Johannesburg – Detained News Central TV’s South African correspondent, Bongani Siziba, and cameraman, Sbonelo Mkhasibe, have been released by authorities in Maputo, Mozambique.
South Africa intervened soon after the reports surfaced of the arrest of the TV crew.
“We can confirm that two South African journalists were detained in Mozambique,” Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said Friday (15 November 2024).
“Following the verification of their credentials and diplomatic engagements from our High Commission in Mozambique, the Mozambican authorities have subsequently released the journalists.”
The News Central TV crew was arrested on Thursday in the capital Maputo, while covering the post-election unrest in that country.
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Raising the alarm in a statement released earlier Friday, (15 November 2024), News Central TV said it “expresses deep concern over the arrest and detention of our South African correspondent, Bongani Siziba, and our cameraman, Sbonelo Mkhasibe, who were arrested while covering developments in Maputo, Mozambique”.
Violent protests erupted after Mozambique’s electoral commission declared the ruling party Frelimo the winner of the 9 October election, extending its 49-year rule.
Reports say at least 30 people have died in the ongoing protests.
Commenting earlier when the news crew was still detained, News Central TV’s statement added: “Our colleagues were detained yesterday, November 14 2024 while conducting their professional duties as journalists, reporting on unfolding events within the country.
“Despite our efforts, we have been unable to establish direct contact with them since their arrest.”
News Central TV said it was collaborating with all relevant authorities and diplomatic channels to ensure their immediate and safe release.
“We strongly advocate for freedom of the press and urge the authorities to uphold journalists’ rights to carry out their duties without hindrance,” the statement issued by the Nigerian broadcaster said.
“We remain committed to providing accurate and unbiased coverage across Africa and call for the respect and protection of journalists and media practitioners everywhere.”
