Limpopo NPA Spokesperson Faces Accused Of Unequal Media Treatment Over Court Coverage
Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi has come under scrutiny following accusations of unequal treatment of local media houses covering court proceedings in the province.
The concerns centre on an alleged demand for Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) certificates from MDNTV and other local media houses, while SABC, Daily Sun and Jacaranda FM were allegedly not subjected to the same requirement.
On Thursday, 8 October 2026, the affected media houses were reportedly given an ultimatum to produce the certificates or risk being prohibited from livestreaming court proceedings.
The demand allegedly followed concerns raised by Malabi that some MDNTV followers had directed abusive comments at Polokwane Magistrate Geoffrey Netshiozwi during proceedings involving suspended attorney Charlotte Tibana and her husband, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) constable Peter Nonyane, also known as “Gagash”.
The media houses have also raised concerns about the distribution of information regarding court appearances. They allege that some outlets receive updates directly, sometimes late at night, while others are left out of the media WhatsApp group used to share information.
According to the affected media houses, this practice can disadvantage journalists, particularly those based outside Polokwane, by leaving them with limited time to arrange transport and attend court proceedings.
Today!, Friday, 9 October 2026, MDNTV, Mokgalakwena Local Newspaper and Mokgalakwena TV were instructed not to livestream or take photographs during proceedings at the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court in the fraud and corruption case involving the Mogalakwena Local Municipality manager, who was arrested by the Hawks.
The latest incident has added to concerns among local media practitioners about their access to court proceedings and whether the requirements imposed on different media organisations are being applied consistently.
The allegations raise broader questions about transparency, equal treatment of media houses and journalists’ ability to report