Duduzile Zuma, the alleged originator of the riot, is now accused of instigating violence against News24 journalist Karyn Maughan. Jacob Zuma’s legal team served the reporter with a summons on Tuesday, challenging the coverage of the former president’s health difficulties.
Maughan broke the story of Msholozi’s medical issues when documents pertaining to his corruption prosecution were made public. After publication in court, the documents were deemed public knowledge. However, the Zumas are outraged by the manner in which these data were handled.
Additionally, attorney Billy Downer is a target of the prosecution. Although the law appears to be on the defendants’ side, the legal process will continue. Obviously, the South African National Editors Forum has addressed their concerns, and they are “outraged” by this response.
Duduzile ‘Dudu’ Zuma is no stranger to battling her father’s battles — she has done so for years. Image courtesy of Twitter/@DZumaSambudla
According to SANEF, this is a “clear case of intimidation” against Karyn Maughan and a “assault on press freedom.” They have vowed to support the seasoned journalist and will do anything they can to prevent uBaba and his family from silencing her.
“The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) deplores the service of summons on News24’s specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan. The summons, filed by the legal team of former president Jacob Zuma, is a clear case of intimidation meant purely to quiet Maughan.”
“As members of the media, we are aware that once court documents are filed, they become part of the public record; therefore, the most recent service of summons is uncalled for and unjustified. As this is a clear assault on the freedom of the press, SANEF will firmly back News24.” | SANEF
In the meantime, SANEF has reserved additional condemnation for Duduzile Zuma. In response to a Tweet she posted yesterday, they accuse her of ‘inciting violence’ against Maughan. The offensive message advised the senior journalist to “open comments” on her page.
Despite appearing harmless, others have alleged that Zuma’s daughter was ‘rallying supporters’ to heap on the abuse.
A tweet from Zuma’s daughter, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, that appears to advocate violence against Maughan is equally disturbing.
— SANEF (@SAEditorsForum) on 6 Sep 2022