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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withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority (NPA).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.