It’s Monday, 16 February 2026 and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
The family of murdered e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat is pleading with the public to stop sharing the video of his killing.
Three suspects - two men and one woman - linked to the murder of the 22-year-old in Pretoria West have abandoned their bail application, while police continue to search for a fourth suspect.
The killing has sparked outrage both outside the courthouse and online, where footage of the murder has circulated widely. The e-hailing association credits social media with helping break the murder case, but Satlat’s family says the continued sharing of the graphic video is causing further trauma.
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, tensions remain high between the taxi and e-hailing sectors after a Bolt driver was assaulted and allegedly extorted in Durban. KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has condemned the attack and called for calm.
Lukhanyo Calata continues his testimony at the Khampepe Inquiry, still pleading for justice 41 years after apartheid forces killed his father, Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four.
The inquiry is investigating political interference in the investigation and prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Calata says those responsible for delivering justice after democracy simply were not interested in pursuing accountability.
Debate intensifies over whether SANDF deployment will be effective in fighting gangs.
The deployment of SANDF troops to crime and gang hotspots in the Western Cape and Gauteng was one of the major announcements in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address.
Human Rights Commission chair Chris Nissen says winning the war on gangs requires addressing the root causes of crime, while Cape Town Safety and Security MMC JP Smith argues that intelligence and community involvement are crucial to success.
Communities in the Eastern Cape say they feel overlooked by the show of force, with residents in parts of Nelson Mandela Bay warning that gang violence is also rife in their areas.
Gauteng residents are asking one question: do you have water yet?
While some supply has been restored, concerns remain after three breakdowns in Gauteng’s primary water system severely disrupted supply.
President Ramaphosa outlined several interventions in his State of the Nation Address, including deploying ministers and setting up a so-called “war room” to tackle the crisis.
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya says there is a long road ahead as the city works to fix ageing infrastructure, setting aside R140 million to address the problem.
Gauteng’s COGTA MEC Jacob Mamabolo, who heads the water war room, says efforts are underway to improve coordination between agencies and restore a stable supply.
IN OTHER NEWS
· Fresh violence has shaken the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with at least eleven people killed in recent Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged militants.
· The Madlanga Commission has been postponed until Wednesday, following the hospitalisation of Witness F. Proceedings are expected to resume with Shadrack Sibiya set to testify.
SPORT
· The Proteas have sealed their place in the T20 World Cup Super 8, ahead of their clash with the UAE, thanks to Afghanistan beating the UAE by five wickets.
· Elsewhere, India routed Pakistan by 61 runs at the T20 World Cup, maintaining their perfect campaign in a politically charged showdown.
· In the FA Cup, Wolves, Fulham and Sunderland progressed in the fourth round, while Arsenal secured a 4–1 win over Wigan.
· In the Betway Premiership, Sekhukhune United climbed into the top three after a 2-0 victory over Orbit College.
· And in rugby, the Springboks will face the Wallabies in an extra Test match in Perth, added to the calendar ahead of their World Cup title defence.
That’s your News Bite for Monday, 16 February 2026.
For developments on these and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.