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SABC’s Samora Mangesi Arrested for Suspected Drunk Driving

Published

9 months ago

August 24, 2023

SABC radio and television presenter Samora Mangesi found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was apprehended by police in Johannesburg for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to details acquired by City Press, Mangesi’s arrest took place on August 15. Subsequently, he briefly appeared at the Johannesburg Central Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail. He has been summoned to appear in the same court next month for further proceedings as reported by the City Press.

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Law enforcement officers, opting to remain anonymous due to a lack of authorisation to speak to the media, disclosed that the incident unfolded during a routine operation within Johannesburg’s inner city, specifically at a roadblock located in Jeppe. Upon suspicion of intoxication, Mangesi was requested to exit his vehicle for a breathalyser test. The test outcome revealed that his blood alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit, resulting in his subsequent detention.

Confirming the presenter’s arrest and subsequent court involvement, Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo relayed the following information:

“The 30-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol. He appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on August 15 2023.”

Despite the incident, Mangesi did not respond to City Press’s inquiries, and his phone remained unanswered.

This is not the first time Mangesi’s conduct has come into question. In the past, he dismissed allegations that arose last year, asserting that he had been suspended from Umhlobo Wenene FM for arriving at work intoxicated. During his tenure as the host of Iqonga Labatsha, commonly known as IQL, he faced accusations of delivering a show under the influence of alcohol in April of the preceding year.

Taking to Facebook to address the concerns that emerged after the broadcast, Mangesi detailed his silence on the matter as a strategic choice, allowing relevant stakeholders to engage in the resolution process before offering his perspective. He refuted claims of intoxication, attributing his actions to feeling unwell and being on medication. In his bid to fulfil his duties at Umhlobo Wenene, he admitted to making an imprudent decision to increase his medication dosage, leading to incoherence during the show.

Mangesi shared the following insight into the situation:

“Determined to honour my date with the avid listeners of IQL and Umhlobo Wenene FM, I added more medication and took it more frequently, which, looking back, was quite foolish. This rendered me incoherent, and thus, delivering an extremely messy and substandard product on air which led many to believe I was intoxicated.”

At the time of publication, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) had not issued any response to requests for comments regarding the incident.