Alex FM calls for community help to bring looters to book

Alex FM station manager Takalane Nemangowe has confirmed the theft of broadcast equipment worth more than R5 million following a break-in and subsequent looting in the early hours of this morning, July 13.

After numerous requests for confirmation of the looting act, Nemangowe claimed in a voice message that criminals that are masquerading as protestors had looted the station and cleaned out its broadcast equipment.

“I would like to announce to our beloved followers in the township and the greater Alex area, criminals masquerading as protestors have robbed you of your assets, community property has been looted and you’re now without a voice but we are working around the clock to ensure we return on air,” Nemangowe said.

He appealed to the community of Alexandra to assist law enforcement agencies working on the case to ensure that the criminals are speedily brought to the book.

“We urge you as the owners of the station to come forward and assist us and law enforcement agencies in identifying these culprits. As I speak to you now, the station is currently off air but we are hoping to get it back as soon as possible. We are working closely with the law enforcement agencies and private security organisations to ensure these culprits are brought to book as speedily as possible,” Nemangowe said.

Government condemns destruction of Alex FM radio station

Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) condemns the violent action towards Alex FM which has lead to the radio station being taken off the airwaves.

GCIS Acting Director-General, Michael Currin, said: “Today is a sad day for Alex FM and the community at large after its broadcast equipment and related items were looted. The radio station has been serving the Alex community faithfully for about 27 years and is the voice of the residents of Alexandra. We are equally livid that just two days ago, a SABC news crew was robbed of their equipment while covering protests in Alexandra. The violence, looting and destruction to property needs to stop now! Violence is never an answer. The media plays a crucial role to the economic and political development of citizens and it creates a broad range of information to stimulate citizens on the various developmental issues in their country.”

“South African media is a platform to amplify voice, facilitate meaningful participation, and foster social change. We need to work together to build our country. We cannot destroy what we have worked so hard to build,” added Currin.

ALSO READ: Alex FM falls silent after being looted

#Itsinyourhands #ProtectSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/qbP9Qo4nx5

— GCIS Media Liaison (@GCISMedia) July 13, 2021