The rape case against Nigerian pastor, Tim Omotoso resumed in Gqeberha today. Defence advocate Peter Daubermann continued cross examining Vuyiseka Nontlanzi who is the 12th witness. Nontlanzi says she was sexually violated by Omotoso, however, she did not report it because she did not think anyone would believe her because he was powerful and respected. Omotoso and two co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho are facing a total of 62 charges relating to rape, sexual assault, human trafficking and racketeering. We’re now joined by SABC News reporter, Kim Daniels.

Convicted child rapist, Gerhard Ackerman, has told the High Court in Johannesburg that he intends to appeal his sentence and apply for a re-trial. Ackerman has been sentenced to 12 life sentences. He was convicted on 740 counts of crime, including rape, attempted murder, the production and distribution of child pornography, and human trafficking. Reacting to the High Court ruling, the non-governmental organization, Women and Men Against Child Abuse says this is an appropriate punishment for someone who has decimated the life of other people.

GUEST: Miranda Jordan, Spokesperson & founder of Women & Men Against Child Abuse

67 Pakistani nationals were denied entry into South Africa after allegedly entering the country without complying with the immigration laws. According to the department of home affairs, the 67 Pakistanis with questionable visas wanted to come to South Africa but were unable to explain where they were going and for what reason. 

GUEST: Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs

Nine young South Africans landed back into the country this week after participating in the World Performing Arts Championships held in Los Angeles. They scooped the Senior Grand Championships of the World for Group Vocal 2023 and Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Dance 2023 categories. The also come home with 51 gold medals and 18 silver after competing against groups from 70 countries.We’re now joined by Sibusiso Msomi who is a member of the group, he won nine medals, we’re also joined by Thami Manyathi, Head of eThekwini Transport Authority, the entity that funded the young champions.

The decision to release president Jacob Zuma just an hour after he handed himself over to correctional services has left South Africans divided as some feel it is special treatment while others feel it’s a great decision for the sake of peace. Zuma is a beneficiary of a special remission of sentences for non-violent offenders. Department of Correctional Services acting national commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale said a decision had been taken for Zuma to return to prison, but he was released an hour later. We’re now joined by Miles Budu from the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights.

The man accused of the murder, kidnapping and rape of 4 year old Bokgabo Poo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and rape of another child. Ntokozo Zikhali was acquitted of Bokgabo’s murder on Monday, saying his confession was coerced and evidence was inconclusive and therefore could not prove beyond reasonable doubt he was indeed her killer. He was sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday for the kidnapping and rape of a nine year old. He was out on bail when he was arrested for Bokgabo’s rape and murder. We’re now joined by Irvin Ndlovu, Bokgabo Poo’s father.

We know that the first Presidential Imbizo took place in March last year in Mafikeng – but has anything changed or improved since the president’s visit? We find out from Kgaupalelwe Lebelo, Chairperson of the North-West Amalgamated Business Forum

The United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos Orellana is currently in the country to examine the human rights situation related to the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. So what measures are used to determine whether a country has adequate waste disposal facilities and in terms of associated regulations, norms and standards – what should various countries strive for to ensure that they meet the UN/International standards?

GUEST: Marcos Orellana, UN’s Special Rapporteur

We look at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 9th and last Presidential Imbizo that is currently underway in the Eastern Cape. Over the last 16 months, Ramaphosa and his Cabinet Ministers have been visiting some of the remotest areas in the country, engaging with various communities with the intention of addressing issues on the ground. For more on what’s happening in the Eastern Cape right now, we are joined by…….Busi Chimombe, SABC News Senior

Dr Webster Zambara who covers politics and economic developments on the continent joins us to discuss the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe and the importance of the election to the region and why the issue of free and fair election remains a complex one in Zim. This as most Zimbabweans have expressed fear of becoming victims of political violence during elections.

GUEST: Dr Webster Zambara, Senior Project Leader of Peacebuilding Interventions at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR)