A group of Namibian journalists from an array of media houses have jointly condemned what they term "the constant muzzling of journalists’ freedoms and rights to practice their trade without undue influence". Recently, Namibian journalists endured intimidation, manhandling by police and state security as well as verbal attacks by politicians. The latest is an incident where a journalist from the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Edward Mumbuu, was castigated by President Hage Geingob before his employer attempted to reprimand him. At a press conference where the president gave an update on COVID-19, the journalist requested permission to ask questions not related to the topic. He asked whether the president was going to distance himself from his personal lawyer, Sisa Namandje, who is currently opposing attempts by the Law Society of Namibia to investigate trust funds under his care. It is believed that Namandje might be involved in the Fishrot corruption scandal. The president lashed out at the journalist, calling him a disparager. The management of NAMPA has since distanced itself from Mumbuu and his questions. A leaked communiqué in which an editor of the agency distanced themselves from the journalist’s conduct is making rounds on social media. This action by NAMPA did not sit well with journalists across the country who have since crafted a letter in defence of the profession and media freedom. Charmaine Ngatjiheue, a concerned journalist said, "the president always speaks about press freedom and how he is a friend of the media but one wonders whether Namibia really appreciates its journalists and whether we really support press freedom and do we really deserve the ranking we got in terms of press freedom?" Journalists say incidents of harassment confirm allegations that state-owned media continue to be controlled by politicians to advance their personal interests, thereby suppressing the mandate of these outlets, which is to advance the voices of the voiceless. Media practitioners believe it is the prerogative of newsroom managers to stand up and protect staff members instead of leaving them exposed to intimidation and threats, if media is to succeed in its role of holding Government accountable. Contacted for comment, the CEO of NAMPA, Linus Chata said he is yet to understand both sides of the story but was quick to point out that as much as NAMPA subscribes to the freedom of press, the agency is not anti-government. Chata said, "we shall always defend our managers if they make a decision to defend our policies. We are not antagonistic to Government and we will not want to appear like we are putting pressure on Government. We are not here to please the audience." Namibia is ranked number one in press freedom in Africa, but the journalists say this ranking could be misplaced as the practice on the ground tells another story. The journalists will share the letter with local and international civic and human rights organisations and press freedom advocacy groups such as Reporters Without Borders.