Picture: Embattled Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu’s bodyguard is ‘sought’ after he allegedly assaulted the Morongwa News journalist, Modise Lobelo.
The incident allegedly took place at the municipal mayoral house in Vryburg on Tuesday. According to Lobelo, he was reliably informed there was a fracas at mayoral House where Mahlangu was denied access.
“Mahlangu demanded entry into the premises, but she was denied access by the security officers. It is alleged that Mahlangu then barricaded the entrance of the mayoral house with her H1 vehicle, barring other councillors to neither enter nor exit the yard.
“Few minutes after our arrival, a Nissan Almera vehicle also arrived with some councillors in it. One person known as Mike, got out of the vehicle and accused me of taking pictures of his vehicle,” he said.
Lobelo further said (Mike) allegedly assaulted him and to his surprise, other councillors in the Almera Nissan vehicle did nothing to stop the barrage by his assailant. He added that his camera was damaged during the scuffle.
However, buoyed Lobelo said: “I have opened a criminal case against the suspect and no amount of violence will stop me from covering news. I am Morongwa and I will continue to report and inform the community as per the need.”
Meanwhile, Mahlangu refused to comment on the matter. She was ousted from her position as the mayor through a motion of no confidence a few months ago. However, she challenged the decision against her removal at the North West High Court in Mahikeng and won the case.
The municipality has since appealed the matter at the Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. The current executive mayor, Kgalalelo Sereko also refused to be drawn into the matter and said she will only respond on the municipal matter through her manager, Gopolang Molale, who is on sick leave.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a case of assault has been registered and no arrests were made, but investigations are underway.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) Secretary-General, Mahlatse Mahlase said they strongly condemn the unlawful and intimidatory actions against journalists.
“We believe that the deplorable actions of intimidation against journalists have severe implications for journalism. We had warned that the ban imposed on various media entities infringed on the right to freedom of expression guaranteed in section 16 of the Bill of Rights.
“The media is an essential cog in the promotion of democracy. It acts as a mirror to society and, as such, is opened to listening to — and publicising — all points of view. Political formations that are, in any sense, democratic, should engage with — and not abuse and shun — the media,” she said.
Mahlase further said as SANEF, they believe that the curtailment of the rights of journalists to do their job deprives society of the truth. She said any harassment and attacks on journalists eventually lead to self-censorship.
“In the run-up to the local government elections it is important for political parties to support all journalists and foster an enabling and conducive environment for journalists to do their work,” she said.
The Guardian 