“In the mid-2000s, I covered an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in Angola. Given the choice, I would do that again rather than take a swim with sharks. Which is why I am full of admiration for our presenter Lourensa, who did precisely that to help make a broader point about Sunday’s insert on sharks, shark nets, and drum lines.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Deadly Waters
Sharks: they’re often reviled and feared as cold-blooded predators. But in this story, they are the victims of a decades-old, publicly funded system that critics say is as environmentally disastrous as it is outdated. Shark nets and drum lines stretch for kilometres along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline and into Marine Protected Areas, lethal not only to sharks, but dolphins, turtles and rays. And now, the nets and hooks are coming under public attack. As pressure mounts, supporters double down, while activists turn to increasingly controversial methods. Is it time to rethink our relationship with sharks?
Producer: Beth Neale | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Crossfire or Cover-Up?
On a cold winter night in Berea, Durban, a family’s drive home ended abruptly in a hail of bullets that tore through their car, leaving permanent injury and trauma in its wake. But it wasn’t hijackers who blocked their path and opened fire—it was police officers. The officers claimed they were on the hunt for notorious hijackers when they spotted a gang allegedly following the family, preparing to attack. A gun battle ensued, and the family was caught in the crossfire. The family insists there were no hijackers. So, what really happened? And why are investigations still ongoing years later? Carte Blanche investigates a case of justice delayed and, perhaps, denied.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Ikenna’s Big Kick
Move over, Messi! There’s a new name lighting up the world stage – and he’s only nine years old. Ikenna Tladi’s journey started as soon as he could walk, with a father who lives and breathes soccer and a ball never far from his tiny feet. Now, Ikenna has made history, signing a seven-year deal with Italy’s AS Roma Academy. Fresh from a whirlwind trip to Rome, he’s back on home soil. It’s a story about vision, discipline, family and raw talent. We get a TV-exclusive with a rising star.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Xola Ntshinga
COMING SOON
Under the Counter
From spaza shop shelves to brazen cross-border hauls. It’s more than a cheap smoke. It’s a multi-billion rand criminal economy bleeding the country dry. This investigation is coming your way later this month.
NOW STREAMING
Bogus Booze
These days, there’s really nothing that can’t be counterfeited – from sneakers and T-shirts to handbags and cigarettes. Our shops are awash with fake products; a vast underground economy with links to organised crime. So, it’s not surprising that your favourite tipple can be faked too. But what you might not expect to hear is that counterfeit alcohol could be on the shelves at your local, suburban liquor store. Get the full story now on DStv Stream.
Pickpocket Squad
It’s a relatively new crime trend relying on an age-old method of relieving victims of their valuables: pickpocketing. But in this version it’s not a wallet or watch the thieves are after. It’s a crime playing out in shopping malls and old age homes in which the wily perpetrators don’t know what loot they’ll walk – or drive – away with. We headed to supermarkets and parking lots in Pretoria to learn the secrets of the pickpocket squads. Find out more on DStv Stream.
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