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The IFP has denounced the abuse of power by the Mpumalanga police and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks) following the unlawful arrest of Sunday Times journalist Mzilikazi Wa Afrika and his co-accused Victor Mlimi, who have now had charges against them provisionally withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority (NPA).
"It is clear that the arrest of Mzilikazi Wa Afrika was unfounded and that the SAPS could not build a case against him. Moreover, it now appears that Mr Wa Afrika was arrested and charged without the matter being properly investigated. The IFP strongly condemns the manner in which the SAPS handled this matter," said Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP's Safety and Security spokesperson today.
Ndlovu called on the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to launch a full and urgent investigation into the matter.
"If there was insufficient evidence for prosecution, why was Wa Afrika arrested in the first place? The impression that has been created is that Wa Afrika's arrest was a political arrest. The IFP therefore calls on the ICD to launch a full investigation into this matter. We need answers as to why state resources and tax payers' money was wasted on unfounded accusations. We also need answers as to why the SAPS did not follow proper procedures before they arrested this seemingly innocent individual," added Ndlovu.
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