A journalist was allegedly “slapped and strangled” by a supporter of former president Jacob Zuma. As journalists convened outside of Zuma’s home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, they have allegedly been targeted by his supporters, News24 reports.
This comes after Zuma’s followers congregated to support him upon the Constitutional Court’s ruling that he must serve a 15-month sentence.
According to News24, while a political journalist was conducting a live interview, he was interrupted by a member of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association. In the video, it can be heard how the journalist tells the Zuma supporter that “This is not a banana republic.”
Hebanna! reporters go through the most to get us the story. @SABCNews appreciation post #ZumaJudgement #amabutho #bekelebeke #ZumaConCourtRuling pic.twitter.com/Xk9ZHPffU9
— Lerato (@LeratoMabs) July 3, 2021
The same journalist reported that: “A supporter of former president Jacob Zuma slapped and strangled me. I was accused of being a sell-out and trying to destroy ANC leaders.”
The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) was furious regarding the attacks on the journalists.
“Since Friday, journalists have come under severe attacks while waiting for law enforcement agencies to execute a Constitutional Court ruling.
“We remind all supporters and the Zuma family and other former ANC leaders who also pitched up to support the former president, that journalists have a right to cover the events. They were not trespassing, nor did they breach any privacy or court regulations,” Sanef said.
Meanwhile, National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said: “During the deployment, SAPS commanders and members on the ground have been provided clear and concise directives that responses to any and all situations must be informed by proper analysis. To this end, every situation will be assessed and dealt with on its own merit.”
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