Francis Vincent, a South African journalist and the Johannesburg bureau chief for the international British television news agency Worldwide Television News (WTN), along with his interpreter, a Burundian student from the Ngagara district, were killed on 6 April 1995 at approximately 18:00 hours. They were the victims of an ambush 12 kilometres north of the […]
Francis Vincent, a South African journalist and the Johannesburg
bureau chief for the international British television news agency
Worldwide Television News (WTN), along with his interpreter, a
Burundian student from the Ngagara district, were killed on 6
April 1995 at approximately 18:00 hours. They were the victims of
an ambush 12 kilometres north of the capital of Bujumbura.
The journalist’s car was part of a convoy of four vehicles. Two
others were wounded in the incident, one fatally. The driver of
Burundian descent was shot and died of his wounds on 7 April.
Cameraman Victor Dmilamwi was wounded in the left leg and right
hand by several bullets. His life in not in danger. Armed
extremist Hutus groups are thought to be responsible for the
attack.
Many journalists have flocked to the region during this period of
extreme tension for Burundi. RSF notes that, by simply carrying
out their professional duties, these journalists, and those that
surround them, are exposing themselves to the dangers and
violence which have wracked the capital and the interior of the
country.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Burundian authorities:
identify those responsible and determine its motives
security of journalist and their safe freedom of movement
press may be a deliberate target of acts of violence solely in
order to prevent it from reporting on the situation on the ground
and from informing the population
Appeals To
Sylvestre Ntibantunganya
President of the Republic of Burundi
Bujumbura, Burundi
Fax: +257 22 66 13 / +257 22 60 63
