The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is extremely concerned by newspaper reports about the group of journalists who have come to be known as the ‘SABC 8’.
The Sunday Times is reporting that some members of the group have been threatened, intimidated, followed, have had their houses broken into and ransacked, car brakes tampered with and in one instance shot at with ceramic bullets.
Sanef strongly condemns such intimidatory tactics and calls on SAPS to urgently identify those who are making such terrible threats and who are carrying out these acts of violence and abuse. We also call on those carrying out these cowardly threats to desist with immediate effect.
Sanef views these incidents as blatant and deplorable attacks on media freedom which should always be condemned in the strongest possible manner. Sanef has always supported the actions and endeavours of the SABC 8.
For Inquiries
Sam Mkokeli – 082 084-2051
Sanef Media Freedom Sub-Committee Chairperson
Mathatha Tsedu – 082 454 0527
Sanef Executive Director