A coalition of South Africa's leading media freedom organisations has warned that journalists covering the demonstrations are increasingly becoming targets of intimidation, harassment and threats.
Amid mounting fears of anti-migrant violence ahead of planned nationwide protests on 30 June, a coalition of South Africa's leading media freedom organisations has warned that journalists covering the demonstrations are increasingly becoming targets of intimidation, harassment and threats alongside the foreign nationals at the centre of the unrest.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the coalition condemned what it described as escalating attacks on migrants and growing attempts to silence journalists documenting the unfolding events.
The organisations said the situation has become increasingly volatile following recent protests and violent incidents, including the killing of 29-year-old Malawian national Mishack Banda in Pietermaritzburg on June 19.
"Recent protests and incidents of violence, including assaults and the killing of Mishack Banda, have heightened concerns about the risk of wider unrest," the coalition said.
