Amnesty International SA Calls on IEC to Investigate Arrest of Newzroom Afrika Journalist During Elections

Amnesty International South Africa has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to investigate the reported arrest of a Newzroom Afrika journalist at a voting station in Soweto.

Ziniko Mhlaba was arrested at a voting station in Orlando East, Soweto on Monday while covering the local government elections.

Mhlaba was told by police that he was being arrested because he was “allegedly obstructing justice”

There were also reports that citizens filming the incident were allegedly manhandled by police.

Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said they are concerned by the arrest of the journalist. 

“Journalists must be allowed to report on elections and voting, within the parameters of the law, without hindrance and abuse. It is also unacceptable that citizens, who were filming the incident on their cellphones, were reportedly manhandled by the police. This is in violation of their rights. The IEC must investigate the matter.”

Mhlaba was taken to the Soweto Police station and has since been released.