No charges were laid after two Sunday Times journalists were allegedly held hostage in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, police said on Sunday.
“They were not assaulted, their vehicle was not damaged. They were only told that they must report to the chief first the next time they visit the locality,” Lieutenant Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said.
Chief Mandla Mandela, who is former president Nelson Mandela’s grandson, allegedly accused writer Bongani Mthethwa and photographer Thembinkosi Dwayisa of trespassing when they visited his village on Friday, the Sunday Times reported.
They were at a meeting at which Mandela was discussing his plans for building a hotel and stadium in the area, apparently to boost tourism. Three villagers have taken him to court in a bid to stop him expropriating their land for the development.
He allegedly told a crowd armed with knobkerries to determine the journalists’ fate.
“This is going to be a long weekend which calls for the slaughter of a bull,” he reportedly said.
“The ancestors have brought these men to us… our ancestors work in miracles.”
They were allegedly questioned by Mandela and held by his council for eight hours. They were reportedly denied water, food, and toilet breaks.
Fatyela said police were phoned by suspicious residents. He could not confirm how long the two journalists were held there, only that they were detained to verify their identities as they were taking pictures and conducting interviews.
“On arrival that was sorted out [by police].”
However the Sunday Times reported they were only released after the paper obtained a court order instructing police to travel to Mvezo and ensure their release. — Sapa