South Africa Alert

eNews journalists subpoenaed after story on thugs' world cup plans

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has demanded e.tv to help police arrest the criminals who threatened to rob World Cup tourists during interviews broadcast by the station recently. The move came following police decision to have two eNews journalists subpoenaed, after a story was broadcast on criminals' plans for the Soccer World Cup.

Reporter Mpho Lakaje's story, aired on 15 January 2009, featured interviews with two criminals. One said he would rob tourists during the World Cup. Another said he would shoot his way out of a standoff with police if he felt his life was in danger. Broadcaster e.tv confirmed on 18 January 2009 that Lakaje and News Editor Ben Said, had been subpoenaed to appear in court next week unless they gave the identity and contact details of the interviewees, original footage, and details regarding the firearms featured in the story.

The ANC also called on e.tv to do what it claims "honourable" thing and withdraw the broadcast featuring the interviews with self-confessed criminals. It claims that these criminals are not only a threat to tourists, but to the dreams and desires of South Africa and Africa to host a successful Soccer World Cup
Local media reports on 20 January 2009 said that broadcast infuriated Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, accused the station of sensationalism and "harbouring" criminals, and prompted a debate about media freedom. According to Media analyst, anxiety over the Soccer World Cup and South Africa's image abroad may have led police to take this action.

William Bird, Director of the Media Monitoring Project, blamed "2010 jitters" for the police action. Melissa Moore, Acting Executive Director of the Freedom of Expression Institute, said lack of protection of journalists' sources would harm the right to freedom of expression.

MISA condemns both ANC and Police actions in this case and calls on the police to withdraw the subpoena against eNews journalists. MISA views the reaction by the police in this regard as infringement to freedom of expression in South Africa. It is the duty of the police to investigate and arrest criminals and thus would be unethical to expect the media to reveal its sources in a bid to gratify the police and ANC in particular. The story by eNews served to awaken the police of what to expect during the upcoming world event and thus should not be viewed as a threat to the World Cup. MISA further calls on the South African Government to see to it that issues behind the 2010 FIFA World Cup should not destroy the existing conducive atmosphere for journalist to operate without fear or obstruct the media ethical values in South Africa. 

- January 20, 2010 by Reagan Malumo

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Source: www.misa.org (received via Email Alter on 20.01.2010)