Cutting Edge

A 20-year-old rape victim from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape recounts her ordeal after she was allegedly raped repeatedly by her pastor, who was also a teacher. The teacher impregnated his victim and allegedly gave her pills to terminate the pregnancy without her knowledge. He continued to rape her while using protection afterwards and only stopped after the victim’s family eventually opened a case at the Tsolo Police Station early in 2025. Police say the arrest is looming. The victim has been granted permission by Rhodes University to study from home so that she can attend psychological therapy sessions, as she has been diagnosed with depression. In the second case study, a learner from St John’s College in Mthatha says she contemplated taking her own life after she was allegedly offered a lift by a teacher—older than her father—who touched her inappropriately along the way. The teacher allegedly demanded a hug and a kiss before allowing her to leave. The incidents occurred in 2022 and 2023 respectively. A case has been opened, and investigations are underway. Seven teachers have been suspended from St John’s College alone, accused of engaging in sexual relationships with learners—an act that is unlawful under the Educators’ Act of 1998. Learners from St John’s College recently raised alarm over an increasing number of such incidents, alleging that some of these relationships were non-consensual. A teacher from Ngangelizwe High School is among those suspended by the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education after he allegedly lured a learner to his house and raped her. SADTU in the province has condemned the implicated teachers, saying their actions bring the profession into disrepute. Children’s Rights Organisation KHULA has called on the Department of Education to ensure that both the SACE Code of Ethics and the Department’s regulations are fully implemented to dismiss those found guilty of misconduct

In the Eastern Cape, broken roads and missing bridges have cut communities off from the world. After years of empty promises, one village took matters into its own hands and built its own bridge. A story of struggle, resilience, and survival.

Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has established numerous commissions of inquiry — from the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the forthcoming Madlanga Commission. But what function do these commissions truly serve? Are they legitimate tools in the pursuit of justice, or mechanisms that can be manipulated to protect those in power?

"Where are our children?” From shocking confessions to unanswered police questions, Cutting Edge investigates South Africa’s unresolved cold cases of missing people

The pain behind botched circumcision in the Eastern Cape and why the Penile Reconstruction Program to save young li lives was suddenly stopped.

The episode takes you inside the Diepkloof Hostel, following the recent protests that saw residents take to the streets, burning tires and looting trucks. We'll delve into the heart of the community to shed light on what drove these hostel dwellers to protest and what they are fighting for.

Kidnappings are on the rise. A businessman vanishes- his name linked to alleged kingpin Vusi "Cat" Matlala. What really happened?

Two young women. Two lives. Same brutal end. Killed within days of each other. Lured. Mutilated. They were meant to be safe. Olorato Mongale and Likhona Fose had dreams, families and futures. But their lives were cut short — not by strangers, but by men already known to the justice system. Men who were either out on bail or on parole. How does this keep happening? Why does our justice system continue to grant freedom to people who go on to commit unspeakable crimes? In this documentary, we investigate the brutal murders of two young women, Olorato and Likhona, and ask the difficult questions: Who is protecting the victims? Why are repeat offenders given another chance to harm? This is not just a story, it’s a warning.

Mthatha under water, lives lost, and homes swept away by floods, accompanied by strong winds. A devastating flood sweeps through the province, especially in Slovo Park and Decolyn outside Mthath,a where families were left destitute and desperate for help. Cutting edge brings you the insight into how the disaster unfolded. More bodies are still presumed buried under the rubble as rescue and recovery operations continue. About a hundred people died, including ten school learners from Jumba High School.

The National Gambling Act of 2004 bans online casinos outright — it's clear: operating or participating in an unlicensed gambling site is illegal. Yet, despite this legislation, the online gambling landscape remains largely unregulated and difficult to control. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirms that operators such as Betway, Hollywoodbets, and World Sports Betting are legally operational under provincial licenses issued by gambling boards. But what are the real-world consequences of gambling? Social issues linked to gambling are growing, including the misuse of social grant money. According to recent data, 26% of gamblers use their winnings to cover immediate expenses such as food and rent.

Trapped in debt. The struggle of the City of JHB's vulnerable general workers, who face significant challenges due to being over-indebted. Cutting Edge brings a story that sheds light on alleged reckless lending companies registered with the National Credit Regulator.

Johannesburg, like many major cities, is grappling with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and land invasion. The episode delves into the heart of this struggle, focusing on the Rabbie Ridge community and their ongoing fight against the eviction by the City of Johannesburg.

They were promised homes, but ended up living on top of graves. Children sleep where the dead were meant to rest. Drug addicts use tombstones as places to smoke. The dead are disrespected. The living are abandoned. The municipality made promises they never kept.

This doccie uncovers the chilling story of an alleged serial rapist who used social media to lure sex workers in Umlazi, KZN, posing as a pastor, then raping and robbing them. Survivors bravely share their trauma and fight for justice. Detectives, activists, and experts unpack how these crimes were allowed to continue, and why decriminalizing sex work in SA is urgent. This isn’t just about one predator. It’s about power, silence, and a system that must change.

After 4 years of anticipation, The infrastructure for government housing project in Zandspruit is complete, yet residents are left wondering when their homes will be built.

Today’s episode will focus on the ongoing gang violence that has bedeviled colored communities in Gauteng. Our secondary focus will be the recent upsurge of gang violence that has engulfed Orange Farm, a sprawling township in the south of Johannesburg. Gang violence and crime is often associated with colored communities such as Eldorado Park, Westbury and Toekomsrus. Over the years different gangs have operated on the streets of these communities. This has made living a normal life in these communities almost impossible. Daily tasks such as going to school and work have become high risk activities. Recently Orange Farm has seen groups of blood thirsty young men roaming the streets. This has resulted in countless families losing young men.