ANN7 reporter suspended for allegedly assaulting editor

Police in Midrand, where the news organisation’s office is based, also confirmed they are investigating a case of common assault laid by news editor Abhinav Sahay.

"The complainant alleged that the suspect assaulted him while he was asking him about the status of the story. The suspect got angry and started to assault him and hit him with his head," Constable Matome Tlamela said.

Sahay apparently sustained a cut to his upper lip, which started bleeding. Tlamela says no arrest have yet been made. 

ANN7 editor-in-chief Moegsien Williams sent an e-mail to staff shortly after the alleged incident yesterday. Company spokesperson Gary Naidoo confirmed over the phone that Williams had sent the e-mail.

"We are all aware of the unsavoury incident that occurred in the ANN7 newsroom earlier today. As a company, we cannot condone this type of behaviour which was a physical attack on a colleague," the e-mail stated.

"In addition, it disrupted operations and brought the company’s reputation into question."

Williams stated further that they have a zero tolerance approach to violence in the workplace. They have initiated disciplinary processes as a result and the "assailant" in the matter is suspended with immediate effect.

"With regard to the company's disciplinary processes, we will keep you informed of its outcome."

Naidoo says he would respond to an e-mailed enquiry later yesterday. The suspended employee did not respond to a phone call or an SMS requesting his version of events.

(Photo via Twitter,@ANN7tv)