The small courtroom packed with suspects, prosecutors, prison warders and the general public, watched as one of the suspects who had just been un-cuffed grabbed a baton belonging to one of the police officers and hurled it at one of the journalists who were just a few metres away. The baton hit a Botswana Television (Btv) camera, slightly missing its intended target. This is certainly not an isolated case. Suspects, especially those facing serious crimes have this ‘I have nothing to lose’ attitude. Though there are some officers who are determined to protect journalists, to most it seems as entertainment to watch dangerous suspects attack scribes. We urge the Commissioner of Police, Keabetswe Makgophe to protect us.
It is imperative to note that journalists go to the courts on behalf of the public and have to be protected in their duties owed to, amongst others, public interest in order to perform in their roles. Of recent we have been seeing suspects in cases involving murder, armed robbery and other serious crimes being granted bail. Though we cannot convict them before the courts do, it is important that the nation is cautious of such individuals as some of them continue doing their ill deeds while released on bail. Having the media capture such reports and take such pictures of the said individuals assist the public to exercise caution when around devious, even murderous characters, alleged or not.
