Journalists call SAPS to task

Six weeks after a journalist from a community newspaper in Makhado, was threatened by a police officer, the SAPS have not indicated whether they are investigating the case of intimidation that was laid or whether steps will be taken against the personnel involved, according to the FCJ statement.

The matter was reported to both the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) and the Forum for Community Journalists (FCJ). The FXI petitioned the authorities and a copy was supplied to the FCJ. Responses are still awaited from the national and provincial police commissioners, the Independent Complaints Directorate and the office of the MEC for Safety and Security in the Province.

The incident in question occurred on April 1 in Makhado, formerly known as Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province, during a protest march by members of local communities to highlight the danger of the N1 toll road that runs through the town.

Local journalists Frans van der Merwe and Andries van Zyl covered the protest march, where a large number of police officers were present. They allege they were threatened with physical violence as well as intimidation by a policeman.

"The FCJ is dismayed by the events of April 1 and perturbed by the lack of response from the various authorities. Press freedom and freedom expression have been achieved in South Africa at great cost. We would expect that state institutions would contribute to making these rights a practical reality, and not obstruct their expression," the statement reads.