Durban lensman manhandled by VIP guards
A photographer allegedly assaulted by VIP protection unit bodyguards in Durban on Wednesday said he was thinking about pressing charges.
“I am not sure what I will do. I’m thinking about pressing charges.
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VIP officer Constable Funani Nemaenzhe and a colleague were at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, at the assault trial of racehorse owner Darryl Peense. He allegedly spilled his drink on President Jacob Zuma at the Durban July in 2010. Nemaenzhe was the first witness to take the stand.
According to a Durban daily, the Mercury, Ward was taking pictures of the two officers as they were making their way back to court.
“My actions infuriated the two and they rushed towards me,” the paper quoted Ward saying.
“They grabbed me and forced me to let go of the camera. Then they disappeared with it. I rushed after them and was then forced to delete the pictures in front of them.
‘Doing their jobs’
“The two were not acting in their professional capacity. I was gripped and manhandled. They seem to behave as if they are above the law.”
Ward said Nemaenzhe and his partner returned to court as if nothing had happened.
“They did not apologise and, just before they left, accused me of being racist.”
Sanef chairperson Mondli Makhanya said they condemned the assault and had sought a meeting with the police. The forum regarded the officers’ alleged behaviour as unruly and thuggish, the Mercury reported.
“When journalists and photographers are doing their jobs, we do not expect them to be harassed.”
Colonel Vish Naidoo said police could not comment if the photographer had not opened a case.
“We can only comment on things that we are investigating on.”—Sapa
