In this episode of IT’S TOPICAL, we examine the escalating crisis in the Middle East as hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran continue to unfold, raising concerns about regional stability, international law and the prospects for peace. With thousands of South Africans having registered their presence across the region, the conflict has also sparked anxiety at home, as travel disruptions and safety concerns affect citizens and families with loved ones in the Middle East. South Africa has called for renewed diplomatic efforts, referencing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and emphasising the need for mediation and a peaceful resolution. But as tensions persist and retaliation continues, questions remain about the rules governing self-defence, sovereignty and the broader implications for the global rules-based order. Our guests are DIRCO Chief of State Protocol Clayson Monyela, UJ Political Economist Prof Patrick Bond and SABC International News Correspondent Sophie Mokoena. We are also joined by South Africans caught up in the Middle East conflict.

In this episode of IT’S TOPICAL, we examine proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, presents his account of events. Serious questions have surfaced over alleged links to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — allegations Sibiya firmly denies — as he also defends his role in the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. He maintains that the complaints lodged against him are not made in good faith. The commission’s hearings take place amid persistent crime challenges in South Africa, with organised crime seen as an escalating threat and rising attacks on police officials causing growing concern. After months of testimony and cross-examination, how close is the commission to establishing the full truth? To unpack the issues, we are joined by security and investigations expert Mike Bolhuis and senior legal practitioner Thabo Masombuka. Members of our live audience also weigh in.

Mission Accomplished! That's according to current Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen. He said he will not seek re-election for a third term as DA Federal Leader at the party's upcoming Federal Congress. Steenhuisen premised this by saying he has delivered everything that he promised his party when he was first elected as Federal Leader. Going on to say that he proudly picked up the party's banner when its internal polling was down to just 16% and after the media declared the "Death of the DA." He said he, together with others, not only resurrected the party's fortunes but also carried it to new heights. Do you agree? How consequential is this move for the DA, for the country, for the Government of National Unity as we know it? In studio, we have a team of Political Journalists from different media houses, Samkele Maseko SABC News Senior Reporter, Queenin Masuabi a Senior Political Journalist from Sunday World and Lunga Mzangwe a Politics Reporter from Mail & Guardian, as well as a Political Analyst, Sanusha Naidu. For more news, visit sabcnews.com and #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.

The remains of 20-year-old Lindelani Munyai, who was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Mutale in Limpopo on Tuesday, has been recovered. Munyai's body was drawn from the Mutale river in the Mangaya Village in Thoyandou Limpopo. In another incident, Limpopo police are investigating an inquest case docket following the drowning of a 6-year-old. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was on her way to a local shop to buy bread, together with other children, when she attempted to pass through a stream. The victim was swept away by the raging waters. Heartache and heartbreak.