eNCA News Bite | Mbeki denies TRC interference, ANC trails DA in Joburg poll | 19 October 2026
Stay informed with News Bite (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) , eNCA’s concise roundup of the day’s biggest headlines from South Africa and around the world.
Former president Thabo Mbeki (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/livestream-mbeki-testifies-trc-cases-inquiry) has denied that the executive interfered in prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes. Appearing before the TRC Cases Inquiry (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/livestream-mbeki-testifies-trc-cases-inquiry) , he also rejected allegations of secret meetings intended to secure amnesty for apartheid-era generals.
Suliman Carrim (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/carrim-remains-behind-bars-bail-decision-set-28-october) remains behind bars following the postponement of his bail hearing. Prosecutors argue that he evaded a Madlanga Commission subpoena, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/carrim-remains-behind-bars-bail-decision-set-28-october) while his defence disputes that he poses a flight risk.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories-videos/masemola-i-am-not-back-avenge-myself) has returned to work after a six-month suspension. He says police readiness for the local government elections is an immediate priority.
An eNCA–MarkData Johannesburg election poll (https://www.enca.com/news-shows/enca-markdata-election-survey-heres-what-results-mean) puts the DA on 35% and the ANC on 22%, according to analyst Wayne Sussman. The figures suggest a highly contested and fragmented political landscape, not a final election result.
Alleged underworld gang boss Ralph Stanfield (https://www.enca.com/news/standfield-and-co-accused-plead-not-guilty) , his wife Nicole and 12 co-accused have pleaded not guilty to charges including fraud and murder (https://www.enca.com/news/standfield-and-co-accused-plead-not-guilty) in the Western Cape High Court.
French President Emmanuel Macron (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/macron-denounces-unbridled-violence-france-hit-new-clashes) has appealed for calm after protests (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/macron-denounces-unbridled-violence-france-hit-new-clashes) over living costs and education were followed by clashes and looting.
Police seized drugs (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/kzn-police-seize-drugs-worth-more-r1m-ballito-operation) with an estimated street value exceeding R1 million (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/kzn-police-seize-drugs-worth-more-r1m-ballito-operation) in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. A 43-year-old suspect was expected in court.
SPORT
Rain disrupted the Proteas–Australia (https://www.enca.com/sport/boland-strikes-twice-australia-rain-hit-south-africa-test) second Test in Gqeberha, with South Africa on 20/2.
Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4–1 (https://www.enca.com/sport/mbappe-hits-two-real-madrid-rout-sevilla) with two goals from Kylian Mbappé (https://www.enca.com/sport/mbappe-hits-two-real-madrid-rout-sevilla) , while Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 1–0.
For the latest developments on these stories and more, visit eNCA.com (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) or tune in to eNCA on DStv channel 403.
Chapter List
(00:00) – Today’s Headlines
(00:31) – Thabo Mbeki Denies Interference in Apartheid-Era Prosecutions
(04:29) – Suliman Carrim’s Bail Battle
(07:03) – Fannie Masemola Returns to SAPS Leadership
(08:41) – Johannesburg Election Poll: DA Leads ANC
(09:47) – Ralph Stanfield and Co-Accused Plead Not Guilty
(10:58) – Trump, Russia and the Ukraine Dispute
(13:16) – French Protests Turn Violent
(13:50) – R1 Million Drug Seizure in Ballito
(14:13) – Rain Disrupts Proteas–Australia Test
(14:36) – Real Madrid and Arsenal Results
(14:49) – News Bite Wrap-Up
