Radio duo let off the hook by guard

THEY are loved by listeners for being "nation-builders" but if the assault claims against them are anything to go by they behaved like the nation's "destroyers".

Umhlobo Wenene FM's golden boys Phumzile Zonke and Siya Ngcangisa allegedly roughed up a car guard in a parking lot at the Campus Square Mall in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, on Friday.

The pair, who co-host the popular weekend show Abahlali Abangalali, reportedly sent Jacob Mhlongo to the canvas after they found their vehicle had been "scratched" while they were shopping.

"They shouted at me and asked how I could leave their car unattended after they had paid me. When I tried to explain I wasn't to blame, they started pushing me around in full view of everyone," Mhlongo said.

He opened a case of assault at the Brixton police station but later withdrew the charges after several University of Johannesburg students told him who his "assailants" were.

"I dropped the court case after realising that they were celebrities," he said.

When contacted for comment yesterday Ngcangisa confirmed there was a "misunderstanding with some guy" but declined to comment further.

Zonke admitted to "an argument involving a car guard" but denied ever pushing Mhlongo.

The two's absence from the air at the weekend added fire to the rumour that they were told to "lie low" after the station management learnt of the incident. But Zonke denied they were suspended, saying they had the weekend off.