POL3702
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 24 August 2026
1.1
Prof Van Zyl should treat the public interview as a planned crime prevention
message, not as a casual talk, because media communication can help police and
crime experts reach many people with clear safety information (University of South
Africa, 2021:3). She should first remember that the media have constitutional
protection, because section 16(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression,
including freedom of the press and other media (Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996, s 16(1)). Before the interview, she should confirm the topic,
possible questions, interview platform, audience and information needed to answer
properly (University of South Africa, 2021:25).
, 1.1
Prof Van Zyl should treat the public interview as a planned crime prevention
message, not as a casual talk, because media communication can help police and
crime experts reach many people with clear safety information (University of South
Africa, 2021:3). She should first remember that the media have constitutional
protection, because section 16(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression,
including freedom of the press and other media (Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996, s 16(1)). Before the interview, she should confirm the topic,
possible questions, interview platform, audience and information needed to answer
properly (University of South Africa, 2021:25).
She should also check the rules that apply to public interviews, because official
communication must follow the correct media guidelines and should not reveal
information that may harm policing functions or public safety (Standing Order 156,
cited in University of South Africa, 2021:25; South African Police Service Act 68 of
1995, s 70). This is important because section 70 of the South African Police Service
Act 68 of 1995 makes it an offence for a member to reveal information in
circumstances where the member knows, or should reasonably know, that the
disclosure may negatively affect police powers and functions (South African Police
Service Act 68 of 1995, s 70; University of South Africa, 2021:8).
In the interview itself, Prof Van Zyl should speak in a simple, calm and clear way so
that ordinary members of the public understand how restorative justice can help
reduce crime. She should avoid long academic explanations, because short and
focused answers are more likely to be understood and used by the media (University
of South Africa, 2021:25). She should explain that restorative justice brings
offenders, victims and communities into a process where harm is discussed,
responsibility is encouraged and future offending can be prevented through
accountability and reintegration.
Prof Van Zyl should link her message to South African crime prevention by
explaining that policing is connected to preventing crime, maintaining public order,
protecting people and property, and upholding the law (Constitution of the Republic
of South Africa, 1996, s 205(3)). She should therefore avoid giving information that
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 24 August 2026
1.1
Prof Van Zyl should treat the public interview as a planned crime prevention
message, not as a casual talk, because media communication can help police and
crime experts reach many people with clear safety information (University of South
Africa, 2021:3). She should first remember that the media have constitutional
protection, because section 16(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression,
including freedom of the press and other media (Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996, s 16(1)). Before the interview, she should confirm the topic,
possible questions, interview platform, audience and information needed to answer
properly (University of South Africa, 2021:25).
, 1.1
Prof Van Zyl should treat the public interview as a planned crime prevention
message, not as a casual talk, because media communication can help police and
crime experts reach many people with clear safety information (University of South
Africa, 2021:3). She should first remember that the media have constitutional
protection, because section 16(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression,
including freedom of the press and other media (Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996, s 16(1)). Before the interview, she should confirm the topic,
possible questions, interview platform, audience and information needed to answer
properly (University of South Africa, 2021:25).
She should also check the rules that apply to public interviews, because official
communication must follow the correct media guidelines and should not reveal
information that may harm policing functions or public safety (Standing Order 156,
cited in University of South Africa, 2021:25; South African Police Service Act 68 of
1995, s 70). This is important because section 70 of the South African Police Service
Act 68 of 1995 makes it an offence for a member to reveal information in
circumstances where the member knows, or should reasonably know, that the
disclosure may negatively affect police powers and functions (South African Police
Service Act 68 of 1995, s 70; University of South Africa, 2021:8).
In the interview itself, Prof Van Zyl should speak in a simple, calm and clear way so
that ordinary members of the public understand how restorative justice can help
reduce crime. She should avoid long academic explanations, because short and
focused answers are more likely to be understood and used by the media (University
of South Africa, 2021:25). She should explain that restorative justice brings
offenders, victims and communities into a process where harm is discussed,
responsibility is encouraged and future offending can be prevented through
accountability and reintegration.
Prof Van Zyl should link her message to South African crime prevention by
explaining that policing is connected to preventing crime, maintaining public order,
protecting people and property, and upholding the law (Constitution of the Republic
of South Africa, 1996, s 205(3)). She should therefore avoid giving information that
