SANEF to address treatment of media during Gumede court appearance
The SA National Editors' Forum says it will meet with the National Prosecuting Authority after journalists covering Durban Mayor, Zandile Gumede's appearance in court this week, said that they were pushed, shoved and physically blocked by her supporters.
Gumede appeared before the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on fraud and corruption charges.
SANEF says reporters, who were prevented from doing their jobs by people who blocked their view with bags and jackets, had also been threatened.
Mahlatse Mahlase says they were told that police ignored what was happening and then asked the media to leave.
ALSO READ: eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede granted R50k bail in DSW corruption case
SANEF will be taking the matter up with the Commercial Crimes Court.
"This was all between the supporters and the actions of police - which was a violation of a very important constitutional principle of open justice. Next time, we will go back and see if there are security measures put in place to allow journalists to do their job," Mahlase said.