Victor EzejaNews Central TV has called for the immediate release of two of its correspondents arrested and detained in Maputo the capital of Mozambique in southern Africa.
Prime Business Africa reports that the television channel’s South African correspondent, Bongani Siziba, and cameraman, Sbonelo Mkhasibe, were arrested on Thursday, 14 November 2024, while covering some developments in Maputo.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by Director, News and Current Affairs, Louis Eke, and Director, Commercial & Communications, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, the Television channel expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and detention of the two staff members.
It expressed worry over their inability to establish direct contact with the staff since their arrest, despite all efforts.
The media company called for the entrenchment of press freedom and urged authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to carry out their duties without hindrance.
The statement reads: “ News Central TV expresses deep concern over the arrest and detention of our South African correspondent, Bongani Siziba, and our cameraman, Sbonelo Mkhasibe, who were arrested while covering developments in Maputo, Mozambique.
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“Our colleagues were detained yesterday, November 14 2024 while conducting their professional duties as journalists, reporting on unfolding events within the country. Despite our efforts, we have been unable to establish direct contact with them since their arrest.
“News Central TV is collaborating with all relevant authorities and diplomatic channels to ensure their immediate and safe release.
“We strongly advocate for freedom of the press and urge the authorities to uphold journalists’ rights to carry out their duties without hindrance.”
The media company further pledged its commitment to continue providing “accurate and unbiased coverage across Africa” and called for the respect and protection of journalists and other media workers everywhere in the world.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
