Sanef condemns attack on journalist covering taxi violence
Nthoba said he has a permit, but was never asked for it during any of the exchanges.
Ultimately, a case of allegedly obstructing the police in carrying out their duties was opened against him.
Nthoba said he had to go to hospital to be seen to, did not sleep well on Friday night and was still shaken up by the whole experience.
Recording
The SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said it had a recording of the altercation and was very disturbed by it.
“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 officers 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 the 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 [SA Police Service] leadership – and the leadership of all security authorities – should apply a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment towards all our media.”
