(MISA/IFEX) – On 13 March 1999, two Namibian journalists were detained by Botswana police at the Dukwe refugee camp near Francis Town, according to the “New Era” newspaper reports. A Botswana police spokesperson said the journalists, “New Era” editor Raja Munamava, and a reporter for the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Peter Hashipala, were arrested for […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 13 March 1999, two Namibian journalists were detained
by
Botswana police at the Dukwe refugee camp near Francis Town, according
to
the “New Era” newspaper reports.
A Botswana police spokesperson said the journalists, “New Era” editor
Raja
Munamava, and a reporter for the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Peter
Hashipala, were arrested for interrogation after they “sneaked” into the
camp. The two were held for about twenty-four hours and were released
late
on 14 March.
According to the “New Era”, Munamava and Hashipala were in Botswana to
cover
a state visit of Namibian President Sam Nujoma, which ended on 12 March.
The
two stayed on to interview Namibian refugees who had fled to that
country
last year following increased militarisation in the northern Caprivi
province amid reports of a secessionist plot.
Munamava, speaking to the “New Era”, said no physical harm was done to
them
and that the police were courteous to them, except experiencing the
harsh
conditions in prison and spending a night on the floor with only a
blanket.
“New Era” managing director James Sankwasa, who expressed deep worry
about
the event, confirmed that the two had obtained valid accreditation as
required before their departure.
