SANEF condemns the serving of summons on Karyn Maughan by former president Zuma’s legal team

6 September 2022

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) notes with disgust the serving of summons on Karyn Maughan, News24’s specialist legal writer.

The summons, served by former president Jacob Zuma’s legal team, is a clear case of intimidation solely intended to silence Maughan. As Sanef previously stated in June when Maughan was cited as a respondent, the information published by Maughan was of public record and not confidential.

SANEF is of the view that the pursuing of this matter through private prosecution is not only vindictive but intended to intimidate Maughan and other journalists.

It must be noted that Maughan, as a journalist, wrote the said story following a letter from Brigadier-General Mcebisi Mdutywa informing prison and prosecuting authorities about Zuma’s health. Zuma’s legal team has since last year claimed Downer leaked this letter to Maughan, an inaccurate assertion.

As the media, we are aware that once papers are filed in court, they become public record, hence the latest serving of summons is uncalled for and an unwarranted move.

SANEF unequivocally supports News24 as they seek to defend any legal action that will be instituted against Maughan. This latest move by Zuma’s legal team should be condemned, and viewed as intimidation not only towards Maughan, but other journalists as well.

As this is a clear attack on media freedom, SANEF intends to fully support News24 and is considering joining the case as amicus curiae.

It is also disheartening to note a tweet made by Zuma’s daughter, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, which appears to incite violence against Maughan.

Issued by SANEF, 6 September 2022