Charges against Wa Afrika dropped

Wa Afrika broke the good news on Facebook around 10 this morning: "It's official. The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa withdrew all the so-called charges against me, we received the official letter this morning."

More than 20 of his Facebook friends welcomed the good news and immediately wrote on his wall to wish him well, with one of his 'friends' even saying: "They are running scared. Sue them," while another one said: "A luta continua Mzi," a clear reference to the ongoing battle between ANC and media over media freedom.

"The case docket containing evidential material was submitted to prosecutors in the NPA. After perusing the case docket we are of the view that it is desirable that the matter be fully investigated prior to taking a decision on whether or not to prosecute," The Times Online quoted NPA advocate Mthunzi Mhaga as saying.

"We therefore deem it appropriate that the charges be provisionally withdrawn pending further investigations."

Many observers believe Wa Afrika was arrested out of revenge for a story he co-wrote about police boss Bheki Cele's involvement in a R500-million police headquarters lease agreement.

After his arrest, he was taken to an undisclosed location and reportedly refused initial access to a lawyer and food, constantly intimidated and interrogated in a Nazi style, a common practice in many African countries but now resurfacing in 'democratic' SA.