The threats came after Malema posted Brown’s cellphone number on his Twitter account recently without her consent.

Brown earlier approached the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) seeking intervention against Malema and his political party.

She also opened a case of intimidation against the EFF and its leaders at the Rosebank police station in Johannesburg.

EWN reported on Friday that the veteran journalist has approached the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, seeking action against Malema.

It said that Brown had asked the court to rule that the EFF had contravened parts of the Electoral Act, to make an order for the party to issue on apology to her on its Twitter page, and for the organisation to pay a fine of R100 000.

She added in the court papers that it was not about winning, but about making a bold statement.

Last week, IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said their attorney, who was dealing with the investigation into Brown’s complaint, had contacted the red berets, News24 reported.

“Principles of natural justice demand that we give the person against whom an allegation is made an opportunity to hear his side of the story. The EFF has requested more time to consider their response,” Mamabolo told journalists at a media briefing last Thursday.

He said the commission would analyse the matter once the report was complete.

According to the IEC’s Handbook on Electoral Offences, all registered parties are bound by the Electoral Code of Conduct and have to instruct their candidates, political office bearers, members and supporters to comply with the code and any applicable electoral laws.

The code makes provision for the role of the media, and parties have to ensure journalists “are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, hazard, threat or physical assault by any of their representatives or supporters”.

Under prohibited conduct, it states that no party may use language or act in a way to provoke violence during an election.

Earlier in March, Brown seemingly mistakenly posted an editorial brief in an EFF media WhatsApp group after the party posted an invitation to an EFF “Breakfast With The Elderly” function, News24 reported.

Brown responded: “Keep an eye out for this. Who are these elders. Are they all male and how are they chosen. Keep watching brief,” News24 previously reported.

Malema then tweeted a screenshot of the message, accusing her of “sending moles” to the event. Her cellphone number was visible in the screenshot.

Brown said she received rape threats from, and was intimidated by, EFF supporters after Malema’s tweet.

Malema later apologised for his actions during a news conference.

DM