EDITOR- This is indeed a sad development.
It is the generally held opinion of respected watchdog organisations and individuals that, in a public space, any member of the public may record, using audio, still and/or video equipment, incidents which may be in the public interest – especially incidents which involve Public Servants in the execution of their duties or apparently abusing their positions.
Metro police, as well as SAPS, have been evading making a statement on whether this view is true or not. Silence means acceptance. As long as this is not officially a Police State, it is the right of any member (of the public) to record incidents without fear of harassment and/or arrest.
On the report that an officer allowed what normally would be illegal parking – it would then be the duty of the officer and the DuMPS (Durban Municipal Police Service) to ensure an officer was always present to protect those vehicles from prosecution – until DuMPS could restore the pavement to its intended function – ie sidewalks are for people, roads are for vehicles. But, having said that, the officer should only have allowed parking on the sidewalk if that move would not have forced pedestrians to take to the roads, putting their lives in danger.
Mahmood
North Beach, Durban
