South Africa’s Television production group Moja LOVE is investigating circumstances around the mysterious death of an alleged drug dealer during the set of its popular reality show Sizokthola.
The deceased, identified as Robert “Kicks” Varrie, was allegedly tortured to expose more drugs in his Katlehong home last Wednesday by the show’s crew after they approached him, reportedly acting on a tip-off.
Police are looking into a possible murder in connection with the event when he passed away at Thelle Mogoerane regional hospital in Vosloorus.
Apartheid-style torture tactics
City Press has revealed that the armed crew was accompanied by local crime-fighting unit Thatha-Zonke, said to be notorious for the use of an apartheid-era style asphyxiation method called “tubing”.
The crew was accompanied by crime prevention wardens, better known as AmaPanyaza, unveiled by Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi in May to tackle crime hot spots in the province.
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Deceased was not cooperating
She said the information received by the crew and the local community groups was credible and verifiable, and that during the bust, conducted within the confines of the law, the Varrie did not cooperate.
Persistence by the members of the community policing forum resulted in Varrie agreeing to hand over drugs hidden at the premises.
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“Whilst Moja LOVE can confirm that the crew was within the vicinity of the premises when the deceased was being questioned; the channel is still investigating the circumstances that led to the deceased having to be allegedly rushed to hospital. We will wait for the official autopsy results for cause of death,” she said.
Cekete said the show continues to work with law enforcement agencies, and in each of the shows, police case numbers are shared, and suspects are handed over to the authorities for further investigations and legal processes.
Death threats
She said the channel would cooperate with any investigations that may be initiated and sent condolences to Varrie’s family.
“The channel is also offering the crew and any other interested individuals counselling assistance following news of the deceased,” Cekete added.
The show’s presenter, Xolani Khumalo, has reportedly received death threats from drug dealers, with the leader of the African Transformation Movement Vuyo Zungula, requesting Police Minister Bheki Cele to provide protection for the crew.
Sizokthola premiered on Moja LOVE, DStv channel 157, in January, and airs on Sunday evenings.
