Journalist threatened with arrest at fire scene

A distasteful incident clouds the good work done by officers of the Polokwane Fire Services after a lapa at the corner of Herman and Nyala streets in Fauna Park caught fire last Wednesday evening. A journalist of Polokwane Observer was forbidden to take photos, threatened with arrest and assaulted by a Station Officer.
The journalist, accompanied by Managing Director of the publication, Willie Esterhuysen, went to the scene to take photos and gather information for an article.
Upon arrival they were confronted by a Station Officer identified as Chris Ramphya. They both identified themselves as journalists of the publication, whereupon Ramphya very rudely informed them that they were not allowed to take photos of the scene and that he would call the police to arrest them, which he did. “It’s my scene, it’s my scene,” he said to the journalist. The police eventually arrived but took no action against the journalists. At a stage, the official actually pushed the female journalist away, an act that is regarded as assault.
The area was not cordoned off and there was no danger for the journalists at the point from where attempts were made to take photos, as the journalists were outside the premises.
“Good relationships between the authority and the media is of paramount importance for the public as well as the municipality and we strive to maintain this position through mutual respect. The publication has an obligation to report on matters that are in the public interest and the quick response of the other officers on the scene provided an opportunity to highlight the work that members of the fire services render in cases of this nature. The behaviour of Ramphya has however clouded the issue and behaviour of this nature is totally unacceptable,” Esterhuysen said.
Polokwane Observer requested the municipality to comment on the issue and to explain its policy regarding the presence and rights of journalists at scenes of this nature as well as at motor vehicle accidents, and whether the municipality was going to take any steps to avoid a recurrence. Matshidiso Mothapo, Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality replied as follows:
“According to a report received on the matter, the action taken was in the best interest of the lady as she wanted to enter a hot zone.
“First the yard was full of smoke and she had no reflective vest nor any protective clothing and she didn’t identify herself as media personnel. When she was informed she couldn’t enter the yard, she became uncooperative and the officer who was in charge of the fire scene requested for the police to come and assist to escort her to a safe area. The members of the community police forum from the area assisted the officer to escort the lady from the scene. The officer insists that he never pushed the lady as he is aware that it is not correct and unprofessional to do that. No action could be taken by the police when they arrived because at the time the lady was at a safe distance.
“The fire department is in charge of the scene and it is the responsibility of senior personnel at the fire scene to protect the scene and ensure the safety of bystanders from entering the hot zone, to protect the property owner, to save lives and the environment.
“Members of the media have never been refused or be ill-treated to perform their work at any incident. However, this always happens in a proper manner as deemed safe by the officers in charge of the scene. The officers are trained personnel who are aware of their responsibilities and the rights of others including the media.
“The municipality upholds a very good relationship with the media and will continue to ensure that the relationship is maintained and the rights of the media are protected at all times. This incident was unfortunate and regrettable.”
In response to the municipality’s comment, Esterhuysen emphasised that the safety of the public was never in question, as the area was only cordoned-off after the fire had been nearly extinguished. “It is a lie that members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) assisted to remove the journalist. CPF members have actually expressed their indignation about the manner in which the journalist was treated. The official was irritated, antagonistic and aggressive from the onset,” Esterhuysen stated.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com