(MISA/IFEX) – On 16 May 2006, Kabo Mpaetona, photographer from the weekly newspaper “Echo”, was assaulted by Gaborone businessman Robert Masitara. Mpaetona told MISA-Botswana that he and reporter Gavin Emmanuel were covering Masitara’s alleged rape case at a Magistrate court in Gaborone when Masitara grabbed Mpaetona and punched him on the chin. This happened after […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 16 May 2006, Kabo Mpaetona, photographer from the weekly newspaper “Echo”, was assaulted by Gaborone businessman Robert Masitara.
Mpaetona told MISA-Botswana that he and reporter Gavin Emmanuel were covering Masitara’s alleged rape case at a Magistrate court in Gaborone when Masitara grabbed Mpaetona and punched him on the chin.
This happened after the presiding magistrate, who had postponed the case, left the courtroom. At that moment, Mpaetona started taking pictures of Masitara who responded by punching the journalist. Mpaetona said that police at the court did nothing while the incident was taking place.
Meanwhile, Mpaetona reported the matter to the central police station in Gaborone and was attended at a local clinic.
“Echo” editor Bashi Letsididi told MISA-Botswana that Masitara’s conduct was reprehensible. Letsididi confirmed, however, that Masitara apologised to the victim and that “Echo” had photographic evidence of the assault.
MISA-Botswana has condemned the action and called on Police Commissioner Edwin Batshu to ensure that the police are present at courts to, amongst other things, protect journalists on duty, especially as assaults on reporters covering court cases are becoming common. MISA-Botswana expressed the concern that such attacks constitute a threat and are intended to censor journalists.
