Article by Khanyi Moshia
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has landed himself in hot water as Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula lays a charge against him for fake news.
Mbalula states that Somizi was in contravention of the lockdown regulation on misinformation and fake news.
On Thursday, the 9th of April 2020, radio personality Dineo Ranaka went live on Instagram just before the President would announce the lockdown extension and Somizi is heard saying Mbalula told him the President would announce the lockdown extension.
The Minister denied giving such sensitive information to the personality prior to the President’s national address. Somizi issued a public apology to the Minister and stated that it was bad joke and he never spoke to the Minister.
Mbalula accepted Somizi’s apology but people were not impressed with this lockdown regulation violation of spreading fake news – this is what prompted him to decide to lay charges against media personality at the Sandton Police Station.
“ I am obligated by statutes, policies and regulations of Parliament and Government to take action and seek consequences management over matters where my name is name dropped, more especially regarding cabinet decisions.” – Fikile Mbalula
“I did not discuss the lockdown timeline or extension plans with Mr Mhlongo at all whatsoever, my conscience is clear. I have filed my statement and attested under oath to this at Sandton Police Station”, the Minister said.
This is a developing stories and updates on the case and proceedings will follow when information is made available to UpdateSA.
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