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South African journalist arrested, threatened
NEW YORK – South African authorities should drop charges against a journalist who was roughed up and detained after photographing police officers allegedly involved in bribery, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Ricky Dire, a journalist with the Daily Sun, also received death threats.
In a telephone interview with CPJ, Dire said that on the evening of Friday, January 18, he responded to a call from store owners at a shopping center in Rustenburg North, a platinum mining town. The store owners had told him on previous occasions that they routinely had to pay bribes to the local police.
Dire said he took “three or four” pictures of the two police officers who were talking to shop owners as well as of their vehicle license plate. Dire said he did not see any money change hands. The conversation ended when police spotted him taking photos, he said.
Dire said the police officers gave him several blows with their fists before arresting him. Police spokesman Sgt. Kealeboga Molale said the arresting officers charged him with intimidation and resisting arrest, according to news reports. They also claimed he was drunk. Dire denied the allegations. He is due to appear in court on February 6.
Daily Sun Deputy Editor Reggy Moalusi told CPJ that the police threatened to keep Dire in jail for the weekend, but he was released around midnight after the newspaper’s lawyers were called. When his cellphone was returned to him, all the photographs had been deleted, Dire told CPJ.
In a conversation with CPJ on Monday, January 27, Dire said that he had received two anonymous text messages on January 20 that threatened his life. When he tried to call the number from which they had been sent, the phone was switched off. He said his wife received a phone call on January 22 that said their daughter had been abducted because of the wife’s “journalist husband.” Their daughter was safe.
Tuesday, police came and took a statement from Dire about the threatening messages he had received, Dire told CPJ.
Thandi Modise, premier of the North West Province, has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, a statutory body that investigates complaints of alleged wrongdoing by members of the South African Police Services, to investigate the threats against Dire as well as his arrest and alleged assault by North West police. A commission probing deaths in violent protests in South Africa heard on Tuesday that North West police earlier in January fired banned shotgun pellets during a demonstration which left four people dead, according to news reports.
“Free and independent media that show what is happening in society are a vital part of democracy,” said Sue Valentine, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator. “As South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom, we urge authorities to ensure that all officers understand and respect the right of journalists to do their jobs without fear of intimidation or violence, and that those who commit abuses are punished.”
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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