e.tv CEO supports subpoenaed journalists

This follows criticism against eNews and the journalists from the Ministry of Police, the head of the SAPS, the ANC and National Press Club spokesperson who is also the head of Primedia's Crime Line. It also follows the issuing of section 205 subpoenas against Said and Lakaje following an undercover report by eNews on criminals threatening to rob tourists during the World Cup.

Golding said: "Mpho and Ben were simply doing their jobs as journalists. This type of story is not unusual and similar stories have been covered by other media, including respected international broadcasters.

"The reaction against eNews from certain quarters has been unreasonable and disproportionate. eNews has a reputation for reporting stories without fear or favour - no matter how unpalatable such information may be. Moreover, eNews has consistently provided high profile coverage of SAPS successes in the fight against crime. To impugn the integrity of eNews or to question its patriotism is disingenuous."

”e.tv has also taken the initiative to highlight the work of the SAPS in a series of inserts called "South African Heroes". These inserts have been produced and broadcast by e.tv since the end of last year and they profile positive initiatives taken by SAPS members around the country. These inserts air on e.tv and the eNews channel several times on a daily basis.

Earlier this week, Vasili Vass, e.tv's GM group communications, issued a statement expressing the channel's “deep regret at the apparent suicide” of the man who Vass confirmed was the channel's source for the story in which eNews interviewed two members of the criminal underworld. Vass also confirmed that the man, whose name the channel did not release at that time, “was our only link to those criminals” and helped the channel “of his own free will”.

Urgent media briefing

Meanwhile, the National Press Club has announced that the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, the Deputy Minister, Fikile Mbalula and the National Commissioner of Police, Bheki Cele will address the National Press Club today, Thursday, 21 January 2010 at 2pm at the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, cnr Church & Wessels Street, Arcacia, Pretoria.

Their briefing will relate to the latest on the investigation into the criminals interviewed by e.tv - and announcements to be made. They will take questions.

RSVP essential: Those members of the media wishing to attend should contact the National Press Club Secretariat, tel +27 (0)12 804 5199 or e-mail: .

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