Thando Kubheka-Madulini
A public clash between KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu exposed claims that the Political Killings Task Team was deliberately disbanded to shield a criminal syndicate within the SAPS and the judiciary.
At the same time, a final report from the Section 59 Panel confirmed racial bias in medical aid schemes, with Black healthcare providers unfairly targeted for years.
In the Mbenenge Tribunal, Judge President Selby Mbenenge defended sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by claiming his messages were “sensual, not sexual,” sparking debate on power and accountability.
And nearly four decades later, justice was partially served as former apartheid officer Johan Marais was sentenced for the 1987 murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka- though his lack of remorse left many questioning whether true justice can ever come so late.
Amid it all, author Alistair Mackay offered a moment of escape with his top fiction picks, reminding us that even in turbulent times, stories still matter.
Here are our top 5 stories of the week:
1. SAPS Commissioner vs Police Minister: Political Killings Probe “Deliberately Derailed”
A dramatic public fallout has erupted between KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mkhwanazi has accused Mchunu of shutting down the Political Killings Task Team, a unit formed to investigate politically motivated assassinations in the province…to shield a powerful criminal syndicate allegedly made up of police officers, prosecutors, correctional services staff, and even members of the judiciary.
Phemelo unpacked it all with Crime Expert Calvin Rafadi, Crime Analyst Dr Chris De Kock, and SAPU’s Lesiba Thobakgale.
Listen to the full discussion:
2. Racial Bias in Medical Schemes Confirmed
A shocking final report from the Section 59 Investigation Panel has confirmed widespread racial discrimination by medical aid schemes against Black healthcare providers between 2012 and 2019. According to the findings, black practitioners were up to three times more likely to be unfairly audited, investigated, or penalised than their white counterparts, with devastating financial and reputational consequences. While medical schemes have denied racial bias, the data tells a
different story. The investigation is now forcing urgent questions about equity, transparency, and systemic racism in the private healthcare sector.
Phemelo spoke to the CEO of the Council for Medical Schemes, Dr Musa Gumede about what this means for reform.
Listen to the full interview here:
3. Judge Mbenenge: ‘Sensual, Not Sexual’
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge took the stand this week, responding to sexual harassment allegations made by junior legal professional Andiswa Mengo. His defence? The messages were “sensual” but not “sexual”- flirtatious, yes, but never crossing a line. He has denied any misconduct and claims he is the victim of a smear campaign designed to tarnish his judicial career.
Kaya News’ Zikhona Tshona joined Phemelo to break down Mbenenge’s testimony.
Listen to the full interview here:
4. Justice, 38 Years Later: Sentencing in Caiphus Nyoka’s Apartheid-Era Killing
In a long-overdue moment of justice and accountability, former apartheid police officer Johan Marais has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 1987 murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka. Nyoka, only 19 at the time, was targeted for his role in fighting apartheid. The sentence comes after decades of silence, and although it’s a symbolic victory, Marais’s lack of remorse including a hollow letter of apology sent only to reduce his sentence, has left the Nyoka family and many South Africans wondering.. can justice ever truly be served this late?
Phemelo spoke to Jos Venter, the Nyoka family’s legal representative, about what this ruling means and what this judgement means for apartheid era crimes.
Listen to the conversation here:
5. Alistair Mackay’s Must-Reads
Need a literary escape? Author and columnist Alistair Mackay joined Phemelo to share his Top 5 book recommendations, from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful storytelling to the quirky brilliance of Miranda July. Whether you’re after dark satire or something more soul-stirring, there’s a title here for every kind of reader.
