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In today’s episode, sharp questions are being asked at the Madlanga Commission, including whether you would even know if your friend is a criminal, as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu denies allegations from Witness E that he was asked to lie during the inquiry. Mchunu says he will respond when he next appears before the commission and that his lawyers are handling the matter. The commission is examining his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team.
At the same inquiry, KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona continued his testimony, denying that he arranged a meeting between KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala over the controversial R360-million SAPS tender. Senona admitted accompanying Matlala to a meeting but said it was facilitated by then-police minister Bheki Cele, maintaining that he did not know his friend was a criminal.
At Parliament, oral submissions from civil society organisations continued at the Ad Hoc Committee, with David Bruce from the Institute for Security Studies weighing in on Senzo Mchunu’s decision to disband the PKTT. Bruce said the minister did not violate any legal provisions, but recommended mandatory consultation for decisions of this magnitude.
Violence in the Western Cape has once again made headlines after the seaside town of Gordon’s Bay was rocked by a triple murder. Three men aged between 40 and 45 were gunned down in the parking lot of a local shopping centre in what police believe was a gang-related shooting. Two victims died inside the vehicle and a third outside, while the suspects fled the scene.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, police are still searching for the killers of three men shot execution-style in Tholeni, whose bodies were discovered earlier this week.
The Special Investigating Unit says improperly claimed NSFAS funding remains a major problem, with more than R1.7-billion recovered from funds mismanaged between 2016 and 2021. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the unit continues to uncover the same issues year after year.
Despite concerns raised by the White House about crime in South Africa, tourism figures tell a different story. International arrivals increased by almost 18 percent in 2025, topping 10-million visitors for the first time. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the record numbers were boosted by regional travel and major events like the G20 summit, though more still needs to be done to attract long-haul tourists.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
· South Africa’s film and TV industry has taken to the streets, with workers marching to Parliament to demand fixes to the government rebate scheme, saying the sector has shrunk by 50 percent since 2020.
· US tech giant Amazon has confirmed a new round of global job cuts, with staff in the US, Canada and Costa Rica affected, as the company continues to streamline operations.
SPORTS
· The Proteas cruised to a nine-wicket victory against the West Indies in the first T20, with captain Aiden Markram scoring a career-best 86 not out and George Linde taking 3-25 with the ball.
· In the PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns left it late to beat Sekhukhune United 2–0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, moving three points clear at the top of the table.
· It’s Jukskei Derby time at Ellis Park this weekend, with the Lions hosting the Bulls, as both teams prepare for a high-stakes clash.
· At the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a fortunate run, progressing after opponents retired injured in both the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
AND FINALLY
There’s been outrage in Italy after reports that ICE agents from the United States will help police the Winter Olympics. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has moved quickly to assure the public that the agents will not be operating on Italian streets.
That is your News Bite for 28 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.