eNews rejects the untrue and defamatory statements made by the National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele that the station is a friend of criminals and is trying to deter foreign tourists from coming to South Africa. The channel calls on the National Police Commissioner and others to desist from making further defamatory allegations against the channel.

The channel rejects claims by the Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa that eNews did not offer him or his Ministry right of reply. In fact the Police Ministry agreed that an interview already done with the Minister and National Police Commissioner not be flighted. eNews then immediately offered the Minister the opportunity to come live on air on several occasions to respond. These offers were rejected.

Following reports that the criminal arrested yesterday claimed to have been paid R2 000 for his story, eNews places on record that its editorial policy strictly prohibits chequebook journalism, and that such claims are untrue.

The State has refused to withdraw the section 205 subpoenas against Ben Said and Mpho Lakaje, despite the fact that this is contrary to a standing agreement reached between the State and the South African National Editors Forum. Said and Lakaje are compelled to appear in the Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with this matter. eNews stands firmly behind its journalists and intends to defend this matter using every potential legal avenue including, if possible, the Constitutional Court.

While eNews has always supported the police in the fight against crime, the use of apartheid-era laws by the police makes it impossible for eNews to provide the public with any insight into the criminal underworld or to protect innocent whistleblowers and those fearing police intimidation.

As unsettling as it is to hear criminals threaten our peace and security, only ever reporting what politicians and the police have to say, means the public cannot distinguish between the truth and propaganda

Source: e.tv