The DA on Friday called for an investigation by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) into the arrests of two Sowetan journalists by Hillbrow police.
Police commissioner General Bheki Cele must clarify why the arrests took place and why their photographic equipment was confiscated, said Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard.
“This is a deeply concerning development.”
Journalists Penwell Dlamini and Antonio Muchave were arrested on Wednesday and detained for about an hour.
Their equipment and cellphones were confiscated and only returned to them the next day after lawyers intervened.
The Sowetan newspaper reported on Friday that the journalists were covering a story involving the illegal eviction of nine families from Regal Court flats in the Johannesburg city centre.
It claimed that despite a ruling by a Johannesburg High Court judge, the Hillbrow police refused to help the families get back into their flats.
The Hillbrow police and provincial police spokespeople Colonel Noxolo Kweza and Colonel Lungelo Dlamini were not available for comment.
In a media report, Kweza was quoted as saying that the circumstances of the arrest were unacceptable and that it would be thoroughly investigated.
“We believe that these arrests need to be investigated independently, which is why we have asked the ICD to look into the matter,” said Kohler-Barnard.
“We hope to have confirmation of an investigation in the next 48 hours.” -
Sapa