SABC crew still traumatised after robbery: News GE

The SABC’s Group Executive for News and Current Affairs Phathiswa Magopeni says the broadcaster’s news crew that had been robbed at gunpoint while covering protests in Alexandra north of Johannesburg are still traumatised.

She says this is harassment of journalists trying to do their work. The situation has remained volatile in many parts of Johannesburg as sporadic protests and the looting of stores continue. It’s believed that the protesters are pro-Zuma supporters calling for his release from prison.

SABC News GE gives an update on the robbery:

Magopeni has called on communities to protect journalists.

“They are visibly shaken and traumatised and we have had to ask our SABC wellness center to do a debriefing with them and ensure that they get proper counselling. They are shaken by the robbery at gunpoint. From what I understand and what has been presented to the police station on the account of the incident, the video journalist Gqabi Njokweni had a gun pointed at him and Nathasha [Phiri] had to force herself out of the car.”

Looting and violence in Johannesburg CBD

Motorists are advised to avoid the Johannesburg CBD due to the ongoing violent protests. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department says the situation is volatile at the moment as protestors are looting shops and liquor outlets. Several other areas are also affected by sporadic protests including Malvern, Jeppestown, Denver, Wynburg and Alexandra.

JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar, “Motorists are advised to avoid the Johannesburg CBD at the moment due to violent protests. Protestors are looting shops and bottle stores and are causing major obstructions on the roads of Lillian Ngoyi, Commissioner Street, Raheem Moosa street, the N1 north and south is also blocked at the R28 near the Sebokeng off-ramp. Motorists should use alternate routes. There are rocks and boulders on the N1 freeway.”