Journalist assaulted by church pastor
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On February 2, 2008, a female journalist with the Times of Swaziland Sunday was assaulted by a church pastor soon after a prayer service called by King Mswati III at his Lozitha palace.
The journalist, Bhekiwe Dlamini, was going about her duties, taking photographs of the event when the pastor pounced on her, slapping her across the face, protesting that he did not want his photo taken. Police had to restrain the pastor. Ironically, the journalist was not even taking the pastor’s photograph. The pastor had earlier caused a scene by attending the prayer service wearing a balaclava which he donned throughout the event in front of the King despite police protestations. As worshippers streamed out after the service, the journalist was shocked by the pastor’s unprovoked aggression. The pastor wanted to know why his picture was taken. Before the journalist could respond, she was slapped across the face. Police had to intervene and led the pastor away. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Swaziland condemns the assault of journalists in the line of duty. Over the past months, MISA Swaziland has noted a decline in incidents of attacks against journalists. But the latest incident cannot be condoned if journalists are to be allowed to practice their profession without being attacked in the line of duty. ENDS MISA |
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