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In today’s episode, South Africa is shaken by a brutal act of violence in the Eastern Cape. A two-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being stabbed 15 times, allegedly by her babysitter, in Jeffreys Bay on New Year’s Eve. The 59-year-old suspect has appeared in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court. The child’s father, Thumani Bangani, says she is in a stable condition at Livingstone Hospital after he found her lying in a pool of blood with a broken bottle nearby. The case has reignited concerns about violent crime as the country enters the new year.
Internationally, tensions are escalating after the United States abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The ANC has condemned the move as a violation of international law and national sovereignty. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the action undermines peaceful relations between states. Maduro has since appeared briefly in a New York federal court, pleading not guilty to narco-terrorism charges and insisting he remains Venezuela’s president. Cuba has confirmed that 32 of its military officers were killed in the US attack, further raising tensions in the region.
Back home, two people were struck dead by lightning during the Mphebatho Troop Festival in Mathibestad in the North West, with 13 others hospitalised. The South African Weather Service has warned that severe weather conditions are expected to persist across several provinces.
Rand Water has also begun the third phase of its maintenance programme, with the Eikenhoff pump station shut for 54 hours. Areas including Roodepoort Deep, Meadowlands, Fleurhof, Doornkop and Braamfischer will be affected.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
• The family of DJ Warras calling for justice as the accused in Warrick Stock’s murder makes a brief court appearance.
• The United States tightening visa restrictions on travellers from Namibia and Botswana, with entry fees now set at around 250-thousand rand.
SPORTS
Manchester United fans are divided following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim after a turbulent 14-month spell. In AFCON action, Algeria face the DRC while Ivory Coast take on Burkina Faso as the race for the quarterfinals heats up. In the SA20 League, Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow powered Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a dominant win over the Pretoria Capitals with a commanding chase.
AND FINALLY
Despite legal disputes over routes and timing, the Kaapse Klopse Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade went ahead in Cape Town. Now branded the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, 16 troupes and around 20-thousand performers brought colour and music to Green Point and the DHL Stadium, celebrating a tradition rooted in the resilience of the city’s enslaved people.
That is your News Bite for 6 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch us on DStv Channel 403.