Coming up on Carte Blanche‎ on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 22 September 2024 at 19:00

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
Watch the Trailer

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
Watch the Trailer

Carte Blanche: The Podcast
Unique stories. Unique perspectives. Carte Blanche: The Podcast delves beneath the headlines into South African and global issues, bringing you the stories that matter. Like what you hear? Drop us a rating or review.

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Please note Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change.