KEY POINTS
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Sampear was placed on a break while Newzroom Afrika reviews the incident.
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Augusto claims Sampear was aggressive during the road rage incident.
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Assault charges have been filed by Augusto against Sampear.
A road rage incident involving Newzroom Afrika anchor Aldrin Sampear has gone viral on social media. The event occurred on Thursday, April 17, in Randburg, Gauteng.
Laricia Augusto, 20, recorded the confrontation following a minor car collision. Augusto alleges Sampear acted aggressively during the exchange. She stated that Sampear screamed at her, and she defended herself by pointing out that the incident was a result of road rage.
In her statement to The Citizen, she emphasised that there was enough space for Sampear to drive safely.
Sampear’s reaction and response to the video
The video shows Sampear repeatedly questioning why Augusto gave him the middle finger. In response, Augusto asks why he hit her car. Sampear, visibly agitated, demands an answer.
Their exchange escalates, with Sampear returning to his car, followed by Augusto, who insists that he not leave. Sampear then declares, “I’m not leaving.”
Sampear later spoke with IOL, denying any assault and claiming the video was edited. He stated that both parties exchanged words while stationary, and he went to his car to retrieve his phone and license to exchange details with the driver.
“I’m horrified to see an edited version of the video,” Sampear said, adding that he had reported the incident to the police and that his legal team would handle the situation factually.
Assault charges filed against Sampear
Meanwhile, The Citizen reported that Augusto has laid assault charges against Sampear. Newzroom Afrika, the broadcaster, is currently conducting an internal review of the incident.
The company released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the suspension of Sampear pending the outcome of the investigation.
