Cape Town — Two South African journalists from News Central TV were released from detention in Mozambique after they were arrested and allegedly tortured by security forces.
News Central TV revealed that news correspondent, Bongani Siziba and camera operator, Sbonelo Mkhasibe, were released from detention late on Friday afternoon after being held in detention. The two were in the country to cover the political unrest following the Mozambican elections, a statement said.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of media organisations, diplomatic representatives, and advocacy groups who worked tirelessly for their safe release. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges journalists face in pursuit of the truth,” News Central said.
The spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Chrispin Phiri, confirmed the release of the two journalists and said they were released after their credentials were verified.
“Following the verification of their credentials and diplomatic engagements from our High Commission in Mozambique, the Mozambican authorities have subsequently released the journalists,” Phiri said 0n X.
We can confirm that two South African journalists were detained in Mozambique. Following the verification of their credentials and diplomatic engagements from our High Commission in Mozambique, the Mozambican authorities have subsequently released the journalists.
— Chrispin Phiri 🇿🇦 (@Chrispin_JPhiri) November 15, 2024
Speaking to IOL, Siziba confirmed that she and Mkhasibe were arrested while working in Maputo.
“We were taken by the police when we were going to get accreditation in the morning (on Thursday). The camera guy just wanted to shoot some pictures of people who were in the street. Before we knew it, the police just stormed at us and arrested us,” Siziba said.
She explained that they were blindfolded and were taken to a police station, They were ordered to face the wall and were surrounded by police carrying guns. She explained that she feared for her life during the ordeal.
She explained that everything happened while they were blindfolded and it felt like torture. She also claimed to hear people crying in other rooms while being tortured.
Siziba was grateful for the intervention of South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Mozambique.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
