CAPE TOWN – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Monday expressed “grave concern” at the intimidation of journalists by the Black First Land First (BLF) movement.

Some BLF members, whose group was reportedly funded by the Gupta family, marched to Peter Bruce’s house in Johannesburg last week, demanding that he stop writing about the family. 

Bruce is the editor-at-large of Tiso Blackstar, formerly Times Media which owns Times Live, and a former editor-in-chief of Business Day.

When Business Day editor Tim Cohen arrived at Bruce’s house to show his support, he was reportedly manhandled by the angry mob.

The BLF issued a statement in which it listed other white journalists whom it said were next on their target list.

WATCH: Open Democracy Advice Centre accuses BLF of violence

The list included EyeWitness News’ Stephen Grootes and Barry Bateman, amaBhungane’s Sam Sole, and News24 columnist Max du Preez.

In a statement, the SAHRC condemned threats by the BLF to protest at the homes and places of worship of members of the media.

READ: Mbalula condemns BLF attacks on journalists, promises arrests

“A free press is a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy.  Any attempt to threaten or intimidate the media is an attack on our democracy and is a violation of our Constitution,” the commission said.

“Further, section 15 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, belief and opinion. 

“As such, threats by BFLF to protest at places of worship of members of the media, is an infringement of this right.”

The SAHRC called on BLF to respect the “media’s right to operate without fear or favour, and to immediately stop intimidating and harassing journalists.”

African News Agency