14 November 2012
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is gravely concerned about reports it has received that two journalists were injured while they were covering farm-worker protests in the Western Cape.
This morning Mandla Mnyakama, a photographer from the Daily Sun, was allegedly shot in the back with a rubber bullet by police whilst covering unrest near Robertson in the Western Cape.
Journalists on the scene have confirmed the incident.
Mnyakama was hurt but has made it clear to us that his primary concern was the treatment he received from the police while doing his duty in an effort to inform the public about a story of critical importance.
During the same protest, Lulama Zenzile, a photographer at Die Burger, was injured while standing 20 yards from the police. He was taken to a clinic, and after X-rays confirmed that his nose was not broken, he was discharged.
Sanef is seeking further information about these incidents.
We have as yet received no official response from police despite enquiries.
Issued by SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef)