POL3702
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, POL3702 – Assignment 1
Semester 2, 2025
Student Name:
Student Number:
Question 1
1.1 Reasons why the media statement made by Sgt Ngobese should be based on
the principle of equality and impartiality (10)
1. Protection of Human Rights: Section 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa (1996) guarantees everyone the right to dignity, which includes the
deceased and suspects. Making biased or speculative statements infringes on
these rights.
2. Avoiding Bias or Discrimination: SAPS must not show preference based on
socio-political status. By treating both deceased persons (a politician and a
suspect) equally in communication, Sgt Ngobese avoids potential discrimination
(SAPS, n.d.).
3. Public Trust: Equality in reporting promotes credibility and public trust in the
SAPS, essential for successful community policing (Mistry & Rauch, 2022).
4. Fair Trial Rights: Publicly identifying a suspect before formal charge may
compromise their right to a fair trial under Section 35 of the Constitution (1996).
5. Preventing Defamation: Incorrect identification or statements made without due
process can lead to legal actions against the SAPS (SAPS, 2021).
6. Professional Ethics: SAPS Standing Order 156 stresses the need for media
statements to be accurate, impartial, and respectful of individuals' rights (SAPS,
2021).
7. Sensitive Nature of High-Profile Incidents: Where a politician is involved,
balanced reporting avoids the perception of political manipulation (White Paper
on Safety and Security, 2016).
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, POL3702 – Assignment 1
Semester 2, 2025
Student Name:
Student Number:
Question 1
1.1 Reasons why the media statement made by Sgt Ngobese should be based on
the principle of equality and impartiality (10)
1. Protection of Human Rights: Section 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa (1996) guarantees everyone the right to dignity, which includes the
deceased and suspects. Making biased or speculative statements infringes on
these rights.
2. Avoiding Bias or Discrimination: SAPS must not show preference based on
socio-political status. By treating both deceased persons (a politician and a
suspect) equally in communication, Sgt Ngobese avoids potential discrimination
(SAPS, n.d.).
3. Public Trust: Equality in reporting promotes credibility and public trust in the
SAPS, essential for successful community policing (Mistry & Rauch, 2022).
4. Fair Trial Rights: Publicly identifying a suspect before formal charge may
compromise their right to a fair trial under Section 35 of the Constitution (1996).
5. Preventing Defamation: Incorrect identification or statements made without due
process can lead to legal actions against the SAPS (SAPS, 2021).
6. Professional Ethics: SAPS Standing Order 156 stresses the need for media
statements to be accurate, impartial, and respectful of individuals' rights (SAPS,
2021).
7. Sensitive Nature of High-Profile Incidents: Where a politician is involved,
balanced reporting avoids the perception of political manipulation (White Paper
on Safety and Security, 2016).
