sanctions.(5) PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS The publication of false news in its various forms has become a common feature of the media landscape. In response, States have adopted legal and other approaches to curb this information disorder. Some of the counterterrorism, cybercrime or computer crime legislations that have been introduced across the region provide for the publication of false information. In Lesotho, the Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act has provisions that criminalise publication of fake news, with a punishment of a fine or imprisonment. It is critical for journalists to check to ensure the credibility of what they publish. In addition there has to be a balance between the protection of freedom of expression and stifling the proliferation of false news. Mozambique’s law on counter terrorism also criminalises publication of false news related to counterterrorism. With the vague formulation, it places a wide discretion on State authorities to determine what could be published, which potentially restricts free speech. Human rights approaches should be adopted to address the information disorder that undermines the quality of news that the public consume from the media. ARRESTS AND SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS The safety of journalists is generally not guaranteed even in countries that are ranked poorly in terms of freedom of expression. In November 2022, the International Press Institute (IPI) identified Zimbabwe as having the largest number of press freedom violations (at least 12) in sub-Saharan Africa.(6) Some of the identified journalists were subjected to physical assault. In Angola, under the current dispensation of President João Lourenço, there are reports of victimisation of journalists, particularly for criticising the president. Ultimately, journalists resort to selfcensorship to avoid harassment. In Malawi, the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), well known for covering stories on corruption, became the target of harassment by law enforcement agents and website hacking(7). In March 2022, Gregory Gondwe, an investigative journalist and managing director of the PIJ, was arrested for publishing a story about the country’s Attorney General (AG), Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, focusing on the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB).(8) Their computers and mobile phones were confiscated in addition to being compelled to reveal confidential sources. The essence of the matter was that the PIJ’s story was “based on a leaked legal opinion” of the AG to the ACB. The AG pointed out that: “While we espouse free speech tenets and rights of the press, it is irresponsible to leak my legal opinion on a sensitive matter like this one. I take great exception and I will be taking legal steps against whoever is involved in this kind of conduct.”(9) There is also a notable growing trend of harassment of female journalists, mainly from members of the public and political figures generally and on online platforms. The South African case of Karyn Maughan, a journalist, is a classic example. The former president, Jacob Zuma is privately prosecuting Maughan as of October 2022. In the case, Maughan is accused of disclosing the former president’s medical records. The harassment impacts the professional and personal lives of female journalists. An example of online harassment involves another South African female journalist, Julia Madibogo, whose cell phone number was publicly shared on social media by an influencer, Faith Nketsi, in April 2022 following Madobogo’s request for a comment on Nketsi’s wedding.(10) In another incident, in a tweet, Maughan was referred to as a “dog” that needs to be kicked harder by Carl Niehaus, a Zuma apologist, in reaction to her comments on the case of the public protector’s fitness for office that is under parliamentary enquiry.(11) Regarding the protection of female journalists, according to principle 20(6) of the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of 19