SANEF calls for swift probe into reported threats against The Star’s editor

8 November 2022

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted reports of threats made against The Star’s editor, by an ANC MP.

According to reports carried in various Independent Media’s titles, ANC member of parliament Boy Mamabolo allegedly told editor Sifiso Mahlangu to stop reporting on Dr Bejani Chauke, an adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, or face “assassination.”

Such a statement is not only a chilling threat to the life of Mahlangu but is also conduct that borders on criminal conduct.

SANEF has reached out to Mahlangu and requested that he shares the threatening messages from Mamabolo. He has yet to do so.

SANEF further notes Mahlangu’s decision to lay a criminal complaint against Mamabolo and calls for a full investigation into the matter.

SANEF stands for media freedom and believes that journalists should be given the space to do their work without political interference or intimidation.

While Independent Media, owners of The Star, are neither members of SANEF nor are they part of the Press Council of SA – like most mainstream media houses in South Africa – we believe that threats or intimidation directed at journalists should be condemned by all proponents of media freedom. Journalists have a right to do their job without fear or favour.

We call on the police to act swiftly in their investigation so that the matter can be brought to finality.

Issued by SANEF, 8 November 2022