Phillimon Sefake, an independent publisher with Senwabarwana Online News, is facing increasing threats and intimidation following his coverage of a court case related to an organised supermarket robbery in Indermark, Senwabarwana, Limpopo. These threats pose a serious risk to press freedom and journalist safety in South Africa – which should be condemned.
After his recent reporting on the supermarket robbery, perpetrators attempted to locate Sefake at his home. When they failed, they resorted to verbally intimidating his mother and issued disturbing threats, warning that he would suffer a disability or even death. Despite his mother reporting the threats to the Mara Police Station, no action has been taken.
The pattern of intimidation against Sefake highlights the urgent need for the SA Police Service to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Sefake has formally appealed to the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) and the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA) for intervention, calling for law enforcement action to investigate the threats and ensure his safety, legal support and increased awareness. Sefake reinforces that journalism and press freedom form the foundation of democracy and must be protected at all costs.
Journalists facing similar threats are encouraged to seek assistance from the Free Expression Legal Network, a recently launched initiative aimed at ensuring legal protection and media freedom for those at risk. Email anton@harber.co.za or call 011 530 500
