SANEF Condemns SAPS’ Heavy-Handed Actions Leading to Journalist Injury
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) strongly condemns the heavy-handed and insensitive actions of the South African Police Service (SAPS) during a protest in Westbury, which resulted in journalist Ms. Julia Evans being wounded by a rubber bullet on Wednesday.
Evans, a reporter for the Daily Maverick, was on the scene documenting the concerns of community members, many of whom were struggling with severe water shortages. In an alarming turn of events, SAPS deployed a flashbang and began firing rubber bullets allegedly without any prior warning, putting the lives of residents, demonstrators, and journalists alike at risk.
According to Evans’ first-hand account, she experienced the chaotic and dangerous aftermath of this police action as she was caught in the crossfire, sustaining an injury to her leg. This incident underscores a disturbing pattern of excessive force used by law enforcement in situations involving civilians and journalists exercising their right to do their job of reporting.
SANEF is particularly concerned about the lack of communication and the violation of the rights of individuals, both residents and members of the press, who were present at the protest. Evans’ experience is a stark reminder of the critical need for police to prioritise de-escalation strategies and to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially those exercising their right to free speech.
Furthermore, it is vital for the media to highlight these issues, and we must defend the rights of journalists who strive to keep the public informed.
SANEF calls on SAPS to investigate this incident thoroughly and to implement measures to prevent the recurrence of similar situations in the future and vigilantly uphold the principles of democracy and press freedom.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
