MBABANE:The persecution of journalists Thembeka Gamedze, Swati NewsWeek editor Eugene Dube and Swazi Observer’s Wonder Dlamini featured prominently in a report released by the Media Institute for Southern Africa(MISA).
The report with regards to the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa was supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and compiled by a team of seasoned journalists from various countries in Southern Africa.
The journalists who compiled the report include Zweli Martin Dlamini(eSwatini),Andre Mussamo and Dércio Tsandzana(Angola),Queen Mosarwe(Botswana),Lekhetho Ntsukunyane(Lesotho) among others.
“Attacks against journalists by State security agents intensified following protests against the government erupted in June 2021 while others were threatened with arrests.A number of journalists were caught in the crossfire as police used force to put down the protests, including shooting of live ammunition.One of the journalists, Wonder Dlamini from the State owned Eswatini Observer was injured when he was hit by a teargas canister while covering protests in Siteki in their eastern part of the country.Dlamini was treated for his injuries and was left traumatised by the incident,” reads part of the report.
Independent journalist Thembeka Gamedze with women rights activist Nontobeko Mbuyane.