AN angry mob brutally attacked two journalists of The Citizen newspaper and two anti-mining activists at the Xolobeni mining project sand dune near Bizana.
The two journalists, Nigel Sibanda and Simnikiwe Hlatshaneni, had been returning from the funeral of slain anti-mining activist, Sikhosiphi Bazooka Rhadebe, when they decided to take photographs of the sand dune as part of their story.
“They came down carrying knobkerries, spades and rocks,” said Nigel. “When we saw that they were going to attack us, we ran in different directions. I was eventually trapped and badly beaten up. All they were asking was who sent us and why we were there? They said they were not letting me go until I told the truth, giving me no chance to answer.”
It is alleged that the man who started the attack, ordered the mob to tie Nigel up while he was going to find the other reporter and anti-mining activist. The reporter asked them what he had done wrong and tried to explain why they were there. “I pleaded with them not to kill me, I thought I was going to die. I believe God has given me a second chance of life.”
The mob proceeded to find Simnikiwe, who ran and locked herself in the car. “They demanded that she open the door or they would stone her to death. The police arrived on the scene and asked her to step out of the vehicle.”
Photo Credit : Michel Bega, The Citizen
The mob allegedly attacked her in front of police and took their cellphones, notepads and camera. Nigel and one of the anti-mining activists were taken to hospital after the incident.
The Citizen editor, Steven Motale, said he was outraged by the brutal attack on journalists who were simply doing their job. “The harassment and violence against journalists is a deplorable act that has no place in any democracy. We are also appalled by the conduct of the police who were at the scene during the attacks.”
Eastern Cape police spokesman Sibongile Soci confirmed that an assault and robbery case had been opened, but denied Mr Motale’s claims. “Allegations that SAPS members attacked the two, watched while they were attacked and took away their equipment are not true,” she said.
“It’s shocking to hear Ms Soci saying police did not witness these attacks nor did they take the equipment. The very same police who have denied taking the equipment have called to say they will be bringing it to the hospital today,” said Nigel.
No arrests have been made.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), executive director Mathatha Tsedu said in a statement on Monday that the forum was concerned by: “What appears to be patent disregard of the SAPS members’ duty of protecting all members of the public, including journalists.”
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