South Africa's public broadcaster had some choice words in the court case yesterday of policemen of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who stand accused of allegedly murdering Andries Tatane in Ficksburg during public unrest: The camera doesn't lie.
Four SABC news employees were hauled before the court in the Fickburg regional court yesterday, and the court also initially wanted the public broadcaster to hand over all the filme material. The SABC's dramatic visuals and excellent camera work, was beamed around the world, allegedly showing Ficksburg protester Andries Tatane being assaulted and killed.
The SABC's dramatic visuals captured local and international headlines and 7 policemen are in the dock for murder.
The SABC cameraman Filane Chumane testified yesterday, as well as Richard Newton, the SABC's acting regional news editor. Filane Chumane testified that he saw police attack a man who surrendered with his hands held high. Filane Chumane says he heard an instruction to shoot on 13 April 2011 but that he doesn't know where it came from.
Richard Newton testified in court that it is impossible to change unfolding news events as they're being captured by by a cameraman. Another SABC news employee is expected to testify in court today.
