Despite intimidation and death threats, the SABC 8 on Sunday reiterated their determination to go ahead with a constitutional court case probing possible censorship at the national broadcaster.
“While the journalists are concerned about their safety, they remain resolute and determined to persist with the case,” said their lawyer, Aslam Moosajee.
Moosajee has previously been sent text messages containing death threats against certain of the journalists if they do not drop an upcoming constitutional court case asking for measures to protect the national broadcaster’s newsroom against censorship or interference.
One of the texts sent to Moosajee targets radio producer Suna Venter, declaring: “We will double what sbc8 backers are paying advice them to drop the case friday or the girl dies call this nr to stop it [sic].”
On Sunday, Moosajee, who is acting pro bono in representing the journalists, retorted that no amount of money could “lure” him to drop the case.
“I believe in their cause,” he said.
The SABC came in for criticism in July when it fired Venter, Foeta Krige, Krivani Pillay, Thandeka Gqubule, Busisiwe Ntuli, Lukhanyo Calata, Vuyo Mvoko and Jacques Steenkamp for speaking out against the broadcaster’s policy to not show footage of violent protests.
Subsequently the eight journalists, who were rehired by the SABC in September following a lengthy labour court battle, filed papers at the constitutional court asking for the national assembly to institute an inquiry into the various issues plaguing the broadcaster, including their firings.
This weekend, the Sunday Times reported on various incidents of intimidation and death threats — especially targeting Venter, but also affecting certain others.
The Democratic Alliance has since said it will ask acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane to give the journalists police protection until the court case is finalised.
Detailing the incidents on Sunday, radio producer Foeta Krige confirmed that his caretaker was held up during a house robbery.
According to the Sunday Times, television producer Busisiwe Ntuli’s home has also been broken into and someone tried to ram into her car while she was in it. Ntuli declined to comment.
Venter, who remains in hiding, confirmed the incidents reported by the Sunday newspaper. Acts of intimidation began with threatening messages sent in August and a break-in at her house in September. However, since October the number of incidents has increased significantly.
These include being shot at with ceramic bullets while driving home at night, following which a text message was sent saying: “Next time, won’t miss.” In another incident, electric wires on her brakes were cut. She has also been the victim of tyre blowouts and punctured tyres.
Most recently, this Saturday, her car — parked at her secret location — was broken into and goods disturbed, but nothing was taken.
Nevertheless, Venter reiterated that she would not drop out of the court case.
“When [the incidents of intimidation] happen, you are scared for that moment — but if you look at the overall picture, I have to tell myself I will not allow them to terrorise me. And I will not.”
Krige echoed Venter’s sentiments. “We will never back down.”
He said all the journalists wanted was for the newsroom at the SABC not be subjected to interference.
A police task team has been established, headed by lieutenant-colonel Gert Grobler.
Gauteng police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini confirmed the investigation was ongoing. “No one has been arrested,” he said.
Venter said that those behind the intimidation seemed “quite sophisticated” in their tactics.
She said, for example, that the shots angled at her windscreen during one incident were accurately aimed, appearing to have been fired by someone well trained. She said she was saved because the shooter was too far away and she had protective film over her windows.
Krige also said that the case was made complicated by the fact that those involved clearly has certain professional skills such as being able to intercept e-mails.
The Sunday Times cited unnamed sources as saying the text messages had been identified as coming from the cellphone tower nearest the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park.
Krige suggest one way to determine who was behind the attacks would be to question who might feel the constitutional case was detrimental to their interests.
“I question their motives… why be frightened by newsrooms being independent?”