Forum of Community Journalists concerned about journos’ safety

Joburg East EXPRESS journalist Tshepiso Mametela's car was damaged and his camera bag taken when he was reporting on the violence and looting of shops in the east of Johannesburg.

September 3, 2019

Joburg East Express 1 minute read

The Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) issued a statement expressing concern about journalists’ safety after one of its members, Joburg East EXPRESS journalist Tshepiso Mametela, suffered damages while covering yesterday’s outbreak of violence in Johannesburg.

Also read: LISTEN – Lt-Gen Mawela gives overview of protests in Joburg East

Mametela was reporting on the violence and looting of shops in Jeppestown when his vehicle was damaged and his camera bag, containing camera equipment, was taken from him.

“What happened to this journalist is ultimately a crime. Journalists need the tools of their trade to do their jobs. They need their cameras. They need vehicles,” said FCJ executive director, Hugo Redelinghuys.
“It is concerning that this journalist covered the news at the cost of suffering damages. Journalists should be able to live out their passion for reporting the news without the fear of intimidation or risk,” said Redelinghuys.

Mametela suspects the car was damaged by another vehicle trying to get out of the area.

Watch: Joburg shop owners remove goods from business premises to prevent further looting (Multimedia)