The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi is facing mounting criticism from journalists and community media organisations over allegations of unequal treatment, inconsistent accreditation requirements and restrictions on live coverage of high-profile criminal cases.

The controversy has intensified following complaints by MDNtv and Maxelo Radio, which allege that they have encountered obstacles while covering court proceedings in Limpopo, raising questions about transparency, media access and the treatment of smaller digital and community broadcasters.

The complaints emerged during proceedings involving Lehlogonolo “Shebe” Chauke, who faces 21 counts, including attempted murder, robbery and assault, as well as the R11-million deceased-estates fraud case involving suspended Polokwane attorney Charlotte Tibana, her younger sister Rirhandzu Tibana and Jabulani Maluleke, director of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise and TMPD officer Constable Peter ‘Gagash’ Nonyane.

The controversy has now extended to the appearance of Mogalakwena Local Municipality manager Montengo Morris Maluleke, who appeared in connection with an alleged R45-million tender scandal following his arrest by the Hawks.

MDNtv alleges that it was prevented from livestreaming the municipal manager’s court appearance at the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court after the magistrate prohibited recording, livestreaming and photography during the proceedings.

In a statement published on its Facebook page, MDNtv said the restrictions followed a request by Malabi for the broadcaster to provide a certificate from the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

The broadcaster also alleged that its team had been warned that failure to moderate comments posted by followers could result in it losing permission to livestream court proceedings across Limpopo.

MDNtv said it had raised concerns about what it considers unequal treatment of newsrooms and the selective sharing of court-related information. It called on the NPA to clarify the requirements being communicated to media organisations.

Maxelo Radio, an online community radio station based in Malamulele, has on Friday also raised concerns about its treatment while covering court proceedings in Limpopo.

In a statement seen by African Times News, the station’s management, led by Mandla Mchavi, alleged that two of its journalists were ordered to leave the designated media coverage area during proceedings involving Nonyane, Tibana and their co-accused, despite the station having completed the required media application forms.

According to the station, its application indicated that it intended to operate three cameras to facilitate coverage across its digital platforms.

However, Maxelo Radio alleged that only one journalist was permitted to remain in the designated area because its three-member team was considered too large.

The station said the decision disrupted its planned coverage.

It further alleged that on Thursday, 8 October 2026, it was asked to produce a ICASA registration certificate and an ombudsman certificate, documents it says had not previously been requested during its coverage of the case.

Maxelo Radio said the developments had raised concerns about the consistency of accreditation requirements and whether community-based media organisations were being treated on an equal footing with established national broadcasters.

The station also expressed concern about the alleged selective distribution of court-related information, arguing that journalists travelling long distances to cover proceedings could be disadvantaged if information was not shared fairly.

Malabi defends her position

When contacted for comment, Malabi defended her position, saying the restrictions on livestreaming were based on instructions from the presiding magistrate.

She questioned why journalists were complaining when a magistrate had prohibited live coverage and argued that broadcasters could not adequately control public comments after publishing their content.

“They are complaining because they don’t want to comply. If the magistrate says that I don’t want you to stream live this court proceedings, why they are complaining about that?” Malabi said.

She advised the journalists to direct their complaints to the magistrate rather than to her.

“If you’ve got a complaint, send the complaint to the magistrate. Tell them that you’ve received this message,” she said.

Malabi did not provide a detailed response to the specific allegations raised by Maxelo Radio concerning the removal of two journalists from the designated coverage area despite the station’s claim that it had obtained permission to broadcast.

She also did not clarify why the additional registration and ombudsman documents were requested from the station, or whether the same requirements applied consistently to other media organisations.

Press freedom and equal access under scrutiny

The allegations have sparked a broader debate about the relationship between the courts, the NPA and media organisations covering criminal proceedings.

While magistrates may impose restrictions on courtroom recording and broadcasting, journalists argue that the requirements governing access should be communicated clearly and applied consistently.

MDNtv and Maxelo Radio have questioned why certain documents were requested from them and whether comparable requirements were imposed on other newsrooms.

Calls for clarity

Maxelo Radio has called on the NPA and relevant court authorities to clarify the rules governing media accreditation and live court coverage, and to address concerns raised by affected journalists.

The station maintains that smaller community media organisations should not be disadvantaged because they lack the resources of established national broadcasters.