Update@Noon

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola has sharply criticized officers who moved sealed bags from a container into a bakkie during the 9 July 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. Sebola told commissioners the scene's integrity was compromised and insisted no officer could identify cocaine by smell alone. He said he only suspected the substance was cocaine after piercing a sealed package with a pin and discovering a shiny powder.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position as minister of social development. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the decision is effective immediately. The minister in the presidency for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has been appointed as acting minister. Tolashe is facing mounting allegations of corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public funds. This follows her failure to declare luxury SUVs donated to the ANC Women's League, which she leads. She is also accused of being involved in improper hiring practices and exploiting departmental staff for personal purposes. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, explains 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Warrant Officer Boy Steve Phakula of the SAPS National Intervention Unit describes a chaotic drug bust scene in Aeroton, Johannesburg. Phakula told the commission multiple police units arrived, scenes were not properly cordoned, and command confusion escalated as senior officers intervened. The inquiry examines alleged mishandling and possible theft of seized cocaine as evidence unfolds in Gauteng at the Madlanga Commission before commissioners.

Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the Western Cape following a series of intense cold fronts that lashed the province, claiming the lives of ten people. Some of the fatalities were caused by trees that fell on vehicles due to gale-force winds and people drowning in flooded areas. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Head of Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto 

NCC MP Fadiel Adams did not consult the family of slain ANC Youth League secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, when he took statements and recorded a cellphone video from the now self-confessed killer at Westville prison. This is according to a statement from the investigating officer, Sandile Mavuka, that's being read out during Adams' bail application in the Pinetown Magistrates Court. Mavuka says in his affidavit the Magaqa family was shocked when they saw Sibusiso Ncengwa's video online. Adams allegedly visited Ncengwa in prison in January last year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter Zanele Buthelezi  

President Cyril Ramaphosa has revived his legal challenge to the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala matter. Ramaphosa made the announcement Monday night, following last week's Constitutional Court judgment that declared parts of the National Assembly's impeachment rules unconstitutional and ordered the revival of the Section 89 process. The move comes as Parliament prepares to establish an impeachment committee to probe the 2022 report ledry by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza says Parliament will establish an impeachment committee for the Phala Phala matter.  presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya 

Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer says disaster teams remain on high alert as severe weather continues to batter parts of the province. Meyer says strong winds, flooding, fallen trees and electricity outages have affected areas including the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the City of Cape Town. Meyer says three people have since died during the severe weather, while several others were injured and vehicles damaged by falling trees. He has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as a Level 8 warning remains in place. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer 

Economist and Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School, Professor Jannie Rossouw says South Africa’s rising unemployment rate reflects both seasonal and deep structural economic problems. Rossouw says weak economic growth continues to fuel job losses and limit opportunities. He says government policies over the past three decades have failed to create enough jobs or attract sufficient investment. New figures released from Statistics South Africa show the country's unemployment rate has deepened. South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed to 32-point-7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31-point-4 percent in the final quarter of 2025.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School and economist at Altitude Wealth, Professor Jannie Rossouw.  

Three suspects aged between 46 and 60 are expected to appear on Wednesday before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to extortion. The suspects were arrested by members of the organized crime unit in Mpumalanga in the early hours of this morning, two in Gauteng and one in Mpumalanga. Among the arrested suspects is a taxi boss. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Mpumalanga Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo. 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, SAPS Zonkizizwe CIMAC Commander Warrant Officer Marumo Magane admitted officers made an oversight by allowing a truck suspected of carrying drugs to leave a premises without obtaining a search warrant. Commissioners questioned why police failed to secure the scene despite reasonable suspicion. Magane conceded the decision exposed officers to possible danger and created a risk that the suspected drugs could have been removed before reaching the destination.