“There’s a scene in Sunday’s story about two horrific child murders that is particularly chilling: in CCTV footage, a young girl – no more than four or five – is seen skipping down a road. Moments later, she’d be murdered. It’s a difficult watch but we dare not turn away. We are compelled to confront the horror of life as a victim of the worst of our country’s violent crime. And to be utterly outraged.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Police Failures
It’s 2022. Two four-year-old girls are murdered just a few weeks apart. Their mothers are separated by province, but not grief. For the families of Tamia Botha in the Western Cape and Bokgabo Poo in Gauteng there has been no closure: the police haven’t arrested their killers. In Bokgabo’s case, the man last seen with her was acquitted in the Pretoria High Court last month. Tamia’s killer remains at large. In the most recent crime statistics, it was revealed that 293 children were murdered between April and June this year. That’s at least three children murdered every day. So, why are these cases not receiving the highest priority? Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Catherine Rice | Presenter: Erin Bates
Justice Prevails
In 2014, Eastern Cape lawyer, Zuko Nonxuba, allegedly set into motion a sinister plan to defraud the desperate families of children with severe disabilities. It’s claimed he pilfered millions in medical payouts from the Department of Health by manipulating the mothers of children born with cerebral palsy and pocketing the millions meant for their care. It’s a legal scandal that went on for years while the Legal Practice Council (LPC) – the profession’s statutory oversight body – looked on. Now, the Constitutional Court has finally ruled on Nonxuba’s suspension and, inspired by our investigation, some of South Africa’s top legal minds have come together to fight for the children. As Nonxuba finally gets his comeuppance, Carte Blanche puts the failings of the LPC under the spotlight.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Voyage to the Vultures
It’s a vulnerable species but in Limpopo’s Blouberg Nature Reserve, the Cape vulture has found a home. High in the mountains, some 1400 breeding pairs nest on the cliffs and catching a glimpse means a difficult hike up challenging terrain. But that doesn’t dissuade some avid nature lovers from embarking on the sweltering trek. Carte Blanche dons a pair of khaki shorts and hardy boots to join the faithful in their pilgrimage to see the venerable vulture in its natural environment.
Producer: Stenette Grosskopf | Presenter: Govan Whittles
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Hacking Away at the Defences
Nothing to see here, folks… The Lady R report raises more questions. Why has Daily Maverick become the target of not one, but two cyber attacks? Then, the SANDF is left red-faced as classified info gets leaked. Later, big pharma bullies… We look at the recently released COVID-19 contracts. And some good news for 2000 South African rhino.
EXTRA: Taxi Turmoil with Andre Vlok
Ever since another taxi strike erupted on the streets of Cape Town in August, negotiations between City of Cape Town officials and taxi industry representative body, SANTACO, have been ongoing. Insiders say discussions have been fraught as both sides thrash out the finer points of an agreement that would not only protect commuters, but ensure there’s a mutual understanding between officials, taxi drivers and operators. We caught up with conflict resolution specialist, Andre Vlok, to find out where previous negotiations most likely fell apart, and get his views on possible long-term solutions.
EXTRA: Business Rescue Basics
There’s no denying: the South African economy is on shaky ground. As a result, many business across the country are struggling to keep head above water, leaving many owners dent-ridden and facing impending collapse. But business rescue could be a life-saver, especially if you act early. Masa Kekana speaks to business rescue practitioners about the pros and cons of the process and why it’s not necessarily the end of the road for some.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Horror in the Inner City
They were warned; Johannesburg’shijacked buildings pose a serious threat to human life. But for years, the citydid nothing. Now, as government officials shift the blame to NGOs, weinvestigate Joburg’s hijacked buildings.
The Grand Dame Ellis Park
Preview video (age restricted): www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/show/carte-blanche/season/36/videos/the-grand-dame-ellis-park/video
Johannesburg’s inner city is in decline… Could the poor state of the city threaten the future of the iconic Emirates Airline Park stadium? Or has it reached its sell-by date?
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