According to the statement issued on Friday, 22 January 2010, by Vasili Vass, e.tv's GM of group communications, the channel rejects claims by the Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa that eNews did not offer him or his Ministry right of reply. In fact, the Police Ministry agreed that an interview already done with the Minister and National Police Commissioner not be flighted. eNews then immediately offered the Minister the opportunity to come live on air on several occasions to respond. These offers, the statement reads, were rejected.
Following reports that the criminal arrested yesterday claimed to have been paid R2000 for his story, eNews places on record that its editorial policy strictly prohibits chequebook journalism, and that such claims are untrue.
The State has refused to withdraw the section 205 subpoenas against Ben Said and Mpho Lakaje, “despite the fact that this is contrary to a standing agreement reached between the State and the South African National Editors Forum. The e.tv statement says that Said and Lakaje will be compelled to appear in the Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with this matter but has vowed to stand firmly behind its journalists and intends to defend this matter using every potential legal avenue including, if possible, the Constitutional Court.
“While eNews has always supported the police in the fight against crime, the use of apartheid-era laws by the police makes it impossible for eNews to provide the public with any insight into the criminal underworld or to protect innocent whistleblowers and those fearing police intimidation.
“As unsettling as it is to hear criminals threaten our peace and security, only ever reporting what politicians and the police have to say, means the public cannot distinguish between the truth and propaganda,” the statement concludes.
