South Africa: Media, police agree on common grounds

For the past few years, journalists, cameramen and photographers operating in South Africa have been subject to police intimidation, illegal detention, verbal abuse and manhandling at crime scenes, political events and courts.

On 21 April 2010 the local media, Biz-Community, reported that a meeting, held under the auspices of the joint committee of South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) and South African Police Force (formerly the Police Service), unraveled that mystery and sought common ground for future mutual collaboration.

"Police gave us their side of the story, including their wish to see suspects successfully prosecuted, and we told them what our job entails and why we require certain things and some pieces of information to tell our story," Mary Papaya, SANEF secretary-general told Bizcommunity.com. "We agreed that we all have a role to play in our society and pledged to work together in harmony while maintaining our respective integrity," Papaya added.

Both parties then made peace and agreed on certain 'groundbreaking' resolutions which include treating each other with respect, maintaining the highest ethical standards at all times and acting within the confines of the law. The two 'former enemies' also agreed that all complaints channeled through a task team will be thoroughly investigated and 'corrective action' taken where applicable. Furthermore, it was agreed that legal teams from both parties will come together to address laws and legislation that governs fundamental functions of both police and the media. However, some observers - wary of police brutality and God-like status - have dismissed these resolutions a 'mere theory printed on a piece of paper', saying it is highly likely cops will violate them.

- April 22, 2010 by MISA
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Source: www.misa.org (received via Email Alter on 22.04.2010)