All journalists now protected against BLF harassment
It comes after the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) went back to court after BLF members disrupted an AmaBhungane public event.
JOHANNESBURG – All journalists are now protected by a court order against Andile Mngxitama and the Black First Land First movement, including on social media.
The High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday found that Mngxitama and his movement are in contempt of an order handed down in July and will face arrest if they breach it again.
Mngxitama was also given a suspended three-month jail sentence.
The High Court has ruled that if BLF members breach the order again, they not only face arrest but will also have to pay a R100,000 fine.
It comes after the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) went back to court after BLF members disrupted an AmaBhungane public event.
The initial court order has now also been extended to prevent the BLF from intimidating, assaulting, threatening and protesting at the homes of all journalists.
The group has also been interdicted from making threatening gestures against any journalist on social media.
Sanef has welcomed the judgement, saying it’s an affirmation of the rule of law.
(Edited by Leeto M Khoza)
