Antarctic researcher accuses colleague of death threat and assault

The Sanae IV South African research base in Antarctica. The 10-person team there is not due to be relieved until December. Photograph: Dr Ross Hofmeyr

A member of a South African research team on a remote Antarctic base has accused a colleague of physical assault and making a death threat, pleading for “immediate action” to be taken.

The accusations were made in an email sent from the base that was shared with the South African newspaper the Sunday Times.