One of the criminals who threatened to target the Soccer World Cup in an eNews interview was expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Hawks spokesperson Musa Zondi said on Friday.
The man was arrested in Tshepisong, near Kagiso on the West Rand on Thursday morning.
This after police received a tip-off through the Crime Line about his whereabouts, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa told the National Press Club in Pretoria on Thursday.
“According to the footage, this is the thug who boasted and threatened to rob and kill during the World Cup. The ownership of the gun that was displayed in the footage remains a mystery but police investigations are at an advanced stage,” Mthethwa said.
The man, who was out on parole for robbery, will face charges of intimidation and inciting violence when he appears in court.
Mthethwa said he provided police with “valuable information”.
Meanwhile, two e.tv journalists Mpho Lakaje and eNews news editor Ben Said were served subpoenas to give the police their unedited footage as well as the names and contact details of those interviewed.
They have until Monday to cooperate or they too will appear in court.
‘Crime kisser’
“We are of the view that a friend of a criminal is a criminal,” Mthethwa told the briefing.
‘e.tv is a crime kisser and have expressed themselves as such. My question to them is that would they have protected their sources if they threatened to kill, rob and rape their mothers?” said Cele.
‘If these are the types of people that e.tv is fraternising with, then e.tv has sold out … they have sold the South African society to criminals,” he added. – Sapa