Media personality Somizi Mhlongo will face an internal investigation from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) over his ‘bad joke’ about the extension of the lockdown.
Mhlongo has contravened Covid-19 regulation when he ‘lied’ that Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula told him that the lockdown would be extended.
Mbalula has denied that he leaked the information to Somizi and also opened a case against him for distributing fake news and name dropping.
The case was opened at the Sandton police station yesterday. Mhlongo responded gracefully, saying he was not above the law and would accept the consequences.
In a statement released by the department of transport, Mbalula took this action for name dropping and misinformation by Mhlongo very seriously.
Mhlongo told Dineo Ranaka in an Instagram video that Mbalula had told him lockdown would be extended. A statement which he later retracted.
In a statement the SABC acting Spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo, said: “This matter has been referred to the law enforcement authorities and we will let the process unfold. In line with our internal processes, we will also engage Mr. Mhlongo-Motaung, investigate the matter and will be guided by our policies on an appropriate action to be taken“.
“The SABC regrets the incident concerning Metro FM on-air personality, Mr. Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung. Although Mr. Mhlongo-Motaung’s utterances were not part of the broadcast of his programme on Metro FM, we would like to put it on record that we do not tolerate any behavior that is in contravention with the Government’s regulations under the Disaster Management Act on Fake News and information peddling,” said Seapolelo.
Mmusi Maimane and EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlovu said both these investigations were unnecessary.
Absolutely ridiculous. He didn’t say this on air, or to audiences. It’s over rich and abuse of power!!! Mxm https://t.co/TBMZVPYj6B
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) April 10, 2020
Can we all just take a deep breath. This is not necessary. https://t.co/g89EG8yrAK
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) April 11, 2020
