SABC staffers threatened

Sunday World yesterday reported that weather presenter Tshidi Diphoko was robbed at gun point in Braamfontein last week. Two senior political reporters, Miranda Strydom and Sophie Mokoena, have also been threatened with murder.

The newspaper writes that an unknown person claiming to be responsible for Diphoko's armed robbery sent an email apologising to her saying that she had been mistaken for Mokoena.

"Cowardly act"

“The SABC is concerned about the attack on one of weather news presenters Tshidi Diphoko and we condemn this cowardly act with the contempt that it deserves,” said SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

The sender then sent another email to Mokoena and Strydom, informing them that they are going to be killed.

“The corporation is also aware of death threats against some of its employees. These death threats have been reported to the police because we regard them as serious, even though at times such threats are hoaxes.

“The SABC will continue to monitor this situation as the safety of our employees is of utmost importance, and should anything happen to any employee who is being threatened, we will ensure, with the help of the police, that the perpetrators are brought to book,” added Kanyago.

Media, judiciary keep government in check

The South African Chief Justice Pius Langa has been quoted as saying that the media must benefit the society and that the judiciary must jealously protect the media. The Sowetan and Mail & Guardian Online report that the chief justice, speaking as a key note speaker at a joint breakfast meeting by South African National Editors Forum and Durban University of Technology, warned that while the country had left behind “the evils of apartheid” there was still much to be done in building democracy.

Not renewed

The management of Lesedi FM has not renewed DJ Twasa' contact, reports Sunday World. Today is D Day for renewal of DJs contracts ahead of the much-anticipated 1 April, when the remaining major radio stations unveil their latest offerings and re-launching

For more:

• Sunday World: target=_blank>We're gonna kill Miranda and Sophie
  
• Sowetan: target=_blank>‘Media must benefit society'
  
• M&G Online: Langa: Judiciary should 'jealously protect' the media
  
• Sunday World: Fly-girl Twasa sings the blues – Counting on tomorrow