e.tv Group CEO, Marcel Golding, issued a statement late yesterday afternoon in support of eNews journalists Ben Said and Mpho Lakaje. This follows criticism against eNews and the journalists by the Ministry of Police, the head of the SAPS, the ANC and National Press Club spokesperson who is also the head of Primedia’s Crime Line. It also follows the issuing of section 205 subpoenas against Said and Lakaje following an undercover report by eNews on criminals threatening to rob tourists during the World Cup.
Golding said: “Mpho and Ben were simply doing their jobs as journalists. This type of story is not unusual and similar stories have been covered by other media, including respected international broadcasters.
“The reaction against eNews from certain quarters has been unreasonable and disproportionate. eNews has a reputation for reporting stories without fear or favour – no matter how unpalatable such information may be. Moreover, eNews has consistently provided high profile coverage of SAPS successes in the fight against crime. To impugn the integrity of eNews or to question its patriotism is disingenuous.’
