Statement on Intimidation of Photojournalist

10 April 2017
STATEMENT ON INTIMIDATION OF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has received a report of intimidation of freelance photojournalist Jacob Mawela by security details of Gauteng Member of Executive Council, Lebogang Maile. According to Mawela, he was covering the Township Entrepreneurship Awards at Carnival City on Saturday 8th April when he was accosted by the security details for having trained his camera on the MEC. He was ordered to either pack his photographic equipment or be physically removed from the venue.

We are perturbed by the rising numbers of cases of intimidation and attacks on journalists especially in the context of both political and service delivery protests.

We would like to appeal to government, political parties and society at large, to remember that journalists need to be able to do their work without fear or favour as set out in Section 16 of the constitution.

For Inquiries:

SANEF Secretary – Reggy Moalusi – 071 682 3695

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