Editors call police to account over harassment

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has expressed its outrage at the intimidation and manhandling of journalists by police officers.

Sanef said in a statement that eNCA cameraman Pierre le Roux and Beeld photographer Cornel van Heerden were manhandled and threatened by officers belonging to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after they photographed and filmed the arrest of an alleged drunk driver outside the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

Le Roux and Van Heerden said they had noted the JMPD apprehending the driver and approached the scene. Two JMPD officers became aggressive and told the journalists they had no right to be there and should stop filming and taking pictures.

A scuffle ensued during which one officer grabbed Le Roux’s camera. The equipment was damaged during the scuffle.

The officer threatened to arrest Le Roux and detain him in JMPD vehicle with the alleged drunk driver.

Van Heerden was also accosted by a JMPD officer‚ but managed to get away.

It was only after another JPMD official in civilian clothing arrived‚ that the JMPD officers let go of the journalists.

"This behaviour is completely unacceptable and an infringement of the constitutional rights of journalist to do their work in a free and open society. No police officer has the right to intimidate or threaten journalists doing their work."

Sanef said it would ask for a meeting with the JMPD management to discuss the intimidation of journalists.

RDM News Wire.