Newzroom Afrika has announced that journalist and anchor Aldrin Sampear has been placed on leave as the broadcaster launches an internal review into a road rage incident involving the news presenter that has sparked widespread attention on social media.
The incident, which took place on Thursday, April 17, in Randburg, Gauteng, was captured on video by 20-year-old Laricia Augusto and has since gone viral. In the footage, a heated exchange unfolds between Sampear and Augusto following a minor collision between their vehicles.
According to Augusto, the encounter turned aggressive. “He was screaming at me. I tried to defend myself, pointing out that what he did was deliberate road rage. I even told him there was more than enough space for him to have driven safely,” she told The Citizen.
In the video, Sampear can be seen repeatedly questioning Augusto’s gesture toward him. “Why did you give me that middle finger? Are you mad?” he asks angrily, while Augusto, audibly distressed, responds by questioning why he hit her. The confrontation escalates until Sampear returns to his vehicle, with Augusto following and asserting that he cannot leave the scene. “I’m not leaving,” Sampear is heard responding.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Newzroom Afrika said it is taking the matter seriously. “Newzroom Afrika takes the allegations very seriously, and we will work swiftly to address the concerns raised,” the broadcaster stated.
Speaking to IOL, Sampear denied any physical altercation occurred, claiming the video circulating online had been edited. “There was an exchange of words from both parties when we were stationary. I’m horrified to see an edited version of the video because I went to my car to go fetch my phone and license to share with the driver. At no point did I assault the driver,” he said. “We have exchanged details. I have reported the matter to the police, and my legal team will deal with this factually and honestly.”
Meanwhile, The Citizen reported that Augusto has filed assault charges against Sampear.
Newzroom Afrika has not indicated how long Sampear will remain off-air but emphasized that the internal process will be handled with urgency and due diligence.