Members of the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) turned their backs on ardent Jacob Zuma supporter, Carl Niehaus, when they protested against Zuma's private prosecution of News24 legal journalist, Karyn Maughan.

A group of about 40 people, led by Sanef, showed support for media freedom, saying that the case against Maughan was a blatant attack from Zuma.

As they gathered across the road from the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, Niehaus approached them and said there were constitutional considerations in Zuma's private prosecution against Maughan and senior State advocate, Billy Downer.

"Media freedom has got nothing to do with this case. You don't understand the Constitution," Niehaus said.

A swift rebuttal came from Sanef executive director Reggy Moalusi: "Carl, it (media freedom) has everything to do with it."

Moalusi told Niehaus not to speak to the group in a condescending manner.

"Engage with us on media freedom. Don't say we don't understand the Constitution. You don't want us to trade insults. You can trade insults, but we are not going to stoop to that level," Moalusi continued.

Moalusi asked Niehaus to apologise and when he refused, the Sanef members turned their backs on him. He left shortly thereafter.

Following the incident, Moalusi said the group was at the court to picket and support Maughan.

"He came to us to try to teach us about the Constitution. It was insulting and condescending and I was not having any of that. He must know his place. We are here to support our colleague."

Moalusi added that the private prosecution was an intimidation tactic from Zuma.

News24 assistant editor Pieter du Toit addressed the crowd, saying that it was an important day for media freedom.

"We act in the public interest. You do this for our reading public. Journalism is not a crime and we will not be silenced. It is important to tell the SA public what is happening in the country.

"We are resisting Zuma in court as much as we can. We will not pull Karyn off the story. Let's stand up and stand together and resist any attack on media freedom."

Maughan herself showed appreciation for the group.

"It is a hard job being a journalist, particularly a female journalist. We find ourselves being targeted in extremely misogynistic, abusive, and sexist ways. That takes a huge toll on us.

"I knew it was going to be a hard day, with things said intended to damage and hurt, not just me, but other journalists. With you standing behind me, I feel a lot stronger."

The court is hearing applications from Maughan and Downer to have Zuma's private prosecution thrown out of court.

Maughan outlined three core reasons, including the fact that Zuma did not obtain a nolle prosequi certificate against her.

A nolle prosequi certificate is a document that states the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) does not intend to prosecute someone – a requirement for a private prosecution.

Maughan also contends that Zuma is abusing the court process to intimidate, harass and bully her to prevent her from reporting on Zuma's corruption case.

She says Zuma did not suffer any injury as a result of her published piece and therefore doesn't have any legal standing.