Simon Nare

Simon Nare

Sowetan journalist Vusi Ndlovu went to Ithuteng Trust School to spy rather than report, the Protea magistrates' court in Soweto heard yesterday.

This claim was made by Ike Motloung, representing the school's owner and director, Jackey Maarohanye.

Ndlovu testified he had identified himself as a journalist there to interview Maarohanye.

Motloung told the court that Ndlovu would not have walked into the meeting on February 17 had he gone to the institution as a journalist.

"Is that not how spies behave? That if they are discovered, they run? What made you run?" he asked.

Ndlovu replied that he ran when he realised that his life was under threat. He said he had identified himself as a journalist and believed that he was going to meet Maarohanye when he was led into the meeting.

He was giving evidence in the case in which Maarohanye and three others are charged with kidnapping and assaulting him.

Ndlovu said the school's gate was partly open when he arrived with driver, Mabu Nkadimeng.

He said a man led him to the hall where the meeting was in progress.

"When we entered the hall, I took a seat by the door.

"The man then went and whispered something to Maarohanye.

"I heard her say 'sis, Vusi from Sowetan. We will fix him. What does he want here?'"

The trial continues today.