SABC suspends journalist over Madlanga commission revelations

The SABC has placed senior Journalist Natasha Phiri on a precautionary suspension following revelations at the Madlanga Commission.

**PUBLIC NOTICE**

The Commission heard on Monday that Sgt Fannie Nkosi paid an amount of R500 to Ms Phiri after she had sent him the contact number for blogger Musa Khawula.

ALSO READ: Madlanga commission begins with its hearings

Nkosi told the commission he paid Phiri as a ‘token of appreciation’ after she provided the phone number of social commentator Musa Khawula. The payment reportedly took place in November 2024.

Last week, Nkosi denied under oath at the Commission that he paid Phiri for Khawula’s contact details.

When pressed for more information, Nkosi told the commissioners that he needed more time to confirm details of WhatsApp conversations between him and Phiri, until he also confirmed the payment.

ALSO READ: SANDF members arrested for corruption

In a statement issued on Monday, the public Broadcaster says Ms Phiri will be on a precautionary suspension while the matter is being investigated.

“The SABC views this matter in a serious light and has placed Ms Natasha Phiri on a precautionary suspension while the matter is being investigated,” said head of communication Mmoni Ngubane.

“The SABC always encourages its staff members to uphold the corporation’s values of trust, respect and integrity in all their interactions.”