South Sudan security releases Free Voice staffer

October 16, 2014 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese national security service has released without charge the office manager of Free Voice South Sudan, almost a week after he was arrested.

DeWet Spies, a South African national, was set free on Wednesday afternoon and left the country immediately after his release, Free Voice said in a statement issued on 15 October.

His father, Chris Spies, reportedly expressed his gratitude to the South African ambassador Gabriel Setloke, who helped secure DeWet’s release.

Sources earlier told SudanTribune that DeWet’s arrest was linked to operations of Radio Tamajuz, a media entity within the same premise, but operating separately from Free Voice.

A non-profit media house active and registered in South Sudan since 2008, Free Voice currently produces humanitarian and peace-building programmes on education, health and children’s issues.

(ST)