The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) says that it is alarmed by the raid on investigative journalist and author, Jacques Pauw’s home in Riebeek Kasteel in the Swartland of the Western Cape.
In a statement Sanef says, “Pauw is the author of the book ‘The President’s Keepers’, a book that uncovered explosive information about ex-President Jacob Zuma and allegation of state capture. The speculation at the moment is that rogue elements in the state security agencies are now fighting back to intimidate and harass journalists to try and close down these kinds of stories.”
Pauw said members of the Hawks linked to the Crimes Against the State Unit arrived at his home with a search warrant on February 28, 2018.
He said: “I expected a raid like this after the book was launched. I did not expect a raid like this in February 2018 after Cyril Ramaphosa became president. I think it’s rather absurd that the Hawks comes to the premises of a journalist and demand documents and have the right to search his house”
Sanef said it intends to meet with the new Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to outline its serious concerns.
See Full Statement:
SANEF CONDEMNS THE HARASSMENT OF JACQUES PAUW by Okuhle Magcaba
