An attack on a journalist for doing their job is an attack on our democracy

Dear Editor

The DA condemns, in the strongest terms, a calculated attack on another SABC 8 journalist who was shot with a pellet gun at the end of last year.

The journalist, Suna Venter, was attacked shortly after submitting a statement to the Ad Hoc Committee on the SABC inquiry.

Ms Venter initially believed that she had been hit with a heavy object, however, when the wound did not heal, surgery was performed and two pellets from a pellet gun were removed from the wound.

When she reported the attack to SAPS, she was informed by the investigating officer that the modus operandi differed greatly from that of a mugging or hi-jacking. Thus, they were adding the attack to the larger dossier of intimidation against the SABC 8.

An attack on a journalist for doing their job is an attack on our democracy and demands swift action from SAPS.

The DA is pleased that the Ad Hoc committee has agreed for the National Police Commissioner to be summoned to Parliament to provide an update on investigations.

The perpetrators must be brought to book so all journalists and, specifically, those who have provided invaluable testimony about the rot at the public broadcaster, are kept safe.

Regards

Phumzile Van Damme MP
DA Shadow Minister of Communications