Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula filed a complaint against media personality Somizi Mhlongo on Friday morning.
This is related to violations of the containment regulations and the misuse of Mbalula’s name.
The minister posted footage of himself on his official Twitter page in front of the Sandton police station. In a video you can see how he signed and handed over his statement.
“I am obliged by parliament and government laws, policies and regulations to take steps and claim accountability where my name was used unlawfully,” Mbalula said on Twitter.
I did not discuss the lockdown timeline or extension plans with Mr Mhlongo at all whatsoever, my conscience is clear.
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) April 10, 2020
I have filed my statement and attested under oath to this at Sandton Police Station. pic.twitter.com/AJCKNhsjC2
Mhlongo, meanwhile, apologized for his remarks in a video recording on Friday. “It was a bad joke. . . I speculated on the matter, ”he said.
Spoke to @somizi he was not even aware about what his joke could mean for me if it was true. Apology accepted ????? pic.twitter.com/1XB53GjlNf
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) April 9, 2020
Mbalula indicated that he accepted the Somizi’s apology.