South Africa: Jessica Bobo and Colleague Attacked While Covering Story in Eastern Cape
Bobo attacked while trying to help camera operator Sbu Maingo from assault
Location: South Africa, Eastern Cape
Date: October 30, 2023
Women Press Freedom and the Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply appalled and gravely concerned by the vicious assault on Jessica Bobo and Sbu Maingo of Mpuma Kapa TV (MPKTV) while they were covering a story in Airport Valley, Walmer. This brutal attack, which occurred as they reported on the alleged hijacking of RDP houses, is a stark reminder of the escalating dangers journalists face in volatile environments. The absence of police awareness and subsequent comment on this incident further emphasizes the systemic issues that undermine journalist safety and press freedom in South Africa. We stand in solidarity with Jessica Bobo and Sbu Maingo and call for enhanced protections for journalists. It is imperative that authorities recognize the critical role of the press in democratic societies and take immediate, concrete actions to ensure the safety of journalists.
A news crew from Mpuma Kapa TV (MPKTV) was viciously assaulted while covering a story at Airport Valley in Walmer. The assault targeted MPKTV reporter Jessica Bobo and camera operator Sbu Maingo as they covered a story about the alleged hijacking of RDP houses in the area.
According to witnesses, a group of individuals accused of the hijacking turned hostile, demanding that Maingo stop recording. Despite Maingo's attempt to hand the camera over to Bobo, the group attacked him, throwing him against a fence and inflicting injuries to his face, ribs, and neck.
Bobo, who tried to seek assistance for her colleague, was also attacked by the group. Maingo, who had continued to film the protests despite initial aggression, was beaten by six residents using fists, sticks, and wooden planks. When he passed the camera to Bobo, and she sought help, some protesters began hitting her with sticks. The situation was de-escalated only when other community members intervened.
“I couldn’t see much, but I heard some other community members screaming and telling them to stop attacking me,” says Maingo.
Bobo was not injured in the incident, but Maingo sustained severe tissue damage and has been recovering at home on his doctor's orders. He has not returned to work for a week.
Despite the severity of the assault, Maingo stated he does not plan to file a report with the police. Eastern Cape Brigadier police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu says was not aware of the assault and, therefore, could not comment on the matter.
The South African editors forum (SANEF) has expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the dangers journalists face while fulfilling their professional duties. The organization has called for greater protection for journalists in volatile environments to ensure their safety and uphold press freedom.
Women Press Freedom and the Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemn the vicious assault on MPKTV reporter Jessica Bobo and camera operator Sbu Maingo. It is deeply troubling that the Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Priscilla Naidu, was unaware of the assault, pointing to a significant gap in the responsiveness and protection mechanisms for journalists. This incident calls for immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of journalists in South Africa
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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