eNCA News Bite - 5 February 2026

Описание: It’s 5 February 2026 and this is your News Bite (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) ; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.






In today’s top story, the Madlanga Commission says it is doing what it can to protect people involved in its hearings, after an apparent attempted hit on Wiandre Pretorius in Boksburg. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) Pretorius was named during testimony before the commission and linked to a body dumped in Brakpan nearly four years ago by slain Witness D, later identified as Marius van der Merwe. Police say Pretorius was sitting in his bakkie when multiple shots were fired. He was not injured.






At Parliament, the SAPS Ad Hoc Committee is grappling with questions about trust in the police, after DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard testified before the committee. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) Her appearance follows allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused her, both before the committee and at the Madlanga Commission, of leaking sensitive information. Kohler Barnard told MPs that South Africans no longer know which police officers they can rely on.






Earlier, the committee also heard from Darius Ramolobe from the SAPS Forensic Services Laboratory, who claimed that corrupt officials inside the police and forensic labs collude to get drugs onto the streets.






In party political developments, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has emerged as a leading contender to take over the DA leadership, following John Steenhuisen’s decision not to seek re-election as party leader. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage says the next leader will have to guide the party into a crucial local government election; widely seen as the first major test of DA support since joining the Government of National Unity. Duvenhage also believes Steenhuisen is likely safe in his role as Agriculture Minister. (https://www.enca.com/videos/steenhuis...)






In the courts…


· Businessman Suleiman Carrim has lost his bid to block a subpoena to testify before the Madlanga Commission, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) after the South Gauteng High Court struck his application off the roll.


· At the same court, murder accused Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe has been given 12 March for his pre-trial hearing, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) linked to a string of high-profile killings.


· Meanwhile, the Free State High Court has reserved judgment in Thabo Bester’s challenge of his transfer to Kokstad prison, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) with the convicted rapist and murderer arguing that the move limits his access to legal counsel.






In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…


· Former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has lost his bid to be reinstated, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) after being fired over unlawful conduct linked to a 2014 forensic cameras tender.


· Internationally, the final remaining arms control treaty between the United States and Russia expires today, (https://www.enca.com/news/trump-mum-l...) raising fears of a renewed nuclear arms race. The New START agreement, signed in 2010, capped deployed nuclear warheads and allowed inspections to prevent miscalculations.


· In West Africa, Nigeria has been hit by one of its deadliest attacks in recent years, with dozens killed and others abducted in coordinated shootings in the state of Kwara. President Bola Tinubu has blamed Boko Haram for the violence.






SPORTS


· There were smiles for Gavin Hunt as he returned to haunt Kaizer Chiefs, guiding Stellenbosch FC to a 2–1 win over AmaKhosi in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32.


· Elsewhere, Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the round of 16, edging first-division Gomora United 2–1 at Loftus.


· In cricket, the Proteas lost their final warm-up match ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, (https://www.enca.com/sport/proteas-co...) going down by 30 runs to hosts India. Former Protea Albie Morkel says flat, batter-friendly conditions contributed to the loss. South Africa opens its campaign on Monday in Ahmedabad.






That’s how we wrap today’s News Bite. (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.