A case of assault has been opened against former Mtubatuba mayor Mandla Zungu and security officers who allegedly assaulted Zululand Observer senior journalist Gaddafi Zulu at Mtubatuba Municipality on Tuesday morning.

Zulu was at the municipal offices to conduct an interview with the newly-appointed administrator when he says he was slapped, punched and humiliated.

His laptop, cellphone and notepad were allegedly confiscated by officials during the alleged assault, and were reportedly only returned to him – damaged – after he opened a case with the police.

“I went back to the municipal offices and found police officers who assisted me to retrieve my belongings, but their screens were badly damaged,” said Zulu.

According to Zululand Observer editor-in-chief Dave Savides, press freedom is essential in any democracy, and the media is duty-bound to report on events and proceedings, and to take photographs within municipal offices, on issues that have a direct impact on ratepayers.

“Charges were immediately laid with the police, who to their credit acted immediately to retrieve the stolen items, even though they were the worse for wear,” said Savides.

“There can be no justification for this kind of behaviour; it’s not as though the journalist was a threat to safety and security. This was thuggery, plain and simple.”