South African Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has been called out for allegedly leaking important information to TV and Radio personality Somizi Mhlongo.
Somizi was heard saying that the President was going to extend the national lockdown before the announcement was made by President Ramaphosa.
Somizi who was speaking on Dineo Ranaka’s live video said that he got the information from Minister Mbalula.
They are going to extend the lockdown, they are making the announcement today, I was talking to Fikile” said Somizi.
Fikile Mbalula must be suspended too waphapa this guy already telling Somizi that there will be an extension! https://t.co/WBUySU2Z7s
— A Tortured Soul ♥ (@julius_thamana) April 9, 2020
Minister Mbalula has however denied ever speaking to Somizi and said he is willing to have his phones checked.
“At no stage did I speak to @Somizi about the lockdown, my phones can be checked or meet with him,” Mbalula tweeted.
At kno stage did i speak to @Somizi about lockdown my phones can be checked or meet with him. Just called him now to rectify. pic.twitter.com/F22LnRb6kg
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) April 9, 2020
South Africans have however called for the suspension of the minister for leaking confidential information or for Somizi to be arrested.
The incident comes barely a day after Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abraham was placed on special leave for 2 months after she violated the lockdown rules.