A JOURNALIST has opened a case of assault against maskandi star Mthandeni Manqele, who is affectionately known as Igcokama Elisha.
It is alleged that Igcokama Elisha klapped the journalist, who worked for a KZN-based newspaper, after accusing him of intentionally dragging his name through the mud by writing fabricated stories about him.
Apparently, the singer went to the journalist’s home in KwaSwayimane, KZN midlands, and asked to talk to him outside the gate. He then allegedly klapped him until he started bleeding.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Igcokama Elisha denied that he had slapped the journalist.
“I did not klap him, but he must apologise for always writing lies about me. He once reported that I was klapped during a meeting with a maskandi artist, which was pure lies. He also poked my eye on social media by writing bad things about me. But, I did not klap him,” he said.
KZN police spokeswoman Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that a case of assault was opened at Wartburg Police Station.
“A case of assault was opened, and the matter is under investigation,” said Gwala.
South African National Editors’ Forum spokesman Reggy Moalusi said they condemned the alleged violent act.
“A journalist can’t be beaten up. There are other avenues that can be used to act or report them,” said Moalusi.
He added that the safety of journalists in the country was a huge concern.
Daily Sun reached out to the journalist and he referred questions to his legal representative, Advocate Thalente Mhlongo, who said: “A letter of demand was sent to the defendant via WhatsApp because we couldn’t find his correct address. Our client is demanding a public apology. He is also demanding the defendant to retract all his posts regarding this incident from social media. He must do this within 48 hours. Our client is suing the defendant for R200 000 in damages. He must pay this amount within 10 days, failing which a summons will be served.”
