“There’s a moment in this Sunday’s fuel scam insert in which the alleged mastermind nonchalantly lingers at the scene of a security sting operation. The sheer gall of the man would be impressive were the country’s finances not at stake. In fact, if found guilty, the consequences of his actions would be significant. And yet, there he was, plainly unconcerned about the threat of jail time. Keep a look out for him. His attitude says much about where we find ourselves.” ~ John Webb, Executive Producer
Liquid Gold
Traded on the black market, it’s highly lucrative. From diesel skimming to tanker hijackings and petrol depot robberies: over the years, Carte Blanche has investigated multiple criminal networks fuelling the illicit trade in what’s known as liquid gold. But as old schemes are exposed, criminals evolve. Now fuel spiking – blending diesel with cheaper ingredients, often paraffin – has taken off on an industrial level. It’s a criminal MO affecting every South African and costing the country millions of every day. After several months investigating these illicit operations, we uncover an elaborate cross-border tax fraud scheme.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Written in the Bones
It’s a tragedy of catastrophic proportions, yet sadly under reported: infants abandoned in their first 24 hours of life and left to die. In South Africa, almost 3500 children are dumped every year by their parents, many of them new-borns. Dr Roxanne Thornton is a foetal osteologist and by studying the skeletal remains of these children, she can uncover how the baby died. By piecing together the evidence in the bones, she’s ensuring at least some justice for these forgotten babies.
Producer: Annalise Lubbe | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
COMING SOON!
Abandoned Towns
Built in 1881, Touws River railway station is a hollowed-out shell like every other railway siding and station along this line. What led to the collapse of this vital infrastructure?
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Wild Wild Western Cape
The Western Cape is under siege as gang violence and organised crime takes hold. A damning report on last year’s Parliament blaze confirms what we all kind of knew. Then, is this another Life Esidimeni on the cards? The horrendous state at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s psychiatric ward. And the Train of Hope that’s bringing healthcare to the masses.
Joburg Undermined
Explosions, sinkholes, earth tremors. Beneath our feet, the dangerous, volatile world of zama zamas. But could rampant illegal gold mining ultimately destroy Johannesburg?
PICKS OF THE WEEK
AmaPanyaza
Peacekeepers, force multipliers, or a Premier’s private army? Hastily deployed with training still in progress and now accused of brutal assault. We investigate how Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens might become a law unto themselves.
Full Story (age restricted)
Horror in the Inner City
In Johannesburg, at least 77 people were killed after a fire tore through a five-storey building. Witnesses say most of the victims didn’t stand a chance. Now, as the city scrambles for answers, we investigate how hijacked buildings could bring the inner city to its knees.
Egregious Failings
For years, the young people living with disabilities at Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School in Mthatha have complained of neglect and abuse. Carte Blanche heard the promises and the apologies. Now, we’re back and discover shocking developments…
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Twitter: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
