The Mokone/Tsimane saga is a priceless opportunity

Photographers taking pictures
Photographers taking pictures

The sudden arrest and detention of The Sunday Standard Editor Outsa Mokone and harassment of investigative reporter Edgar Tsimane came as a shock not just to us here at The Press Council but across the media fraternity and indeed the nation. The circumstances and manner of his arrest characterised by a disregard for constitutionally enshrined rights shows an absolute disregard for freedom of expression.

Even by the low standards with which the current leadership has been held this is a new low. It is important to also note that this new action comes at a time when there were attempts to repair the damaged relationship between the private press and government. This can only exacerbate the situation. Government’s action seems to be guided by an obsession with intimidation of the press at a time when the private press has moved to a more robust interrogation of government through a new dedication to investigative journalism.

We can only infer that this new intolerance is a product of this new pattern within the private press. We however celebrate this development within our journalism. We also have no option but to assume this action was meant to intimidate not just the private press but most importantly the cornerstone of serious journalistic work, the sources. The attacks on newspaper infrastructure by security apparatus exhibit an arrogant disposition poised to damage the confidentiality between reporter and source which is vital to serious journalism.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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