SABC's controversial decision not to cover public protests apparently took a twist yesterday with the suspension of one of its line managers for questioning the stance.

Sowetan has learnt that Thandeka Gqubule, the head of SABC's economic news desk, was suspended after she wrote an email to her boss Jimi Matthews raising concerns about the decision not to cover the Tshwane uprisings comprehensively.

The Tshwane protests, which trended on social media for the past three days, were characterised by the burning and looting of property which resulted in at least five people dead and more than 200 arrested.

The unrest came after the ruling ANC announced Thoko Didiza as its mayoral candidate for Tshwane. Attempts to solicit comment from Gqubule yesterday were unsuccessful.

"She has been suspended for failing to follow the instructions as per the new editorial code," said a source at the SABC.

The source said staff members have also sought legal advice to take the SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng to the Constitutional Court for barring journalists from reporting on violent protests.

"It was agreed three weeks ago that journalists should find a legal [way] of challenging the withdrawal of freedom of expression from our news coverage.

"The journalists feel the matter should be challenged at the Constitutional Court," said the source.

The suspension, according to Media Workers Association of SA's general secretary Tuwani Gumani, follows the recent dismissal of Jabulani Mabaso, who was human resources head at the public broadcaster.

Gumani said he heard Mabaso was dismissed for non declaration of interest.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago declined to comment on what he termed internal issues.

"We deal with our employees directly. We do not want to have a disciplinary hearing in the media," he told Sowetan yesterday.