The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) and the National Press Club has condemned the manhandling of a Rekord journalist while covering a story in Pretoria.
Reitumetse Mahope was assaulted during a protest at the Huis Davidtz retirement home in the city centre last Thursday morning.
He was taking pictures outside the premises of the facility in Johannes Ramokhoase Street when he was beaten, allegedly by the home’s security personnel.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Rekord journalist assaulted for taking pictures in CBD
In a statement, Sanef said it was concerned about escalating attacks on journalists and has called on stakeholders in business, politics and communities to allow journalists to “do their work freely and fairly”.
The forum also pleaded with all private sector security companies to educate their employees on the role of the media and the Constitution that protects freedom of expression, freedom of the media and access to information.
“Sanef will monitor the case and continue to champion the cause of independent journalism, journalists under threat and deepening of our democracy.
“Should any person, organisation or political party feel genuinely aggrieved by a story or any actions taken by the media, they should follow the correct channels to address their grievances i.e. lay a complaint with the Press Council or the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.”
National Press Club spokesperson Lali van Zuydam condemned the assault and said the club believed in the concept of free press.
She said journalists played an important role in seeking to ensure that members of the public are informed about issues affecting them.
ALSO READ: East journalist ‘assaulted’ by SAPS, TMPD officers
“As part of press freedom, journalists should be allowed to do their work without being intimidated,” she said.
Workers at the home have been on a year-long protest against the home for its failure to give them employment contracts and registering with the unemployment insurance fund.
They have also accused the home of nepotism and racism towards staff and patients.
Mahope was taking pictures as a scuffle between the protesters and security guards broke out.
WATCH:
Home board member Cas Webber said they were “waiting for a report from both parties to find out what really happened and we will respond accordingly”.
Mahope has laid charges of common assault and malicious damage to property at Pretoria Central police station.
He said he was beaten with shields and batons, leading to damage to his phone.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: CCTV ‘tampered’ with at assaulted Equestria journalist’s home
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