Update: Journalist harrassed by police
Knysna-Plett
Herald journalist, Christo Vermaak.
KNYSNA NEWS - All Knysna
Police officials are in the process of receiving training and information
regarding media professionals’ right to perform their duties.
This was the outcome of the
investigation into the illegal action of two police constables who harassed and
threatened a Knysna-Plett Herald journalist, Christo Vermaak in his newsroom
office on Thursday, February 19.
South Cape Police
spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie said: "Internal steps were also taken
against the members that were implicated in this incident. We consider
disciplinary processes as internal matters and are not at liberty to make the
names of the members public."
Vermaak indicated that he
was satisfied with the outcome off this investigation. "It's just a pity
that policemen are sent out on the street to fight crime, without the necessary
training in communication and knowledge of press freedom."
Pojie said the
communication officer of the Knysna Police, Sergeant Chris Spies, informed
members of different components within the SAPS about the regulations regarding
the media, at an internal meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2015. “This
information will be communicated to all personnel at different internal platforms.
Members were reminded that a member must treat all media representatives with
courtesy, dignity and respect."
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