Ukrainian officials say at least eight people have been killed following explosions by Russian troops across the country. Russian forces have launched a major military assault on Ukraine, with reports of missile strikes and explosions near major cities. People have been trying to flee the capital Kyiv and there is a palpable sense of shock. Officials say at least eight people are known to have been killed in Russian attacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow's response will be "instant" if anyone tries to take on Russia. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Kari Odermann, a Political Scientist in Germany

The trial of Mackenzi Ratselane continues in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court. Ratselane is accused of stabbing his ex-wife, Lesedi FM Current Affairs Presenter Dimakatso Folotsi in February last year. He is facing five charges that include attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Sakina Spoke to SABC reporter Ismael Modiba.

 All eyes on Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana 's maiden budget speech expected to be delivered in Parliament this afternoon. This as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and party supporters hold a march in parliament ahead of the budget speech, opposed to the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) and World Bank loans to bailout the country's economy. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Executive Director at the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute, Isobel Frye 

Advocate Muzi Skihakhane SC says the assassination of the late SACP leader Chris Hani almost killed the democratic dream of the nation. He is representing the Hani family and the SACP in the application by Hani's killer Janusz Walusz to overturn Justice Minister Ronald Lamola's refusal to grant him parole.  The matter is being heard virtually by the Constitutional Court. Earlier Walusz's lawyer Advcate Roelof Du Plessis said the minister refused his client parole because he was under pressure from his alliance partners. Sikhakhane rebutted, saying Hani's killing nearly shattered South Africa's dream of becoming a democracy. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Ntebo Nokobo

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate(IPID) says it cannot confirm reports that two officers are on the run following the deadly shoot out between police and cash-in-transit robbers in Johannesburg on Monday. Eight members of the gang of cash- in-transit robbers  were killed and another eight arrested. The shoot-out ensued after the robbers shot at a police helicopter and wounded the pilot's assistant. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IPID spokesperson, Grace Langa...

Gauteng's Deputy Provincial police Commissioner Major-General Tommy Mthombeni has told the Human Rights Commission hearings into the July 2021 unrest, that resources had to be mobilised with speed to deal with the threat. Mthombeni is the second state witness to testify in the commission's Gauteng hearings in Sandton north of Johannesburg. Police Minister Bheki Cele testified on Monday. About 350 people died in the week-long spree of violence and looting that caused billions of rand in damages to businesses and infrastructure. Mthombeni says they had to seek back-up from Johannesburg's Metro Police. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Phanuel Shuma 

Suspended secretary general of the ANC - Ace Magashule says he does not know anything about the 70 charges against him. This as the state says it is busy with Moroadi Cholota's extradition application. Cholota Magashule's former personal assistant while he was Free State premier. The prosecution told the high court in Bloemfontein that it has Cholota's email in which she assured them of her cooperation but has allegedly backtracked. The US-based Cholota will now also be criminally charged. The charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a 255-million-rand asbestos roof removal contract in 2014. Sakina kamwendo spoke to reporter Makgala Masiteng 

Sakina Kamwendo in conversation with Chief Technology Officer at Netstar, Clifford de Wit, on the latest crime statistics which show a another steep increase in car hijackings across the country. The data, presented by the police, covers the period between October and December 2021. A total of 5,455 hijackings were reported over that period – a 13.8% increase from the same period the previous year.

Mining company DRDGold has launched 41 programmes to take its communities out of poverty. Cutting red tape will release R90-billion worth of mining projects out of their starting blocks. Yet another company has announced that it is taking steps to generate its own electricity. Sakina Kamwendo presents another Update From The Coal-Face with Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Mid-month fuel price data supplied by East Cape Fuels shows that South African motorists can expect steep fuel price hikes in March. The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has warned the government against any planned fuel tax increases in its 23 February budget, which it says will be particularly damaging following record-high increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Jeff Schultz- Senior Economist at BNP Paribas SA