(MISA/IFEX) – On Saturday 19 May 2002, Stryker Motlaloso, news editor from the weekly newspaper “Mmegi”, was assaulted by opposition Botswana National Front (BNF) politician David Mhiemang at a political rally held at the Botswana Building Society Mall. In an interview with MISA-Botswana, Motlaloso said he had gone to cover the rally when Mhiemang approached […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On Saturday 19 May 2002, Stryker Motlaloso, news editor from the weekly newspaper “Mmegi”, was assaulted by opposition Botswana National Front (BNF) politician David Mhiemang at a political rally held at the Botswana Building Society Mall.
In an interview with MISA-Botswana, Motlaloso said he had gone to cover the rally when Mhiemang approached him and accused him of reporting negatively about BNF party activities. Mhiemang then punched Motlaloso’s right eye and insulted him in the presence of his fellow journalists and other people who were attending the rally. The opposition politician later threatened to stab the journalist with a knife, which he took out of his pocket.
Motlaloso did not retaliate, but decided to walk away from the scene. On Monday 20 May, the journalist pressed charges against the politician at the Broadhurst Police Station. Police Public Relations Officer Chris Mbulawa confirmed the charge in a telephone interview with MISA-Botswana, and said the police were looking for Mhiemang, who lives in the town of Molepolole, about 50 kilometres from the capital, Gaborone.
MISA-Botswana National Director Modise Maphanyane said in a news interview that strong action should be taken against people who assault journalists. He added that if such attacks were allowed to continue, “it would turn into a cancer that would hinder press freedom.”
The BNF is the country’s main opposition party. The party is currently reeling from factional fighting.
The weekly “Mmegi” appears on Fridays. It is the biggest independent newspaper in Botswana.
