It’s Wednesday, 18 February 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
A nine-month-old baby is among three people killed in a shooting in Athlone on the Cape Flats.
Police say the triple shooting in Athlone left a baby and two women dead, after gunmen opened fire late Tuesday night. Two men were also injured and taken to hospital. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear.
This comes as residents continue to pin their hopes on the imminent deployment of the SANDF to crime hotspots in the Western Cape. But concerns are growing about whether the move will actually make communities safer.
Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Shadrack Sibiya has finally appeared before the Madlanga Commission.
The Sibiya tells the Madlanga Commission that political pressure has been used against him, denying allegations that he had improper relationships with alleged underworld figures and dismissing the claims as a witch-hunt. He also referenced his 2015 suspension and previous political tensions surrounding his dismissal.
Civil society organisations are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently fix Johannesburg’s water crisis.
More than 150 groups have written to the President, demanding that water be made a national priority. During the State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa announced he would personally chair a National Water Crisis Committee. Activists say it’s time to move from promises to action.
With the 2026 winter initiation season approaching, government has launched consultations aimed at curbing deaths and injuries associated with the rite of passage.
New measures will require practitioners and initiates to register within set timeframes and meet compliance standards before the season begins.
It’s nearly a month since floods devastated parts of the Kruger National Park.
Damage assessments show that an estimated R670 million is required to restore the park, with projected revenue losses between R50 and R80 million during rebuilding. The iconic reserve is set to mark its 100th anniversary in May.
IN OTHER NEWS
· There’s been a shake-up in the Ekurhuleni metro council, with new MMC appointments announced across several portfolios.
· Internationally, the Vatican has declined to participate in US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative, reiterating that the United Nations should lead international crisis efforts.
SPORT
· It was a night of drama in Lisbon where the Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid was rocked by allegations of racism.
· Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was at the centre of the storm following claims that he was racially abused during the match. The incident halted play for ten minutes before Madrid went on to win 1–0.
· Meanwhile, the Proteas head into the T20 World Cup Super 8 buoyed by confidence after beating the UAE by six wickets. They face India this weekend.
That’s your News Bite for Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.