By Neelam Rahim

The South African National Editors’ Forum has slammed the serving of summons on Karyn Maughan, News24’s specialist legal writer. This follows former president Jacob Zuma’s decision to launch a private prosecution against Maughan and advocate Billy Downer for alleged violations of the National Prosecuting Act. News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has thrown his full support behind Maughan.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, SANEF Executive Director Reggy Moalusi said SANEF is unequivocal in its support for Karyn and News24.

“We view this as intimidation and a bullying tactic.”

Zuma’s legal move relates to News24’s publication of details of his medical condition, which were attached to court papers – in connection with the protracted multibillion-rand arms deal court case at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court last year. Reggy stated there was no law broken in Karyn’s publishing.

According to Reggy, if documents are in our courts, it simply means they are of public record indicating anyone can access those documents.

He said any experienced journalist could attest that journalists have been going to court, accessing available documents with relevant permission, and not stealing them.

Reggy told Radio Islam that as a constitutional democracy which upholds media freedom, it is not wanted for journalists to start thinking twice when they have to do their job.

SANEF will be joining the case as an amicus to News24.

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.