A Mpumalanga News journalist was intimidated and harassed by committee members of Mama Esther’s safe haven, the Msholozi Christian Network (MCN) on Tuesday afternoon.
The journalist’s cellphone was grabbed from her and all recordings on it were deleted by a lady from the centre known as Zodwa.
The journalist was interviewing locals around the centre about their views on the court ruling that it must close its doors at the end of the month.
ALSO READ:WATCH: More details revealed on Mama Esther’s Haven rape horror
“Who sent you here? Go and tell them you are tired of working for them. They are selling you out and you can be killed anytime,’’ said one, Angel, a government official from the Department of Agriculture.
She even forced the journalist to reveal the source who informed her about the community meeting that was supposed to be held on the day, but was postponed till Wednesday.
There was a large group of boys who came closer and on hearing that the journalist lived in the area, threatened that they would evict her from the area or even kill her.
ALSO READ:Court orders Mama Esther’s Safe Haven to close down
Mama Esther, in person, blamed journalists and media houses for tarnishing her good image adding she never received any donations from them.
“I have never received a cent from government nor Mpumalanga News and Lowvelder. I now demand donations from them,” she said.
Some members of the MCN committee said: “The community is very angry about the whole situation and they can even kill anyone who seems to be against Mama Esther.”
Others threatened the journalist calling her names and said journalists must refrain from reporting stories about the centre if they want to be safe.
“Mama Esther is not going anywhere, she is doing a good job for the poor kids. Where should they go?” they asked.
This comes after the recent decision of the Gauteng High Court division seated in Mbombela on January 29 which states that Nkosi and everyone operating at the Mpumalanga Christian Network must cease operating at the centre on or before February 28.
Advocate J Jacobs, the centre’s lawyer said they were ready to appeal the court’s decision.
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