I N V E S T I G A T I O N S
Driver Beware: Blue Lights Hijackers
It was meant to be a quiet drive home from the office until an unmarked police vehicle pulled them over. “May I see your driver’s licence please? Sir, please step out the vehicle,” they said – a seemingly routine traffic stop. Then out of the darkness, three gunmen emerged. Suddenly the highly professional officers became ruthless criminals in a hijacking that would last for hours. Security experts say that the notorious so-called “Blue Lights Gang” is once again on the move, targeting vulnerable motorists around Gauteng. Carte Blanche investigates how these hijackers are still able to masquerade as traffic officials without detection.
Producer: Graham Coetzer | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
C O V I D-1 9: V A C C I N E T R I A L S
COVID-19: The Human Trials for a Vaccine
With over 20 million confirmed cases worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic is accelerating at a rapid pace and scientists are firmly in the race to find a vaccine. Claiming a “world-first”, this week Russia announced that it was the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine. Research for a safe and effective vaccine is happening at breakneck speed and South African scientists have joined the search. Carte Blanche takes you inside the human trials taking place right here at home.
Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Derek Watts
R I G H T S V S L E G I S L A T I O N
Protecting Precious Personal Information
It’s the most precious commodity of the digital age – from internet and banking histories, to the health and exercise data your smart devices collect – your digital footprint is worth millions. But until recently, big business and governments were able to collect and use your personal data with little regard for your rights. Now POPIA, the Protection of Personal Information Act, demands respect for the rights and privacy of information owners and aims to force those who work with your information to protect it from misuse and exploitation. Carte Blanche examines how POPIA will change your world.
Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
E X P L O R A T I O N S
Another “Wright Brothers Moment” – on Mars
In the ever-expanding quest to understand Mars, a tiny 1,8kg helicopter named Ingenuity – the brainchild of a Namibian space scientist – has become the latest to break new ground. Ingenuity has hitched a ride to the Red Planet on board NASA’s latest rover mission. Carte Blanche asks the inventors what challenges Ingenuity will have to overcome to become the first human-made object to fly on another planet.
Producer: Eugene Botha | Presenter: Derek Watts
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