Aldrin Sampear
By Karabo Marifi
After nearly a month off the air, Newzroom Afrika journalist and anchor Aldrin Sampear returned to television on Monday, May 19, 2025, to offer a heartfelt apology for his involvement in a road rage incident that took place in April. The well-known AM Report anchor, while denying claims of assault, admitted he could have handled the situation better and expressed deep regret to his viewers, colleagues, and the station’s management. The incident, which occurred on April 17, 2025, in Randburg, Gauteng, sparked widespread attention after a viral video surfaced online, leading to Sampear’s temporary suspension and an internal investigation by Newzroom Afrika.
The Incident: A Collision Turns Heated
The trouble began on Thursday, April 17, 2025, on the bustling streets of Randburg, Gauteng, when a minor collision occurred between Sampear and 20-year-old university student Laricia Augusto. Augusto alleges that Sampear reacted aggressively after she changed lanes in front of him. She claims that after a taxi stopped suddenly ahead of her, she signalled and moved into the right lane, only for Sampear to speed up and tailgate her. When she shifted back to the left lane to avoid conflict, Sampear reportedly swerved into the same lane and clipped her car.
Both drivers stepped out of their vehicles, and the situation quickly escalated. Augusto says Sampear shouted at her, grabbed her arm, and assaulted her, prompting her to start recording. The video, which later spread across social media, shows Sampear pointing at Augusto and asking why she had given him the middle finger, while she accused him of hitting her.
Augusto admitted to the gesture but insisted his reaction was excessive.
Sampear, however, tells a different story. He acknowledges the collision and an exchange of words but denies any physical assault. “The only reason I went to my car was to get my phone and driver’s licence so we could exchange information,” he explained, claiming the viral video was edited to misrepresent what happened. He says they swapped details before he drove off.
Assault Charges and Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath, Augusto lodged assault charges against Sampear at the Linden Police Station in Johannesburg. Gauteng police confirmed that a case of common assault was opened, though no arrest has been made as of yet. Authorities are reviewing the video evidence and speaking to witnesses as part of an ongoing investigation. The results could determine whether Sampear faces legal consequences or if his account of manipulated footage holds up.
The incident divided public opinion online. Some condemned Sampear’s behaviour, pointing to the video as proof of aggression, while others questioned Augusto’s actions and suggested she exaggerated the encounter due to Sampear’s public profile.
Sampear’s Apology: Taking Responsibility
On his return to Newzroom Afrika’s AM Report on May 19, 2025, Sampear addressed the incident live on air. “On 17 April, I was involved in a traffic incident which resulted in a confrontation between me and another driver,” he said. “Having made time to reflect on these events, I want to take full responsibility for my actions. Although I did not assault the other driver, I believe that I should have been more composed and found a way to de-escalate the situation, and I fell short of the standards I hold myself to.”
He went on to apologise sincerely to those affected. “I want to express my regret and sincere apologies to our viewers, my colleagues here at Newzroom Afrika, and the management,” he stated. “I have worked really hard to make sense of this experience and the root cause of my response, and I hope that through my actions from now on, I can rebuild the trust and the confidence placed in me as I continue on this journey to do better.”
In a touching moment, Sampear spoke directly to younger viewers: “To the babies out there, Uncle Aldrin is truly sorry. I am truly sorry, and I hope that you will be able to forgive me.” His words aimed to humanise the apology and show his commitment to making amends.
Newzroom Afrika’s Response
Newzroom Afrika acted swiftly after the incident came to light, placing Sampear on a break starting April 22, 2025, while they conducted an internal review. At the time, the broadcaster released a statement saying, “Newzroom Afrika takes the allegations very seriously, and we will work swiftly to address the concerns raised.” The investigation has since wrapped up, clearing the way for Sampear’s return to his anchor role.
The station’s decision to reinstate him suggests they found no evidence to support the assault claims or deemed his apology and reflection sufficient to move forward. However, the public and police investigations may still influence how this chapter unfolds.
A Controversial Past Resurfaces
This isn’t Sampear’s first brush with controversy. Years ago, while working at Power FM, he admitted to physically abusing two former girlfriends, though he claimed provocation and said he had since changed. That history resurfaced after the road rage incident, with some critics arguing it shows a pattern of behaviour. Others, however, see his apology as a sign of growth and accountability, urging the public to give him a chance to prove himself.
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