swaziland: Journalists assaulted, equipment seized
On 12 October 2002, security forces barred five journalists from the "Times of Swaziland" and the "Swazi Observer" and a foreign freelance reporter from covering the proceedings of a prayer meeting organised by different political and social groups in Swaziland. The prayer meeting, termed Justice for Peace, was organised in memory of families that were evicted from the Macetjeni (south-eastern Swaziland) and KaMkhweli areas in October 2000.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT - SWAZILAND
31 October 2002
Journalists assaulted, equipment seized
SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek
(MISA/IFEX) - On 12 October 2002, security forces barred five journalists
from the "Times of Swaziland" and the "Swazi Observer" and a foreign
freelance reporter from covering the proceedings of a prayer meeting
organised by different political and social groups in Swaziland.
The prayer meeting, termed Justice for Peace, was organised in memory of
families that were evicted from the Macetjeni (south-eastern Swaziland) and
KaMkhweli areas in October 2000.
One of the barred journalists, Phinda Sihlongonyane of "The Observer", told
MISA-Swaziland that the law enforcement unit was comprised of the Royal
Swaziland Police (RSP), the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF) and the
Correctional Service Operational Support Service Unit (OSSU), and was led by
Station Commander Agrippa Khumalo, of the Lubombo region.
Sihlongonyane reported that the security officers had mounted roadblocks on
all roads leading to Macetjeni and KaMkhweli. Upon recognising her and her
colleagues as journalists, the commander instructed junior officers to
search the journalists and turn them away. The journalists were searched and
escorted by the security officer to a certain point, after which they took
some photographs. Upon seeing this, one of the security officers turned back
and forcefully took a digital camera from one of the journalists, removing
the memory card in the process. The camera was finally returned after a long
exchange.
The five journalists and driver involved in the incident were Sihlongonyane,
Ackel Zwane, formerly a "Times of Swaziland" reporter, now working for "The
Observer", "Observer" reporter Thabile Mdluli, "Observer" photographer Simon
Jele, foreign press reporter Bheki Matsebula and "Observer" driver Jethro
Jele.
In a related incident, Zwane was severely beaten by police. According to the
newspaper, his camera and notebook were also taken from him. He was forced
into a security vehicle and driven to a junction towards the Swazi capital,
Manzini, where he was dropped off and his belongings were returned to him.
MISA-Swaziland condemns the harassment and intimidation practiced by the
security forces against journalists who were merely carrying out their
duties. MISA-Swaziland holds the opinion that this action is a clear
indication that journalists in the country do not have the liberty to freely
gather and disseminate information in the public interest.
BACKGROUND:
In October 2000, some 200 villagers in Macetjeni and KaMkhweli were evicted
from their homes at gunpoint by soldiers, apparently because they refused to
accept King Mswati III's brother, Prince Maguga, as chief. They were left in
the countryside without shelter or other basic necessities. The families are
now staying in a refugee camp in Amsterdam, in the Mpumalanga province.
The families have since taken their matter to the High Court, where they won
their case, but the government continues to harass them. The mere fact that
the security forces continue to ignore the court order makes it clear that
respect for the rule of law does not exist in Swaziland.
For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975,
fax: +264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected],
Internet: http://www.misa.org/
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of MISA.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit MISA.
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