Judge rules case to protect journos is urgent

BLF argues in court for dismissal of application

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg yesterday held that the application by the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) to halt attacks on journalists by Black First Land First (BLF) was urgent.

Acting Judge Corrie van der Westhuizen made this ruling when dismissing preliminary points raised by BLF in response to Sanef ’s urgent application.

Sanef and 11 journalists and editors want the court to interdict BLF from harassing‚ intimidating‚ assaulting and threatening journalists and editors over their reporting and analyses on corruption and state capture.

But before the urgent application could be heard‚ BLF lawyer Brendan Tshabangu raised a number of preliminary points to try and dispose of Sanef ’s application.

These included the fact that he said Sanef chairperson Mahlatse Gallens did not have the authority to bring the application on behalf of Sanef.

He also said the journalists listed in Sanef’s application were not members of Sanef. As a result‚ Tshabangu argued‚ Sanef had no authority to bring the application on their behalf and that the application was not urgent.

The judge dismissed the preliminary points raised by BLF and said he would give reasons at the end of the application by Sanef and the journalists.

“I am satisfied that a case of urgency has been made‚” Van der Westhuizen said.

Business Day editor Tim Cohen was assaulted by BLF supporters gathered outside Tiso Blackstar editor Peter Bruce’s home last week.

The court will pass judgment today.