REPORTERS SILENCED OP-ED: Protection orders are being repurposed as gag orders across SA (opens original article in a new tab)

In South Africa, protection orders under the Protection from Harassment Act are being misused by powerful individuals and officials to silence journalists, disrupt investigations, and suppress public interest reporting, raising concerns about press freedom and the act's original intent.

• Powerful individuals and public officials in South Africa are using protection orders to silence journalists and disrupt investigations.
• The Protection from Harassment Act, originally meant for victims of harassment, is being repurposed to gag reporters and whistleblowers.
• Courts have allowed protection orders against journalists for standard practices like requesting comments, limiting press freedom and chilling investigative reporting.