CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has disclosed receiving a series of racist and threatening messages following his recent report that fact-checked claims of “white genocide” in South Africa.
In his CNN segment, Madowo addressed assertions made by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump had reiterated controversial and widely debunked claims of targeted violence against white farmers in South Africa. Madowo’s report highlighted that between April and December 2024, South Africa recorded nearly 20,000 murders, with only 36 being farm-related and seven involving white farmers, challenging the narrative of racially motivated attacks against white South Africans.
Following the broadcast, Madowo shared on social media that he received emails containing racial slurs and threats. One email urged him to end his life and included derogatory language. Madowo noted that the sender created a new email address specifically to send the message, remarking, “I admire the commitment.”
This is not the first time Madowo has faced such threats. In June 2024, after covering anti-Finance Bill protests in Kenya, he received messages warning him that his “days are numbered.” which he remained resolute and asserted, “I am unbwogable,” a Kenyan slang term meaning unshaken.
Madowo’s experiences underscore the risks journalists face when challenging misinformation and highlight the importance of press freedom.
