On 19 September 2023, journalist Lerato Mutsila was forcibly expelled from Standard Bank in Johannesburg by security personnel while covering the Extinction Rebellion protest at the bank’s headquarters. Ms. Mutsila asserted that she had identified herself as a member of the media, but her attempts to do so were allegedly ignored and photos were deleted from her camera. She said that she faced intimidation and physical aggression.

A charge of assault and unlawful deprivation of property was filed with the South African Police Service (SAPS) by the journalist in response to this incident.

Standard Bank issued an apology to the Daily Maverick and Lerato Mutsila on 22 September 2023.