(FXI/IFEX) – The following is a 16 April 2002 FXI press statement: 16 April 02 Police must act on the assault on journalists in KwaZulu Natal The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) calls upon the police to look into the case of City Press newspaper reporters who were allegedly assaulted in KwaZulu Natal as a […]
(FXI/IFEX) – The following is a 16 April 2002 FXI press statement:
16 April 02
Police must act on the assault on journalists in KwaZulu Natal
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) calls upon the police to look into the case of City Press newspaper reporters who were allegedly assaulted in KwaZulu Natal as a matter of urgency. The journalists also claim that they were threatened with further assault.
According to a 14 April report in the City Press, businessman Michael Mwangi’s henchmen assaulted journalists Wonder Hlongwa, Mandla Zulu and Bongani Hans at Mwangi’s business premises. The three journalists had gone to the premises to cover a march by the workers.
The City Press says the assault comes after the newspaper published an article last week about Mwangi’s criminal activities.
FXI condemns the attack as a serious offence against the free press, which should be taken up by police as a matter of priority. When journalists are attacked while on duty, the circulation of information is impeded and the public’s right to information is affected.
