Public Interest SA Condemns Attempt to Silence Investigative Journalism

Johannesburg, Thursday, 12 March 2026 – Public Interest SA expresses grave concern regarding the urgent court application brought by Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza against investigative journalists and News24. The application, which seeks to interdict further reporting and compel journalists to disclose their sources, bears the hallmarks of a Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) tactic designed to intimidate and silence the press and whistleblowers.

At a time when the families of slain victims – including the family of the late City of Ekurhuleni auditor, Mpho Mafole – continue to seek justice and closure following his assassination, the Mayor’s resort to litigation against those who are shedding light on potential wrongdoing is deeply troubling. These families deserve answers, accountability, and the full weight of the law in pursuit of those responsible for these heinous crimes.

Rather than directing resources and energy towards legal action against journalists, Mayor Xhakaza, as the metro’s first citizen, should be doing everything within his power to assist law enforcement authorities in their efforts to uncover the truth behind these murders. The public expects leadership, transparency, and cooperation from those entrusted with public office – particularly in a metropolitan municipality that has become synonymous with politically linked violence and assassinations.

Equally disturbing is the demand that journalists reveal their confidential sources. Such a demand is not only preposterous but fundamentally undermines one of the core pillars of investigative journalism: the protection of sources. In a city where individuals who expose corruption and criminal networks frequently face intimidation, violence, and assassination, compelling journalists to disclose their sources would place those individuals in grave danger.

"Freedom of the press is not a privilege granted at the convenience of public officials; it is a constitutional safeguard essential to democracy and accountability. Attempts to weaponise the courts to intimidate journalists and suppress legitimate reporting must be firmly rejected," says Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.

Public Interest SA remains confident that the court will dismiss this application and, in doing so, issue a clear and unequivocal warning against the abuse of judicial processes by public figures seeking to shield themselves from scrutiny. The courts must guard against the misuse of litigation as a tool to stifle public participation, investigative reporting, and the exposure of potential corruption.

The pursuit of truth and justice for the victims of these crimes must remain paramount.

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Issued by: Public Interest SA

📸 Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 Images: OJ Koloti/Gallo Images