The Midday Report

Friday, 18 September 2026

The episode focused on South Africa’s femicide crisis, questioning police visibility and government funding while highlighting community solidarity and practical ways to help.

1. 12:01

   Two police officers were shot dead while responding to a spaza-shop robbery in Mthatha; their service pistols were stolen, and a 72-hour investigation plan was activated.

2. 12:11

   A Kempton Park march followed the discovery of nine women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni since July, with protesters demanding stronger policing and men confronting gender-based violence.

3. 12:18

   DA MP Samantha Graham-Murray said no additional financial resources had been allocated to fighting GBV, despite 50,000 reported cases last year and only about a third prosecuted.

4. 12:45

   The Department of Health warned of a rapid rise in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, particularly around Cape Town, urging people with rashes and other symptoms to seek testing.

5. 12:54

   A crowdfunding campaign for one victim’s daughter had raised R207,000 in four days, while helpers.co.za was promoted as a free database connecting South Africans with support organisations.

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