Gun threat to journo reviled

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has spoken out against a threat made to Sunday Times journalist Qaanitah

Hunter.

In a statement, Sanef said that Hunter and Jeff Wicks had tabled a front-page report on alleged plans by former president Jacob Zuma to oust current President Cyril Ramaphosa. The plans were discussed at a meeting in Durban last week, according to the forum.

Hunter tweeted a screenshot of a threatening message, allegedly from ANC Women’s League secretary-general Meokgo Matuba, who allegedly sent a picture of a gun to Hunter’s cellphone.

Asked if the picture was meant for Hunter, Matuba said she was not sure who had sent the image since she shared a phone with many people.

Sanef condemned the threat, although an apology was issued.

Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom was among those on Twitter calling for an immediate investigation.

“The ANC and its various structures obviously have the right to criticise the media, point out inaccuracies and lay formal complaints with bodies such as the Press Council. However, we believe it is problematic when particular journalists are attacked on a personal level.

“We believe these threats have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and access to information.”

Sanef called on all political parties to use the correct channels for complaints while protecting journalists and journalism. “We believe that this is essential to the safeguarding of the health of our democracy,” it added.

The ANC and ANCWL condemned the article as “false, damaging and aimed at discrediting the ANC leading up to the 2019 elections”. The ANC also denied the Durban meeting took place, despite pictures showing Zuma was in Durban at the time. – ANA