South Africa: Two women journalists attacked while covering protests by farmers

October 16, 2020, Seneka, South Africa -- The Citizen newspaper’s photographer Tracy Lee Stark and reporter Marizka Coetzer were attacked and impeded at work on October 6 while covering protests in Seneka town initiated by the farmers. 

The journalists were covering the peaceful protests against the murder of 22-year-old farmer Brendin Horner. Horner’s body was discovered hanging from a pole, with his face and head badly injured which sparked rightful anger amongst the community. 

However the anger was soon directed to civilians and journalists. A group of protestors moved in and around the court and tried to gain access to the holding cells where the two suspects of murder were being held. Pieces of steel from burglar bars were ripped off and banged against a window in an attempt to get to the suspects according to The Citizen. It was around then, when the journalists followed the crowd that they were assaulted. Marizka was threatened and had profanities hurled at her. Moments later one of the farmers marched up to her, grabbed the cellphone from her front jacket pocket and snapped it in half before tossing it on the floor while Tracy Lee was also impeded at work as the protesters tried to confiscate and damage her camera.

Tracy Lee spoke to her network of the incident: “… they requested that no photographs be taken, when I refused the request speaking English, one farmer called me a ‘liberal bitch’ and I was physically assaulted while my camera was grabbed”. The journalists were pushed around and threatened with damage to their equipment. As the crowd got more and more violent they decided to leave the area for their safety. 

Tracy also spoke to CPJ and said she will continue to cover events. “I am a woman photographer and I have a point to prove” she said.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism applauds the determination of Tracy and Marizka to continue their profession despite threats and attacks. Political turmoil and racial injustice in South Africa often causes violent scenes during protests. In July this year News24 reporter Jenni Evans was attacked on the ground in a similar manner when she was covering protests by indigineous land protectors. Fair reporting however is for the benefit of the whole society. We call upon all those who are searching for justice to stop taking their anger out of journalists and urge Cape Town to ensure safety of women journalists who are often in the front lines of demonstrations.