| 2025/03/29 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The Provincial Corporate Communication and Media Liaison Services Unit has interacted with the media houses during a Communication Forum hosted at SAPS Seshego under Capricorn District on Thursday 27 March 2025. The main objective of the Communication Forum was to build good relations and collaboration with the media in terms of crime reporting in the police. In attendance were the Provincial Head of Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Brigadier Ramokolo, Provincial Commander of Media Relations, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba joined by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng Provincial Media Centre Commander, Capricorn District Communication Officer Captain Lesiba Ramoshaba, Mankweng Social Crime Prevention Coordinator Captain Mohlaka Mashiane, Media Center Team together with Social Crime Prevention Coordinators under Capricorn District. The media houses in attendance comprised Mohodi Community Radio, Moletjie Community Radio Blouberg Community Radio as well as Radio Turf. Colonel Ledwaba made a presentation about the status of Corporate Communication in the province. He indicated that media houses and police need each other to educate and provide valuable information in combating crime. This is in accordance with the National Instruction 05 of 2017. “There is a directive from the Head Office that no apparatus (camera) of the media houses must be destroyed by members of the police. No cameras will be taken from the journalists. “We really need each other. This is a marriage and members must act beyond reproach in the eyes of the public.” he said. Furthermore, he emphasized on the importance of following the National Calendar of Events as a critical element and the significance of responsible reporting and sharing positive information with the public at large while also educating communities. Lieutenant Colonel Thakeng highlighted the Memorandum of understanding between SAPS and SANEF (South African National Editors Forum) including challenges and intervention measures. They included demarcation of crime scene for journalists and also to be accommodated. (Crime Scene Management) In addition, protocol to be followed by the police and media houses for information sharing amongst the pair. Right to respond “Media houses should have a balanced story with a comment (quote) from the police. There will never be a divorce with the media” he said. Moreover, Lieutenant Colonel Thakeng emphasized the importance of campaigns, roadshows and outreach programs aimed at Vala Umgodi awareness through radio stations campaigns to inform the public that they need to obtain permits to mine sand by following proper procedures through the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMR) to avoid illegal mining as he concluded. Lastly, the media houses were also afforded an opportunity to engage with the police for clarifications, inputs, recommendations and asked questions that were positively responded by the committee. Ends
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