The police action follows disclosure of the existence of hidden surveillance cameras to spy on Mr Mandela's tribal home in the rural village of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape province, in preparation for coverage of his death. Mr Mandela moved to Qunu a few months ago after a major health scare in January when there were fears he might not survive.It is widely accepted that Mr Mandela's move to his small village home marks his definitive withdrawal from public life.His death, when it occurs, will be one of the world's biggest news events in years.
The disclosure that Associated Press and Reuters have had spy cameras installed opposite Mr Mandela's home, in one instance for as long as six years, has, however, caused uproar.Spy Cameras for Sale - Discover How to Find Spy Cameras for Sale Online.Police have removed two cameras and are seeking others that they believe are placed elsewhere in the village."Cases against at least two media houses have been opened," police spokesman Vish Naidoo said, adding that they faced criminal prosecution under the National Key Points Act. "All presidents' residences are declared national key points. No person is allowed to film a part or whole of the national key point."
Another police spokesman, Mzukishi Fatyela, said: "The cameras were put there without the knowledge of Mr Mandela or the authorities."But a spokesman for Associated Press said: "The cameras were positioned some time ago, with the knowledge of the authorities. The cameras are not turned on. They are not spying on Mr Mandela's home. They are part of the preparedness that AP and other large news organisations customarily make in the event of a major news story involving a former world leader."The spokesman added: "We had similar preparedness outside the Vatican ahead of Pope John Paul II's passing."Mr Mandela, known to be extremely frail, has not been seen in public since the closing ceremony of the soccer World Cup last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment