Two journalists, including South African, detained in Tanzania released
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says South African journalist Angela Quintal, who was detained in Tanzania last night, is currently at the High Commission, in Dar es Salaam.
Quintal, who sat as editor of both The Mercury and The Witness newspapers in KwaZulu-Natal, and Kenyan journalist Muthoki Mumo were detained by officers at their hotel.
Dirco spokesperson, Ndivhuwo Mabaya says it is still not clear why they were detained.
"What we know is that Quintal was detained together with her colleague from Kenya. We don't know what they were detained for. I'm sure we will understand what has happened during the day," Mabaya said.
"We can confirm that she is released together with her colleague. Typically, Quintal is making jokes about it. They were released after our High Commissioner protested there last night.
Mabaya says the pair are currently at the South African embassy.
"The Tanzanian authorities still retain their passports. After engaging with the High Commissioner, we will map a way forward of what must happen," Mabaya said.
Meanwhile, the country's president John Magufuli has cracked down on independent media, suspending at least three newspaper publications last year.
