“I reported on the Ghost Squad when it was launched all those years ago. Back then, many questioned the wisdom of a specialised undercover unit focussing purely on traffic violations. Good to see it’s not only still operating but making a significant difference.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Police Force or Service?
In KwaZulu-Natal, shootouts between police and gun-wielding criminals are becoming the norm. Since the start of the year, close to 100 criminal suspects have been killed by police in running gun battles. KZN isn’t the province with the highest or even the second-highest levels of violent crime in the country, but its police are becoming notorious for “fighting fire with fire”. At the centre of it all is the province’s top brass, led by the provincial Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who insists that police are at war with criminals intent on bloodshed. But is this approach justified? In a wide-ranging interview, Carte Blanche sits down with Mkhwanazi to ask the hard questions around the emergence of a police force.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Ghost Squad
On a well-known highway in Cape Town, under the cover of darkness, several vehicles speed down the road at over 200 km an hour. In an instant, one vehicle swerves out of control, flips into the air, and crashes. It’s a scene that’s becoming all too familiar as illegal street racers take to the city’s highways. It’s a dangerous pastime that has led to several accidents and fatalities. But the Cape Town Metro Police is pushing back with the Ghost Squad, an elite unit of officers with exceptional driving skills, which was formed to combat this threat. Operating with unmarked vehicles and covert tactics, the squad has become the frontline in a battle against street racers who show little regard for the law or human life.
Producer: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Govan Whittles
The Penguin Ranger
On Robben Island, the small colony of African Penguins is often difficult to spot. Worldwide, global warming has taken its toll on this endangered species, its impact most evident in the birds’ dwindling numbers – even on this island haven. The surviving colony has become an iconic feature, with visitors strictly prohibited from accessing their position. In fact, Yandisa Cwecwe is one of only a handful of people who’ve been granted unfettered access. She’s the island’s lone penguin ranger, her sole purpose is to look after the penguins… and she isn’t giving up on their survival just yet. Every morning, Yandisa collects crucial data for researchers and ensures the safety and security of the remaining breeding pairs that call the island home.
Producer: Annalise Lubbe | Presenter: Erin Bates
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
The Joburg Files
Something is rotten in the state of… Joburg. From libraries to roads and everything in between – we look at the Joburg Files. Then, Helen Joseph Hospital hell. Later, wage negotiation season is officially open. Why public servants are fighting an uphill battle. We also discuss the rather bizarre US presidential debate. And a lesson in zen – how breathing and hamsters can help you chill. But first, we reflect on Pravin Gordhan’s legacy.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Missing Mega City
On paper, it sounds like a much-needed and important project: a self-contained city providing homes, transport and other services to thousands of people in Gauteng – including the poor. But it came with a multi-billion-rand price and, after launching seven years ago, very little has happened. Contractors say they haven’t been paid the millions owed to them and what little has been built has now been stripped bare. In fact, there’s nothing left to steal! At the centre of this unrealised dream is a developer with apparently very little experience. So, why was he entrusted with an R11-billion project? We went in search of answers.
Road From Hell
Sybil Visagie is a force to be reckoned with. As a sheep farmer in the heart of the Hantam Karoo, she’s been helping other farmers get back on their feet after a devastating, nearly decade-long drought. But as the farmers in this part of the country are starting to recover, they face another major challenge: getting their product to the market. The roads of the Hantam and Namaqua districts have been neglected by government for years; today, they are inaccessible. When the scarce rains come, the roads turn into rivers, cutting the farmers off from the rest of the country. Now, the logistics companies that move products like meat and wool are refusing to make collections from farms. Farmers say it means working for no pay for months on end while, for customers, the price of lamb is skyrocketing.
The Boy Racer
Five years ago, Mika Abrahams was racing F1 cars on a video game with his friends. Now, the 16-year-old is on the brink of making history. This young Johannesburg talent is set to become the first South African to race in Formula 1 since Jody Scheckter, the 1979 World Champion. Mika’s skill and determination have taken him from karting in South Africa to racing in Europe. His impressive career includes a standout season in the Danish F4 Championship, where he secured nine podiums in 15 starts. In 2023, he competed in the British F4 championship, earning 1st and 2nd place finishes. Mika also earned the prestigious SA Protea National Colours. We take to the circuit with this rising star.
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