The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has expressed outrage that three Metro police officers were allegedly involved in the murder of journalist, Godknows Nare.
Nare was shot and killed on 17 April last year. At the time of his murder, it was extensively reported that he was killed during an apparent shootout with Metro police officers near his home in Florida, West of Johannesburg.
Following a probe launched by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), it was found that the officers’ account of events was not true. According to a statement from Ipid, it was revealed that the officers, in fact, killed the journalist and staged the crime scene to cover their tracks.
“This is a shocking and tragic turn of events and Sanef is outraged that the [Metro police] officers would allegedly be involved in Nare’s murder,” said Sanef.
The implicated officers are expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court today (26 January), on charges of murder, assault and defeating the ends of justice.
“While there’s no indication at this stage that Nare was killed as a result of his profession and/or any stories he may have been working on, Sanef reiterates that journalism is not a crime and that journalists should be allowed to work without fear of intimidation, threats or murder,” Sanef said.
Sanef concluded that members of the media and all South Africans should be able to trust law enforcement officials and not have to fear for their lives.
