afrol News, 4 April - South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) on Friday condemned alleged death threats made against their colleagues at South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

In a statement, "SANEF condemns the attack on the SABC 2 weather presenter Tshidi Diphoko and the death threats against SABC political reporters Miranda Strydom and Sophie Mokoena."

Diphoko was reported to have been pistol-whipped, robbed and held at gunpoint by two men in Braamfontein on 22 March. The attackers went away with Diphoko's valuables, leaving her with trauma.

Few days later, 'Sunday World' writer Ngwako Malatji received an email from an unknown source claiming responsibility for the attack. But the mail also apologised that Diphoko's attack was a mistake. Instead Miranda Strydom and Sophie Mokoena were the targets.

"Sorry to Tshidi we mistaken her to Sophie Mokoena and Miranda Strydom (whom) we gonna kill," an extract of the anonymous mail reads.

The SABC took the threats very seriously and have lodged a complaint with the police.

SANEF is "deeply concerned" about the safety of journalists in South Africa who have become targets of violent attacks for reporting their activities. Police have been asked to do all they can to track down suspects.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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