Sanef condemns ‘intimidation and manhandling’ of journalists in Durban
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has condemned the manhandling of journalists at the hands of police and metro police in Durban on Thursday.
Independent Newspaper journalist Sihle Mavuso and eNCA reporter Siphamandla Goge were allegedly assaulted and manhandled while covering a protest in support of suspended eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede.
Mavuso was later arrested by the police.
Sanef's Mary Papayya says authorities need to be mindful of the role journalists play.
"This is not the first time that journalists covering matters relating to the mayor (Zandile Gumede) have come under attack. At previous protests, journalists were verbally threatened by supporters."
Supporters of Gumede, whom the African National Congress (ANC) in the province has placed on special leave amid charges of fraud and corruptio, were protesting in central Durban on Thursday.
Police then fired stun grenades to disperse the crowd.
The party yet to announce when Gumede will return to her office, even though her supporters expected her return to work on Thursday.