Violence against reporters condemned
The National Press Club condemns violence towards journalists after reporters were targeted in protests in Hammanskraal.
The National Press Club has spoken out against violence towards journalists after reporters were attacked and robbed in Hammanskraal recently.
The club said in a statement that two journalism students from the Tshwane University of Technology were attacked on Monday.
“Vezela Msane and Frank Nkwanyane were attacked by the protesting mob on Monday 23 May while they covered the protest.”
One of them was beaten and both were robbed of their valuables.
“The Department of Journalism at TUT has [since] decided that students will not cover protests in Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane and Hammanskraal until the local government elections have been concluded.”
Rekord journalist David Matsena was also targeted and his camera was taken and smashed.
Another journalist, Moloko Moloto of Power FM, was threatened by the angry mob.
“Moloto had to beg for his life and said he was terrified. He was part of a large media contingent covering the protest.”
Club chairperson Tanya de Vente-Bijker said the club was deeply concerned about the safety of journalists covering the Hammanskraal protests, especially young reporters.
“We [the club] urge those residents to note this is a crime against press freedom, which is enshrined in our constitution,” she said.
She said journalists should be allowed to report the news without any fear, intimidation or harassment.
In the meantime, calm returned to Hammanskraal on Wednesday morning following two days of bloody protests that left two people dead.
Police spokesperson Constable Herman Moremi said the area remained calm but added the police were keeping an eye on the situation.
Chaos erupted on Monday morning, when trucks carrying Red Ants security officers descended on the area to execute a court order to evict the residents who had illegally built shacks in Kanana, Suurman and an area near Jubilee Mall.
Violence broke out as the residents resisted eviction.
The residents fought back and two Red Ants guards were killed and six other people were injured.
“At the moment, the evictions have been halted. The situation is calm. There were no reports of violence on Wednesday morning,” said Moremi.
“We have arrested five people, and one of them will be charged with murder.”
The residents have vowed there will be more deaths if the government tried to evict them again.
Also read:
Students assaulted during Hammanskraal protest
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