The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is deeply concerned that Port Elizabeth police allegedly threatened Bay TV staff to get video footage of xenophobic attacks that left a Somali man dead.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) is deeply concerned that Port Elizabeth police allegedly threatened Bay TV staff to get video footage of xenophobic attacks that left a Somali man dead.
Bay TV deputy station manager Lungile Nduvane claims police used “strong-arm tactics” to get footage from them last Friday, even though the station gave police copies when they were aired.
“Two detectives then threatened to break the place down and arrest me for obstruction of justice if I didn’t hand it over to them,” Nduvane said.
Provincial police spokeswoman Brigadier Miranda Mills denied there had been any intimidation and said the footage was crucial to police investigations, according to The Herald.
“I can state that all the correct procedures were followed and that necessary paperwork was in place,” Mills said.
The police applied Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the law which allows police to demand journalists reveal their sources or what they know about alleged crimes.
Sanef calls for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to investigate the alleged “bullying”.
It also points out that the police conduct at Bay TV could see the journalists labelled as police informers, which could endanger their lives.
