SABC journalist suspended over cash-for-information claim linked to Madlanga Commission

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has placed senior journalist Natasha Phiri on a precautionary suspension following revelations at the Madlanga Commission. It is alleged that Sgt Fannie Nkosi paid R500 to Ms Phiri after she provided him with the contact number for blogger Musa Khawula. The suspension will remain in place while the matter is investigated, with the SABC emphasising its commitment to trust, respect and integrity in staff interactions.

Introduction

The SABC has suspended journalist Natasha Phiri on a precautionary basis after testimony at the Madlanga Commission suggested a possible improper financial interaction involving a police sergeant and the sharing of a blogger’s contact details. The organisation stated the move is to uphold its values while it conducts an internal investigation.

Detailed list

• Subject: Natasha Phiri, senior journalist at the SABC
• Action: Precautionary suspension by the SABC
• Reason: Revelations at the Madlanga Commission about an incident involving payment to Phiri and sharing of a blogger’s contact details
• Individual involved: Sgt Fannie Nkosi
• Amount alleged: R500 paid to Natasha Phiri
• Blogger mentioned: Musa Khawula
• Context: Testimony heard at the Madlanga Commission
• Statement from SABC: The matter is serious and staff should uphold values of trust, respect and integrity
• Current status: Phiri on precautionary suspension pending investigation
• Source of information: Coverage by Limpopo Chronicle citing the Madlanga Commission proceedings, with a social media post link
• Publications involved: SABC, Lim Chronicle; context of reporting on misconduct investigations
• Additional note: The story is part of ongoing coverage of the Madlanga Commission revelations

Simple summary of the story

The SABC has placed Natasha Phiri, a senior journalist, on precautionary suspension after revelations at the Madlanga Commission. It is alleged that Sgt Fannie Nkosi paid R500 to Phiri after she gave him the contact number for blogger Musa Khawula. The suspension will stay in place while an internal investigation proceeds, with the SABC stressing that it expects staff to uphold values of trust, respect and integrity. The report summarises the commission’s testimony and links to the original social media post where the information was shared, and notes the story is part of ongoing reporting on the Madlanga Commission.

Frequently asked questions

• What happened to Natasha Phiri?
  She was placed on precautionary suspension by the SABC while it investigates allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission proceedings.
• Who is alleged to have paid Phiri?
  Sgt Fannie Nkosi is reported to have paid R500 to Phiri according to the commission’s revelations.
• Why was the payment made, according to the report?
  The report states the payment followed Phiri sharing the contact number for blogger Musa Khawula with Nkosi.
• What is the Madlanga Commission?
  It is a commission referenced in the news report; the specific context relates to its proceedings and revelations discussed during its hearings.
• What does the SABC say about the suspension?
  The SABC says the matter is serious and staff should uphold the corporation’s values of trust, respect and integrity; the suspension is precautionary pending investigation.
• Where can I read more about similar stories?
  More stories like this can be found at City of Thohoyandou News.
• Where is the original social media post mentioned in the report?
  You can view the live link to the source post at Lim Chronicle on X.

Source and further reading

Story provided by Lim Chronicle on X.

For more stories like this, visit City of Thohoyandou News.