Update@Noon

KZN police say two suspects who were wanted in connection with several cases of murder and attempted murder were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police in the Mzomusha area, Newtown C Section, in Inanda on Monday morning. Police say they were searching for at least five suspects, and during an operation that started just after midnight on Monday morning, two of the suspects were located in the Mzomusha area with the assistance of a drone. Police say they approached the house in which the suspects were hiding, and a shootout ensued, which resulted in the two suspects, aged 20 and 25 years old, sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. Two firearms have since been found in the possession of the suspects. A search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission of in Inquiry in Pretoria, North-West businessman Suliman Carrim's says he never knew Cat Matlala until he received a call to invest. Carrim says he invested R10 million in the Medi24 tender with a promise of a R20 million return. Carrim also says it is Brown Mogotsi who told him to lie to Cat Matlala about having connections with police minsters.

The Nkabinde Inquiry investigating suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke's fitness to hold office today heard testimony from a witness Aris Danikas who worked closely with Cato Manor Organized Crime Unit. Chauke's legal representatives have called former police reservist Aris Danikas to testify

The Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee evidence leader advocate Norman Arendse says a list of proposed witnesses to come before the commission this week includes KZN provincial police commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Fanie Masemola, Lt. Gen. Senthumule, and Hon. F. Adams. The Ad Hoc Committee Investigates Allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is meeting today to discuss housekeeping matters, including the scheduling of witnesses.

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) informs consumers about the recall of VW Polo Vivo vehicles by Volkswagen Group. This recall affects 25,729 vehicles. The affected vehicles were made available for sale from February 2025 to February 2026, nationally. The commission says the defect involves the rivet height on the handbrake lever, which may not meet specifications in some units. The National Consumer Commission Spokesperson Phetho Ntaba explains

The South African National Defence Force says they will be operating together with the SAPS in four provinces namely Gauteng, North West, kwazululu-Natal and Western Cape to deal with Zama Zamas, Gangsterism and Drugs. SANDF Chief of Joint Operations, General Siphiwe Sangweni says their duty is to ensure and help the SAPS to execute its duties in a conducive environment. SANDF was briefing the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on its state of preparedness for domestic deployment with the SAPS.

Forensic investogator Paul O'Sullivan has told the Ad Hoc Committee Investigating Allegations of Corruption, Infiltration and political Intereference in the police that Advocate Michael Mashuga lied under oath at the Zondo Commission to help shutdown investigations into corruption allegations against General Khomotso Phahlane. Answering committee member Khusela Sangoni, O'Sullivan alleged that Mashuga was part of the efforts to defeat the ends of justice in the North West police investigation into former Acting Head of Police General Phahlane.

Rise Mzansi says many will remember Mosiuoa Lekota, for the political positions he held, but the country should most prominently remember him for his principled positions, even in the face of criticism and humiliation. Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at a hospital in Midrand at the age of 77. Lekota had stepped back from active politics last year to focus on his health, prompting the appointment of a COPE interim leader. Lekota a former high-ranking African National Congress (ANC) member, he served as the first Free State Premier from 1994 to 1996 and as defense minister from 1999 to 2008. Rise Mzansi spokesperson Mabine Seabe shares the party's tribute message

The Congress of the People (COPE) has described the death of its leader Mosiuoa Lekota as a huge loss to the party. Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at a hospital in Midrand at the age of 77. confirm that it received the news early this morning of the passing away of Comrade Terror. The party says he has been ill for quite a while, and he has been in and out of the hospital until this time that this has happened. Lekota had stepped back from active politics last year to focus on his health, prompting the appointment of a COPE interim leader. A former high-ranking African National Congress (ANC) member, he served as the first Free State Premier from 1994 to 1996 and as defense minister from 1999 to 2008.

Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, conducted a joint in loco inspection at the Ormonde site in Johannesburg South, alongside City of Joburg leadership. The death toll in the building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg has risen to NINE. The Johannesburg Emergency Services says its team has managed to locate the third person from the rubble of the collapsed building AND rescue teams are currently engaged in the extraction process. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya,

The Middle East is on edge after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. It triggered retaliatory missile attacks, emergency U.N. meetings and protests across several countries. World leaders are divided, while civilians across the region brace for further escalation. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Associate Professor of Public International Law, at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Professor Sikwani Ncube

The Hawks' National Serious Corruption Investigation Unit has arrested three suspects from the Health Department this morning. The suspects have been arrested on charges of fraud and theft. The three are set to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Hawks National Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale....

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has adjourned for today and will resume on Wednesday morning. North West Businessman Brown Mogotsi, was today expected back on the stand,but failed to appear, citing illness. Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson told the commission a medical certificate is expected by end of day. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga declared Mogotsi in contempt for now and indicated the commission may initiate legal proceedings but any consequences will be addressed on Wednesday once the certificate is reviewed. This comes as the inquiry races toward its March 17 deadline to wrap up its probe into criminality and corruption in the justice system. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the commission's spokesperson Jeremy Michaels

Search and rescue teams are continuing in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape after tug vessel LEO sank about 80 nautical miles south in the early hours of yesterday (Sunday). The vessel sent a mayday late Saturday due to uncontrolled water ingress. Of 18 crew aboard, 13 are accounted for 12 survivors and one presumed deceased. Five remain missing. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating efforts, with merchant vessels, a fishing boat, and a helicopter assisting despite adverse weather. Operations continue around the clock. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Donald Ratshibvumo acting chief from The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

Celebrating 20 years of "Connecting Africa to the World," Meetings Africa 2026 returns this year to the Sandton Convention Centre as a premier catalyst for the continent's business events industry. ​Following a massive R690 million economic contribution in 2025, this year's flagship trade show hosts nearly 300 exhibitors from over 20 African nations and 380+ elite buyers. Beyond the numbers, the event remains a vital platform for innovation and SMME growth, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the African market. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Thandiwe Mathibela, Acting Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism, and Themba Sono. Assistant Account Executive at The Blue Train

Day 10 of the TRC Cases public hearings today hear the testimony of two individuals related to Afrikaner Interest group Afriforum. Kallie Kriel , CEO of Afrifirum has asked the Khampepe commission of Inquiry to ensure that the principle of equality before the law is restored by focusing not only on the prosecuted members of the armed forces, but also on all those who have failed to apply for or obtain amnesty, including the so-called ANC 37.

Minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs the media on outcomes and decisions after the cabinet meeting

A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury room to offer the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says revenue for the current financial year is projected to come in higher than previously forecast. This has been supported by stronger VAT collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana says the improvement revenue collections has allowed government to scrap 20 billion rand in planned tax increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Lisette Ijssel de Schepper

The Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal have launched major raids on multiple drug dens across Chatsworth, south of Durban. Authorities say they've been closely monitoring these locations for nearly a year, targeting drugs linked to well-known syndicates under long-term investigation. One suspect has been arrested during the operation. Police say the crackdown aims to disrupt organised drug networks operating in the area. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Jayed Paulse,

The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers. This comes after a University of the Free State study found harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some pads and panty liners. The study found these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, affecting millions of South African women and girls monthly. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Divisional Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, Prudence Moilwa.

The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report reveals that reading levels for South African children are still at crisis point. The report released yesterday, reveals that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language. In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to report author Sipumelele Lucwaba

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry's Liubov Abravitoval says Ukraine is fighting not just for its borders but for a world free from bigger neighbors swallowing smaller ones by force. This as the country marks the 4th anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Four years ago today (24 February 2022), Russia invaded Ukraine in what Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin said was a special military operation. Russia attacked Ukraine from three fronts in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the country, and there's still no end in sight as Russia continues to strike Ukraine. Liubov Abravitova, Director for Africa and Regional African Organizations at the MFA of Ukraine, unpacks.

Jeffers Miruka, secretary general of the Association for Kenya Business Events, says, "With delegates from many SADC countries, Meetings Africa is globally recognized. " Miruka says the gathering has grown into something truly huge. has grown into something truly huge. The 20th edition of Meetings Africa gets to day two today at the Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng Province, South Africa (SA), bringing together business event stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

Dr. Yoseph Beco, Director General of the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, says he is impressed by Meetings Africa's gathering of MICE planners, travel buyers, guides, and cultural stakeholders. He calls the opportunities for sharing in Africa's tourism and heritage ecosystems colossal. The 20th edition of Meetings Africa gets underway today at the Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng Province, South Africa (SA), bringing together business event stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

Katlego Mogopodi says Meetings Africa is a powerful gathering that connects African suppliers with global buyers, showcasing the continent's incredible offerings in the multi-billion-dollar business tourism sector. The 20th edition of Meetings Africa gets to day two today at the Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng Province, South Africa (SA), bringing together business event stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality and corruption in the justice system. Today, suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, faced tough cross-examination over allegations he received impalas from alleged crime figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Sibiya maintains he never received impalas from businessman Vusimuzi Kat Matlala or any other person and has denied close ties to Matlala. The commission continues probing these claims, which form part of broader allegations shaking the top ranks of the SAPS.

SIU Acting Head Leonard Lekgetho reveals major fraud at Home Affairs. Lekgetho says corrupt officials collude with foreign nationals, illegally accessing offices to swap photos and fraudulently use innocent South Africans’ fingerprints. In response, the SIU has proposed systemic recommendations to bolster security. Lekgetho acknowledged that the department is already implementing biometric controls on passport photographs. But has stressed the urgent need to strengthen physical access controls at Home Affairs facilities, ensuring every person entering can be positively identified to prevent internal collusion. The Special Investigating Unit was today briefing the media, providing an update on its ongoing investigation into allegations of serious maladministration within the Home Affairs Department. The investigation focused on document fraud, visa and work-permit manipulation, and facilitation networks enabling unauthorized entry into South Africa.

Suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, should not be blamed for making decisions that may have tarnished or compromised the integrity of the National Prosecuting Authority. This is according to former North West Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sello Maema. Maema is being cross-examined at the Nkabinde Enquiry in Pretoria. The enquiry is probing Chauke's fitness to hold office. He was accused by former NPA head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, of making wrongful prosecutorial decisions while coordinating a team of prosecutors in the 2012 racketeering case against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major General Johan Booysen, and members of the Cato Manor Police Unit. Evidence leader, Advocate David Mtsweni, has suggested that any wrongful prosecutorial decisions carried out by Chauke and his team should instead be attributed to former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Nomgcobo Jiba.

Two alleged drug dealers have been arrested after they were found in possession of 300,000 rand worth of drugs in Durban's Point area. Police in KZN say they conducted a sting operation targeting the two suspects who had been under surveillance. During the operation, the team apprehended both suspects. The 29-year-old suspect was found in possession of twenty (20) glass vials of cocaine powder, whilst the 32-year-old suspect was found in possession of 4,200 pieces of rock cocaine, 300 capsules of heroin, 46 glass vials of heroin powder, and 38 Mandrax tablets. The recovered drugs are estimated to have a street value of approximately R330 000. KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza explains

A 16-year-old teenager has been arrested in Roodepoort, Gauteng, for possession and distribution of explosives. National Intervention Unit officers and Gauteng Crime Intelligence have seized 50 blasting cartridges, 25 safety fuse connectors, and detonating cords from the suspect. Police say intelligence-led information on suspects selling explosives in and around Motlhakeng. Police say Investigations remain ongoing to identify the criminal networks behind the illegal possession and distribution of explosives. Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk explains

Limpopo's Department of Transport reports a bus carrying 31 passengers from Gauteng veered off the N1 near Ingwe Lodge, outside Makhado, and plunged into a ditch. Multiple fatalities and injuries are reported. The department says at least 4 passengers are confirmed to have died. The department says the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. However, it is clear that there are multiple fatalities and injuries. The bus was travelling from Gauteng to Zimbabwe, and it has not yet been established whether all passengers were bound for Zimbabwe. The vehicle remains in the ditch, making it difficult to determine the exact number of occupants at the time of the incident. Limpopo Transport Spokesperson, Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala, explains

The TRC Cases Inquiry public hearings continue today and veteran investigative journalist Michael Schmidt and author of DEATH FLIGHT, apartheid's secret doctrine of disappearance, is on witness stand. Schmidt says that Senior SADF Officer Dirk Marais told him that seven years of meetings aimed at dealing with prosecutions related to TRC Cases, fell apart in 2003 after reaching a stalemate. The inquiry was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

The South African Police Service has condemned the brutal killing of three people, including an infant, in a shooting incident on Tuesday. The police say at approximately 22:00, police responded to reports of a shooting at Sunbird Court in Athlone. Upon arrival, officers found the bodies of two women aged 25 and 36, as well as a nine-month-old baby, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Two adult males were also shot and injured during the incident and were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The Athlone police in Western Cape say preliminary information indicates that three unknown suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested. The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut explains.

U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has arrived in the country. He is expected to improve fraught ties between the two states. Bozell III is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially taking up his post. Relations between Washington and Pretoria have deteriorated in the last year as Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with Russia and China, imposed a steep tariffs on its exports and cut all aid. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Former US diplomat & Associate Editor at Daily Maverick Brooks Spector

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, an eloquent Baptist minister raised in the segregated South who became a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr and twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, has died at age 84. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC specialist correspondent Sophie Mokoena

The official unemployment rate decreased by 0,5-percentage points from 31,9-percent in the third quarter of 2025, to 31,4-percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. That's according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa today. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to independent economist Duma Gqubule

Search and rescue operations are continuing at the Ekapa Minerals in Northern Cape Kimberley, after the mine has confirmed a mud rush a inflow of mud which struck the underground operations early this morning. The company reports that several employees remain unaccounted for following the event. The mines says Management has activated a full search and rescue operation to locate and extract the trapped workers, with specialized teams now working underground to clear debris and reach the affected section. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Lerato Mohatlane NUMSA union official in Northern Cape Kimberley.

The Democratic Alliance is leading a protest rally today in Nelson Mandela Bay's Northern Areas, outside Gelvandale Police Station, The party says it demands urgent priority action against what they call rampant gang violence and drug-dealing gangs that have turned communities into war zones. DA Northern Areas Constituency Leader Yusuf Cassim says residents feel abandoned after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his State of the Nation Address the deployment of the military to support police in fighting gang violence but only in the Western Cape and Gauteng, snubbing the Eastern Cape despite years of DA calls and parliamentary resolutions for intervention. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA Northern Areas Constituency Leader Yusuf Cassim

Three suspects in the e‑hailing murder case have abandoned bail and are due back in court next week. Police say the driver was hijacked and overpowered inside his vehicle after picking up two passengers a man and a woman who had requested the ride. The hijacked vehicle and the driver’s body were later found in Atteridgeville on the same day. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Nonhlanhla Mthabela

The South African Farmers Development Association, SAFDA, has expressed serious concern after Tongaat Hulett filed for provisional liquidation. This comes after Tongaat Hulett's the failure to secure funding from the IDC and the lapse of its sale agreement with Vision Sugar. South African Farmers Development Association says the move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal who supply the company's three mills at Maidstone, Amatigulu, and Felixton. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Siyabonga Madlala, Executive Chair at the The South African Farmers Development Association

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has moved to reassure European leaders at the security conference in Munich, Germany that Washington remains committed to the transatlantic alliance. World leaders have wrapped up two days of talks at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Sudan and Syria, and growing uncertainty over relations between the United States and Europe amid concerns that shared democratic values may be under strain. Rubio struck a markedly more conciliatory tone than last year's address by JD Vance, emphasizing partnership over division. For an analysis Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political and International Studies Lecture at Rhodes University Dr Thapelo Tselapedi,

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Jon Gericke spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

In a major boost for communities battered by gang violence and crime, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his State of the Nation Address that he's deploying the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape. This targets gangsterism in Cape Town's hotspots and illegal mining syndicates terrorizing areas in Gauteng. Residents in gang-infested neighborhoods have welcomed the move, saying police are overwhelmed and urgent help is needed to reclaim streets and restore safety. Jon Gericke spoke to the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition chairperson, Dr. Llewellyn MacMaster.

World Radio Day is celebrated every February 13th, and it is a day to thank broadcasters for the news they deliver, the voices they amplify, and the stories they share. SABC reporter Lubabalo Dada spoke to radio legend Mbulelo Ngewu and began by asking him to share his views on the importance of radio...

Today marks World radio day. The day was designated by UNESCO member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. World Radio Day is celebrated every February 13th and it is a Day to thank broadcasters for the news they deliver, the voices they amplify and the stories they share. This year's theme is Radio and AI. Tim Zunckel , audio ambassador and lead consultant at Tuned Media spoke to Jon Gericke

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has assured South Africans that safety and security measures are in place for a peaceful State of the Nation Address. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth SONA tonight at 7pm in Cape Town City Hall. The Address will build on previous speeches and commitments. A year ago, the president stood in Parliament and sketched a vision of structural renewal. Ramaphosa is expected to speak on the general state of the nation and reflect on a wide range of political, economic, and social matters in the domestic and global spheres. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the following guests. SANDF, Chief Director of the Human Resource Division Major General Nomsa Mkhize, ActionSA MP Athol Trollip, Jan de Villiers, the DA's National Spokesperson, Asanda Ngoasheng – Political analyst Omphile Maotwe EFF Treasurer General Dr. Stavros Nicolaou is the Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade Development at Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure assures South Africans that safety and security measures are in place for a peaceful State of the Nation Address. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth SONA tonight at 7pm in Cape Town City Hall. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explains

WaterCAN's Dr. Ferrial Adam says years of neglected water infrastructure maintenance have contributed to Johannesburg's severe outages. Adam urges the government to urgently declare the city a national disaster area to unlock emergency support and funding. Johannesburg is currently facing significant water outages, with many residents experiencing disruptions for over two weeks. Jon Gericke spoke to WaterCAN's Dr. Ferrial Adam

ActionSA MP Dereleen James, questioning Paul O'Sullivan at Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on crime intelligence slush funds, said she has brought receipts proving he lied under oath and will open criminal charges against him. Private investigator, Paul O'Sullivan continues testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the city is not yet on Day Zero and has not reached disaster level. Addressing media amid severe water outages in parts of Joburg, Morero emphasized that while some residents face prolonged shortages, the overall system continues to supply water. He highlighted that the current heatwave was driving higher consumption and complicating recovery efforts. Let's listen to what Joburg mayor Morero had earlier said at a media briefing giving the latest on the water supply challenges the city is facing.