paternity leave under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. The court found that the difference in the parental leave entitlement between birth mothers and fathers amounts to unfair and unconstitutional discrimination. For some clarity on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to family law attorney at Theron Law Firm, Shandu Theron...

The United Nations has expressed hope that those people aboard the Gaza Sumud Flotilla vessels who have been detained by Israel would have their rights respected and not harmed. Reports suggest Israel has taken control over 41 vessels and detained over 400 activists, including many from South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier called on Israel to release activists. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ariel Seidman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel

The Local Government Indaba has focused on efforts to improve service delivery, accountability and transparency across all municipalities in the country. Over a thousand delegates convened at Gallagher Estate in Midrand Johannesburg to try and tackle issues around local government. These include ailing infrastructure and rooting out corruption that hinders on services delivery. One of the organisations at the gathering is the Public Affairs Research Institute which is represented by their Head of State Reform Programme, Dr. Sarah Meny-Gilbert. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Sarah Meny-Gilbert

The Office of the Tax Ombud yesterday published its Draft Report into alleged e-Filing Profile Hijacking for public comment. The aim is to identify factors that make taxpayers vulnerable to e-Filing profile hijackings, to evaluate SARS's response mechanisms to taxpayers and suggest areas for improvement . According to the Ombud , most cases involve fraud below R10 000 but there are significant instances exceeding R100 000. For more we are now joined on the line by Tax Ombus, Ms Yanga Mputa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of Israeli authorities' interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of Israeli authorities' interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Global Sumud Flotilla SA spokesperson, Sunny Morgan

The Madlanga Commission adjourned after key witness Crime Intelligence Boss General Dumisani Khumalo, fell ill. General Khumalo, was meant to continue with his testimony today, regarding the WhatsApp text messages between alleged underworld cartel member and businessman, Vusimuzi Matlala and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's alleged associate, Brown Mogotsi. Jeremy Michaels, Madlanga commission spokesperson says a new date for the sitting will be announced during the course of the day. For analysis Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Kholofelo Rakubu, Security expert and Head of the Department of Law Safety, and Security Management at the Tshwane University of Technology.

EFF leader Julius Malema says he intends on appealing the guilty verdict handed down against him by the East London Magistrate's Court earlier today. Malema was found guilty on all five counts that were brought against him while his co-accused Adriaan Snyman, who had allegedly handed him the firearm in question was found not guilty. Malema had been fighting a seven year trial for discharging a firearm during the party's 5th anniversary celebration at Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane township back in 2018. His former bodyguard, Synman was found not guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Malema has however stood firm, noting that he will continue the fight despite targeted attacks against him. For some analysis to this we are now joined on the line by political analyst, Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast...

Activists on a flotilla which is trying to breach Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza say they are back on course after a reported confrontation with an Israeli warship in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday). The flotilla now consists of about 47 civilian boats carrying essential supplies such as milk, baby formula, diapers, and medical equipment to support Gaza's two-million residents living under siege. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Zukiswa Wanner, a writer and activist on the flotilla

Crime Intelligence Boss, Dumisani Khumalo is expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Monday. Earlier KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison detailed how prosecutors dedicated to deal with cases that the Political Killings Task Team had brought to them lost out on three months of investigations. Testifying ahead of the commission's adjournment Harrison said that this followed the seizure of the 121 dockets after the disbandment of the task team. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political Analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze...

Democratic Alliance Leader, John Steenhuisen has officially announced Haniff Hoosen as the DA’s eThekwini Mayoral candidate.

Some Zimbabwean nationals have pleaded for access to medical care at Yeoville Clinic in Johannesburg. This comes after some South Africans including members of Operation Dudula blocked the clinic entrance, only allowing people with South African IDs to go through. The migrants say there could be other humane ways to deal with this issue. Zine Buthelezi reports...

Proponents of the Government of National Unity are hoping to see it complete its full term, but cracks are again beginning to show in the ten-party pact. The Patriotic Alliance is threatening to pull out of the GNU, and is even prepared to lose its ministerial position, if its Deputy president Kenny Kunene is not reinstated in his position in the City of Johannesburg as MMC for Transport. The party has cleared Kunene of wrongdoing after he was found at the Sandton house of murder-accused Katiso KT Molefe, at the time of his arrest. PA leader Gayton McKenzie has even vowed to work with the DA if the party's marriage with the ANC doesn't work out. Ntlantla Kgatlhane has more

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, is officiating the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape. According to the Presidency, this year's Heritage Month is celebrated with the theme: "Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era." This year's Heritage Day will focus on the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future. Let's take you to the Deputy President Mashatile's speech

The National Assembly has just held a debate followed a draft resolution submitted by EFF leader Julius Malema calling for the establishment of an Ad Hoc committee to investigate the continued presence of apartheid-era statues and memorials in public spaces. Political parties that took part in the debate expressed mixed views. While some supported the establishment of such a committee others said it would be a fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Our parliamentary correspondent Lulama Matya spoke to us

Millions of Malawians are waiting with baited breath for the country's Electoral Commission to officially declare the results of last week's national general elections. This, as former President and Presidential contender, Peter Mutharika surges ahead of his competitors with 66% of the vote counted so far. Incumbent President, Lazarus Chakwera is reportedly trailing behind his predecessor with just 24% of the vote. For more on this we spoke to SABC Correspondent, George Mhango...

Malawians have taken to the polls in a much anticipated election for a new president and parliamentarians. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera is seeking re-election, and he's facing tight contestation from his predecessor, Peter Mutharika. Former President Joyce Banda is running as the southern African nation battles economic hardship. For the latest on how the election is going so far, we spoke to our Channel Africa reporter, Michael Mbewe...

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed with the Zambian's former president, Edgar Lungu family's bid for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeals. The family wanted to appeal the full bench judgment that declared that the Zambian government is entitled to repatriate former president Lungu's body back to the country for a state funeral. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Canny Maphanga...

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations has categorically rejected the findings of a UN Commission of Inquiry that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. This after the inquiry concluded that top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu incited acts of genocide against the people of Palestine. Ambassador Daniel Meron has called the report "scandalous" and "fake", saying that it relied on "misleading statistics, unfounded apocalyptic predictions based on weak data". For more on this, we spoke to Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude...

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for the protection of councilors and whistleblowers within municipalities. He was speaking at the opening of a gathering of thousands of ANC councillors at the FNB stadium, south of Johannesburg. Party president, Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to give the marching orders to the councillors ahead of next year's local government elections following the party's special NEC meeting at the weekend. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi elaborates. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC political reporter, Ntebo Mokobo

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department says a search is underway for the driver of a schoolar transport vehicle that was involved in this morning's accident in the province's Midlands. Authorities say the driver fled the scene after the vehicle veered off the road and plunged off the KwaKhetha bridge, near Impendle. The accident left at least 20 learners seriously injured. This is the third crash involving a learner transport in the Umgungundlovu District, in less than a week. Five learners died in a similar crash last Thursday, with others remaining in hospital. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Spokesperson for the KZN Transport Department, Ndabezinhle Sibiya.

Landlords in Kimberley in the Northern Cape are threatening to evict university and TVET students following endless failures by NSFAS to make payments towards their accommodation. Affected business owners say they have lost trust in the fund and want the students to find alternative accommodation. We spoke to one of the landlords, Rose Swartz... Meanwhile, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela has set up a war room to deal with, amongst other things, the timely payments of NSFAS allowances for students...

The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent bid by Thabo Bester and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana to block the airing of Netflix's explosive documentary Beauty and the Bester. Judge Sulet Potterill ruled the application was not urgent and struck it off the roll, ordering both applicants to pay legal costs. The documentary, which delves into the alleged notorious prison escape and scandal surrounding the pair, will now go ahead as scheduled. Reacting to the judgement Attorney representing Thabo Bester Courage Morero say they are disappointed by the Pretoria High Court's decision to dismiss their urgent bid to halt Netflix's Beauty and the Bester documentary. Morero speaking to SABC reporter Chriselda Lewis had this to say

Listen to our weekly feature, Coalface, with Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

The fraud trial of the president of the South African Football Union, Danny Jordaan, and his co-accused, has been postponed to 21 November in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Court. The state has obtained an additional 64 gigabytes of information it needs to process before the trial starts, while Jordaan and SAFA CFO, Gronie Hluyo, are also challenging the legality of the search and seizure operation conducted at SAFA House on the 8th of March last year, eight months before their arrest. The High Court in Johannesburg must also still rule on that matter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Reporter, Sifiso Ramara

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane continues to face the music in front of the Human Rights Commission over malnutrition in the province. Mabuyane was subpoenaed by the Commission to account for progress made in fighting the scourge in the province. In 2024, a hundred and seven children died as a result of malnutrition. Mabuyane says one life lost is enough to raise the alarm on the issue

U.S. Law enforcement says they have recovered the rifle that they believe was used in the assassination of conservative political activist and organiser Charlie Kirk. The Founder of Turning Point USA was a close confidant of U.S. President Donald Trump who announced he would posthumously be awarded the nation's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk was shot in the neck at long range at an outreach event at the Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah near Salt Lake City while speaking in front of a group of more than 3000 people. Law enforcement revealed that they had tracked the killer's movement on campus and in the aftermath of the assassination and were confident they he would be caught. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.