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SANEF condemns the shooting of Wits student journalists by the police   

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the callous shooting of female Student Journalists from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) by members of the South African Police Service while they were recording the student protests over the financial exclusion of some students. We also condemn the shooting of an innocent man.

SANEF has learnt with sadness barely two days after the world commemorated International Women’s Day, Ms Nondumiso Lehutso and Ms Aphelele Buqwana were ordered by the police to run and leave the scene only to be shot and injured by the same police officer. The students were reporting for VowFM and Wits Vuvuzela.

“We were standing in front of the crowd between the SAPS members and the students, video recording the event with other journalists including the SABC team. An officer instructed us to run away from the scene. We noted shooting was about to take place and we should get away. We ran towards our Arts faculty building but someone closed the doors before we could get inside. I turned and the same officer that ordered us to run point his rifle towards us and he fired. I was hit twice in my thigh and butt cheeks,” Lehutso said.

Buqwana told a similar story of the police officer that ordered then to run but ended up shooting at them.  She insisted that the officers noted they were working and had the camera equipment with them but still shot at them. She said she was shot in the left thigh and was treated at the university’s health unit even though one of the journalists in the groups they were with did shout out saying “we are journalists”. The two student journalists waiting for hours for the ambulance to be transported to a hospital because their wounds were deep and needed medical attention. The students were later moved to Milpark Hospital from Wits Campus Health.

SANEF calls on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the National Police Commissioner to investigate the brutality of these SAPS officers who endangered the lives of all journalists that were reporting the student protests at Wits University.

We note that Journalists already face multiple risks, in war zones and, increasingly, in conflict-free countries. Year after year, dangers have increased for journalism itself. We appeal to the government to take action to protect journalists and to discipline the officers.

We call on state’s law enforcement agencies to honour their pledge to protect and to serve. They have a pressing obligation to defend journalism with all their strength against the many dangers that threaten it, of which gender-based violence and sexual bullying and attacks are a part. It is unthinkable that women journalists should endure twice the level of danger and must defend themselves on every front including malicious actions of SAPS officers.

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 the 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415

Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113

Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852

Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972

Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957

Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374

Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022

Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]  Website: www.sanef.org.za

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SANEF Condemns Indiscriminate Police Shootings That Injured Caxton Journalist in Mbombela

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the indiscriminate shooting by the police that injured Lowveld Media (Caxton Group) journalist, Thobile Mlangeni in Mbombela, last week Thursday 26 November.  Mlangeni was hit by a rubber bullet while covering a peaceful protest by artists.

Mlangeni stated that the protest was peaceful but that police started firing rubber bullets at close range without warning after the protesters refused to leave the venue – demanding that the MEC come to receive their memorandum in person. Mlangeni wrote in her statement that there was no warning to the crowd to disperse.

She stated that she was injured even though she had sought refuge under a pickup truck that was used as a stage by the protesters. She has reported the incident to the Mbombela SAPS – CAS 9/12/2020.

Her injuries come amid an outcry around the world, against harassment of journalists by law enforcement agents. While bringing news from the ground, the United Nations Agency, UNICEF acknowledged that journalists were highly vulnerable to contracting the infectious COVID-19 virus but also had to deal with the daily routine of mistreatment by the police.

Meanwhile, the New-York-based Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ) has reported a plethora of incidents from various African countries in the months since Covid-19 lockdowns were enforced. CPJ has urged the 16 heads of state in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to prioritise media freedom and safety.

SANEF calls on the South African authorities to guarantee the freedom and safety of journalists covering all stories, including protests and marches during the pandemic and to hold to account all those responsible for abuses against reporters.

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 the 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Mahlatse Mahlase – Secretary General (083) 399-2852
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610 9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

5

SANEF Condemns ANC MP’s Threats Against Journalist

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29 July 2020

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns an ANC MP’s offensive threats against a Sunday World journalist.

At the weekend ANC MP, Boy Mamabolo threatened to shoot Sunday World reporter, Ngwako Malatji and kick his testicles after the journalist investigated an incident involving the politician and called to get his side of the story – as required by the Press Council’s Code of Conduct.

The journalist was investigating allegations that Mamabolo made unsavoury remarks about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to ban the sale of alcohol for the second time.  A source explained that Mamabolo had threatened some of the members of the Milo Malatjie ANC branch, which Mamabolo chairs. The source had provided evidence in the form of cell phone screengrabs of WhatsApp conversations in which Mamabolo allegedly threatened them with violence.

“I phoned Mamabolo, who denied the allegations. He accused me of writing ‘sh**t’ about him, threatening to shoot me and kick my testicles,” Malatji said.

SANEF notes that Malatji has opened a case of intimidation against Mamabolo at Mondeor police station in Joburg and that the police have confirmed the existence of a case of intimidation against Mamabolo.

SANEF finds these threats against the Sunday World journalist deeply disturbing. Such threats have no place in a democratic society and underline the risks that journalists face when covering the activities of politicians at all levels including branches, regions, and provinces.

We hope that SAPS will take this threat against the journalist seriously and carry out the necessary investigation. We hope that the MP responsible for the threats will be brought to justice to show that this unparliamentary behaviour has no place in our democracy. We also call on the ANC to show that it does not tolerate such behaviour within its ranks and that it will duly take steps to discipline its member.

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 the 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Deputy Chairperson, (082) 805-7022
  • Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 772-5861
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415
  • Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (078) 041-9528
  • Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

4

Joint Statement of SANEF and SAPS following a robust and fruitful meeting

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26 July 2020

On Thursday 23 July the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) management held a robust, frank and successful meeting on a wide range of issues, including the working relations between journalists and members of the police.

The SANEF delegation, led by Deputy Chair Katy Katapodis, met the SAPS delegation, led by National Police Commissioner General Khehla John Sitole. SANEF tabled concerns regarding the hindrance and harassment of journalists in courts around the country as well as the media’s experiences of harassment and injury by SAPS members while in the field covering the Coronavirus crisis.

In turn, SAPS tabled concerns regarding some members of the media obstructing police in their course of duty. Further, they outlined their new Online Policing Strategy to fight crime online. The details will be released at the later stage.

The meeting agreed that despite specific serious incidents, the relationship between journalists and the various units of the SAPS was primarily mutually cordial, reflecting the spirit of cooperation between the media and the SAPS. The meeting agreed that this showed that both journalists and police officers can do their jobs without confrontation and that it is possible for both parties to respect their various roles out in the field.

Further, the meeting decided to recommit to the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed more than 10 years ago but is still relevant. It was agreed that this document needed to be updated and made relevant to the current times, before being signed by September.

To take this work further, the meeting agreed to establish a team with representatives from both SAPS and SANEF to unpack the Memorandum of Understanding. It will recommend a programme of action that includes training for journalists on crime scene etiquette and training for police officers on the critical role of the media in covering crime and protests.

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 the 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

SANEF

  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Deputy Chairperson, (082) 805-7022
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  •  Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

SAPS

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo – National Commissioner’s Spokesperson – 082 567 4153

 

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

 

Safety & Wellness

How To Deal With Reports Of Police Brutality

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Journalists equipment damaged in the scuffle.
Cape Town Metro Police officer barring a journalist from covering the eviction of refugees the Central Methodist Mission on Greenmarket Square. Pic: Unknown

In response to the Judge H Fabricius’ judgement handed down in the matter of Mr Collins Khosa on Friday, 15 May 2020, in the North Gauteng (Pretoria) High Court of South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has through its National Service Complaints Centre created a platform enabling the public and the media to report allegations of police brutality or cruelty, inhumane and/or degrading treatment and/or punishment, committed by members of the SAPS.

The public may, for the duration of the State of Disaster, report complaints regarding the SAPS at the nearest police station, the National Service Complaints Centre on the toll-free number 0800 333 177 or on the following email addresses

[email protected]

[email protected]

Complaints can vary from torture and/or cruel, inhumane, and/or degrading treatment and/or punishment, committed by law enforcement members including poor service delivery regarding police response, investigations, police negligence and police misconduct.

When you report a complaint, the respective complaint will be required to contain detailed information such as full names and surname, identity number, residential/business address, telephone and cell phone numbers and an email address.

Complainants will also be required to give a detailed description of what occurred during the incident including the province/area in which the complaint originates as well as the date and time of the incident and details of the SAPS officials involved.

The national state of disaster has created an unprecedented situation which requires the co-operation of everyone to prevent, limit, contain, combat and manage the spreading of COVID-19. Law enforcement agencies are expected to ensure that the disaster management regulations are adhered to by all inhabitants of the country.

Regulations and Directions are available at http://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/ regulations/regulations.php

And – https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/guidelines

Members of the public suspected to be in contravention of the disaster management regulations may expect the following to happen:

– Be arrested or requested to accompany a law enforcement officer to a police station;

– If the offence is of a serious nature, the person may be detained, subject hereto that he or she must be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 48 hours after the arrest.;

– The person may apply for bail at his or her appearance in court;

– If the offence is less serious, the community service centre commander or the senior member of the SAPS in charge must consider the release of a person (in consultation with the investigating officer) ─

(a) on a written warning to appear in court (section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [Form SAPS 496 will be issued with a court date];

(b) on written notice (section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (Form J 534 will be issued with an option to pay a fine or appear in court on the date indicated on the form. This option enables a person to pay an admission of guilt fine and to be released thereafter. This means that the person will not have to appear in court, but by paying the admission of guilt fine, it is regarded as if the person has been convicted in court on the charge and the person will have a criminal record);

(c) on bail (sections 59 and 59A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [J398 or J399] (This means that an amount for the bail will be determined by the relevant police official or the prosecutor. The person will have to appear on a date indicated on the receipt);

(d) after a charge has been withdrawn through an arrangement with the Public Prosecutor; or

(e) if he or she was detained as a suspect but is released from detention before the expiry of the 48-hour period because no charge is brought against him or her (section 50(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [SAPS 328].

The public is urged to take note that the guidelines regarding enforcement of the State of Disaster Regulations. They allow that a law enforcement officer may forcibly confine the body of the arrested person if the person does not submit to custody (in accordance with section 39 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977). Furthermore, if the suspect resists the arrest or attempts to flee, section 49(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, authorises an enforcement officer to use force that is reasonably necessary and proportional to overcome such resistance or attempt.

However, under no circumstances may a person be tortured, assaulted, or mistreated in any manner by a law enforcement officer.

It is expected of law enforcement officers to support the aim of the State of Disaster by providing a service, render assistance, give advice, guide and lead the community, in order to ensure that lives are saved. This is being achieved by ensuring that there is enforcement to inter-provincial/districts travel through roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points, checking and verification of permits issued under the regulations, ensuring closure of borders and monitoring movement of cargo, issuing of fines and arresting of offenders for non-compliance, compliance check during routine patrols and high visibility patrols and visits to identified areas. These enforcement activities also ensure that the restriction of movement of persons as the main component of efforts to confine and manage the spreading of COVID-19 is achieved.

Law enforcement officers are further expected to encourage and sensitise members of the public to adhere to social distancing. Even though social distancing is currently not an offence and it cannot, therefore, be enforced, law enforcement agencies must ensure that high visibility is maintained around malls, shopping centres and other areas and that the public is informed about compliance with the promulgated regulations in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002; liaise with private security to assist enforcement within their mandate, and social distancing (2 meters away from other persons) is applied in public when shopping and visiting health facilities.

Enquiries:      Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo – 082 567 4153

Colonel Brenda Muridili  – 071 686 9425

Safety & Wellness

SANEF Deeply Disturbed By The Physical Abuse And Incarceration Of A Journalist

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is deeply disturbed to hear of the abuse of community media journalist, Paul Nthoba, by the South African Police Services (SAPS), in a township Meqheleng, close to the Lesotho border. However, we are even more deeply disturbed to hear of the abuse and incarceration he subsequently experienced at the Ficksburg police station, where he went to lay an assault charge.

On 15 May 2020 at around 2 pm, Nthoba was on a news-gathering assignment in Ficksburg focusing on the Covid-19 news coverage for the community newspaper he had launched, Mohokare News.

Nthoba was profiling the visibility of the police members who were making sure that citizens were adhering to the lockdown rules and regulations. Nthoba reported that he saw the police patrolling the streets, and he captured a few photos. However, the police members objected. They accosted him, confiscated his phone, and told him that he had not explicitly requested their permission. An argument ensued, and they started attacking, insulting, and assaulting him. SANEF has an audio recording of this abusive interaction.

Immediately after this traumatic incident, Nthoba went to the Ficksburg police station to lay a charge. When he got to the station, the same police officers arrived and started protesting that he should not be allowed to open the case; instead, they insisted that he should be charged for contravening the Disaster Management Act. They again assaulted him while in the charge office, accusing him of causing trouble for them ever since he had established his newspaper. He was then kept for four hours in the holding cells.

Nthoba was then taken to the Fiksburg Hospital to deal with his injuries and trauma.

SANEF is deeply concerned to hear about this abuse out in the field – but also, even more worryingly, at the police station, the very place where Nthoba had sought refuge and to hold the police offices accountable.

SANEF notes that community media platforms present critical local alternatives to mainstream print and broadcasting. We believe that they play an important role in diversifying the media, profiling local voices, reflecting local struggles, and building communities by holding local authorities to account. We believe that journalists and media at this level, often experience more abuse than affluent, often more high-profile mainstream media – we thus must ensure their protection. We believe that SAPS leadership – and the leadership of all security authorities – should apply a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment towards all our media.

Finally, SANEF will be taking this matter up with the security authorities at the highest levels – including the list of other abuse charges that have taken place under lockdown. SANEF has had several informal discussions with the SAPS, with IPID and with the Metropolitan Police in Cape Town. We now have consolidated a list of abuses. Once again, we will be calling for a meeting with the National Commissioner of Police, IPID and the Metropolitan police in Cape Town.

For more information please contact:

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 the 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 through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information please contact:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852
  • Katy Katopodis – Acting SANEF Chairperson, (082) 805-7022
  • Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 772-5861
  • Mary Papayya – Acting SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415
  • Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor (078) 041-9528
  • Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

Socials

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: SANEF

4

SANEF and SAFREA Call on Law Enforcement Members (SAPS, Metro Police and Army) to Stop Their Hostility and Harassment of Journalists

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the South African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA) condemn another hostile attack against journalists.

Cape Town freelance journalist, Jacques Marais has informed us of how he was sworn at, his life was threatened and how he was ultimately prevented from covering a lockdown story on Thursday, 9 April 2020, he was doing in Masiphumelele township, in the south of the City.

Marais states, “Yesterday I was following a convoy of a dozen police vehicles and an army Casper vehicle into the warren of alleys and shacks that shapes Masi township on the border of the industrial sprawl of Fish Eagle Park. I saw the police and soldiers spill from their vehicles and descend in droves on pedestrians jostling the pavements… I have blurry images that show the police with sticks beating a man.” Marais has shared these pictures with SANEF.

Marais then told SANEF that a police vehicle blocked his car as he followed the convoy further into the township. He pulled over to the side of the road and continued to travel on foot while wearing a clearly official and identifiable press bib. He also held up his camera explaining to one officer that he was a journalist and had his permit, accreditation and his media card. However, the situation got ugly as he reached into his vehicle for his media card.

Marais states, “My vehicle door slammed into my back. I turned around and two men in plain clothes, clearly visible in my photos as part of the police operation, then started shouting and brandishing 1.2m-long wooden clubs. Both men’s faces were covered in buffs and I was cursed and threatened for the next couple of minutes”.

Marais reports that his media accreditation was hurled back into his vehicle and when he asked one of the men for his name, the man lifted his club and told me to “* or you will die here today”. At that point, Marais left the township with his story unfinished. He stated, “I shudder to think what happened when I turned my back and walked away.”

SANEF and SAFREA believe that this action by law enforcement officers is wholly unacceptable and unlawful – both as regards the media and South African citizens. We deplore the security forces violence against citizens – these actions fly in the face of all lockdown regulations in place and stand in direct contradiction of our Constitution.

SANEF will make sure that this incident, along with all other incidents of hostility and harassment, is tabled with the National Police Commissioner, Khehla Sitole the Ministry of Police, Bheki Cele, and the Cape Town metro police. Our planned meeting with these parties was halted due to the Covid-19 lockdown but we will now be seeking urgent on-line meetings – within the lockdown rules – to demand that all law enforcement and army personnel be reminded of their role to protect communities and to allow the media to play their critical role of informing the public. We will, once again, strongly remind them that this is a right enshrined and protected in our constitution and one that must be adhered to under the COVID-19 lockdown rules.

Freelancers are particularly vulnerable, without media house backing so we urge them to report any incidents to SANEF, SAFREA or to the freelance organisation, ProJourn so we can take these matters up.

Finally, we would like to highlight the issue of journalists’ safety. We refer all journalists and media organisations to the safety tips including on our SANEF website.

We also call on all media organisations to ensure, wherever possible, that they provide trauma counselling for journalists who have been out on assignment. We reiterate the long-term damaging effects of untreated trauma. We have compiled a list of trauma and psychological services for journalists that can be accessed on our website.

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 the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

SAFREA is a voluntary, non-profit association for professional media freelancers in southern Africa.

 

For more information:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852
  • Katy Katopodis – Acting SANEF Chairperson, (082) 805-7022
  • Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 772-5861
  • Mary Papayya – Acting SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415
  • Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor (078) 041-9528
  • Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

 

Lynne Smit, SAFREA Chairperson (083) 299-7383

Thea Aboud, SAFREA administrator [email protected] Web: www.safrea.co.za

1

SANEF Condemns Barring Of Journalists From Cape Courts And Metro Police Harassment

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns the increasing number of incidents involving members of the Cape Town Metro and SAPS who prevent journalists from reporting on court proceedings.

The latest court incident involves the media being prevented from entering the courts in Cape Town on Tuesday, 7 April 2020, to report on the case of 55-year-old Stephen Birch of Parow who was arrested for posting a disinformation video about contaminated COVID-19 test kits.

Birch has been released on a warning to appear in court for a second time for contravening regulation 11 (5) of the National Disaster Management Act.

Police did not allow the media to enter the court to cover his appearance on Tuesday. Police physically removed journalists who were there to cover the proceedings – and did not give reasons for ejecting them.

Attempts to obtain a ruling from the court on whether the media were allowed to attend the session were unsuccessful. It is our understanding that neither the justice department nor the magistrate gave a directive to bar the journalists.

At the same time, SANEF has learnt that during the removal of refugees and asylum seekers on the evening of Tuesday 7 April in Cape Town, a metro police officer prevented photographer Guy Oliver, who was documenting the incident, from doing his job. They pushed him and demanded he operates from a distance. This was without any provocation. Furthermore, some of the metro officers refused to heed his request to ensure physical distancing between the refugees, during their removal. Oliver has laid a complaint with the City of Cape Town.

SANEF is also concerned to hear that several journalists have been denied access to the Strandfontein Sports Centre where the City of Cape Town has taken homeless people. It is even more worrisome that media visits to the area will not be allowed without seeking prior permission, thereby denying the community in the centre access to the media. Visits at prearranged times make it possible for the City to stage-manage the event, making it difficult for the media to hold to account and monitor the City officials and those responsible for the upkeep of this vulnerable community.

SANEF notes that this is the second complaint against Cape Town metro police officers, following an incident involving Newzroom Afrika’s, Athi Mthongana while covering the removal of refugees living around the Central Methodist Mission on Greenmarket Square last month. At the time, SANEF requested a meeting with the head of law enforcement, Richard Bosman, which has not yet taken place, but which will be pursued urgently amid the latest incident involving Oliver.

SANEF wishes to state that the barring of the media in covering all these cases is completely contrary to the Covid-19 regulations that specifically allow journalists to operate as essential services.

In terms of the courts, SANEF notes that journalists in Durban were allowed to attend the first case of a man arrested under the same disinformation contravention for spreading lies about his ex-girlfriend on Covid-19, late in March. This heavy-handed approach by members of the SAPS in our courts is unacceptable and has unfortunately increased in the past 12 months. While our meeting with the SAPS leadership to discuss these and other transgressions is on hold until the end of the lockdown, SANEF calls on all journalists to be vigilant and report similar incidents to the SANEF office.

Journalists have a constitutional mandate to inform the public – now more than ever – and any form of censorship by overzealous officers should not be tolerated.

We again impress upon the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola to inform his counterparts in the security cluster that all state organs need to protect journalists from any form of harassment when doing their work.

The prevention of journalists from covering court proceedings – and other issues such as the removals of refugees – infringes on the right of freedom of expression, enshrined in Section 16 of our Constitution. Section 16 states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes “freedom of the press and other media” and “freedom to receive or impart information or ideas”. The protection of a free press, freedom of speech and the free flow of information are cornerstones of our Constitution and must be observed by SAPS members – and the metro police.

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 the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information:

Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852

Katy Katopodis – Acting SANEF Chairperson, (082) 805-7022

Moipone Malefane – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 772-5861

Mary Papayya – Acting SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957

Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415

Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor (078) 041-9528

Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734

Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

COVID-19

SANEF Concerned About Attacks By Security Forces During Day One Of The COVID-19 lockdown

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On 28 March 2020, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) expressed concern about the number of attacks and harassment of journalists during their coverage in the field, on day one (27 March 2020), of the lockdown.

SANEF has received several reports from journalists of having their equipment removed and of threats and harassment from law enforcement officers – both by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

The following cases were brought to our attention:

  • A News24 journalist was shot at in Yeoville, Johannesburg.
  • A Weekend Argus photographer had her cellphone confiscated in Capricorn Park, Cape Town.

Further, there have been a number of reports to the media of alleged assaults on citizens.

SANEF understands that the pandemic – that has taken the life of one South African (initial Health Ministry reports said two) and stands at 1170 infections – warrants firm action from the army and police to ensure lockdown restrictions are adhered to. However, we believe it is important that all security force members also strictly adhere to our president’s instructions against excessive force and abuse – and that as regards journalists, they are clearly informed about our right, as designated essential services workers, to be on the streets for our work. The media has a critical role to play to responsibly inform and educate the public about the spread and containment of the virus.

SANEF has raised the matter with the SAPS and senior officials have indicated that the attacks on journalists are unacceptable – and will not be tolerated. They will inform their troops and members.

SANEF is working with international media organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and local media NGO, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) to monitor the situation.

From our side, we are satisfied that the media has complied with regulations and that journalists in the field are equipped with the relevant press cards and permits to allow their free movement to cover all areas of the country.

Finally, SANEF calls on media organisations to make sure their staff are kitted with the relevant protective gear. We refer all media organisations to the safety tips included on our SANEF website https://sanef.org.za/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/. Further, we call on all media organisations to ensure, wherever possible, that they provide trauma counselling for journalists. SANEF notes the long term damaging effects of untreated trauma. SANEF will be compiling relevant information for our website.

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 the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information:

  • Mahlatse Mahlase – SANEF Chairperson, (083) 399-2852
  • Mary Papayya – Acting SANEF Media Freedom Chair (082) 379-4957
  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (073) 404-1415
  • Janet Heard – SANEF Western Cape SANEF Convenor (078) 041-9528
  • Hopewell Radebe – SANEF Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor (083) 582-1734
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Kate Skinner – SANEF Executive Director – (082) 926-6404

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