Johannesburg - Two Daily Sun reporters were held captive, allegedly by Economic Freedom Fighters members, during a protest in Nellmapius, Pretoria, Beeld reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the group threatened to “necklace” the men during the protest on Wednesday.
Daily Sun publisher Jeremy Gordin said the two journalists were grabbed by a group of drunk men in a place called Malemaville.
“The leader of the group is apparently an EFF leader,” he was quoted as saying.
The names of the two journalists would not be published because they fear for their lives, Gordin said.
Protesters blockaded the R104 with rocks, rubbish, and burning tyres on Wednesday.
Beeld reported that when the protesters moved down the road they took the cellphones of the two journalists who had taken photographs “without permission”.
Gordin said the group were unhappy with a report written by a female journalist, who earlier left the scene over safety fears.
One of the journalists overheard the group saying they would necklace one of the reporters to get media coverage.
In a telephonic conversation with Daily Sun management, EFF leader Julius Malema condemned the behaviour and said he would support the reporters if they laid charges, Beeld reported.
Sapa