South Africa: Lawyers demand more time to prepare e.tv journalists’ case

Lawyers representing e.tv will make representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions Menzi Simelani on 4 February 2010 regarding subpoenas served on two of its journalists. e.tv was expected to make representations on 28 January 2010 but requested extension to strengthen their representations to the director. Simelani is looking at the request considering whether to grant them the extension.

 

A stand-off between e.tv journalists and the police was avoided on 25 January 2010 as the parties agreed to mediation. This decision followed a 1999 memorandum of understanding between the then Ministry of Law and Order, the Ministry of Justice and the South African Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

Meanwhile, Daily Dispatch reporter Asa Sokopo is also expected to appear in  court after being served with a subpoena Section 205 notice to provide information to police.

Background

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party had 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 refusing to disclose sources in a story which was broadcast on criminals' plans for the Soccer World Cup.  Reporter Mpho Lakaje's story, aired on 16 January 2010, 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.

 

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Reagan Malumo

Programme Officer: Media Freedom Monitoring and Research

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Secretariat

21 Johann Albrecht St

Private Bag 13386

Windhoek

Namibia

Phone: +264 61 232 975

Fax: +264 61 248 016

Mobile: +264 81 311 2626

Official Email: reagan@misa.org

Private Email: reagan32002@yahoo.com

 

 

-February 4, 2010 by Reagan Malumo

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Source: www.misa.org  (received via email-alert on 04.02.10)