Assignment 01 – (Semester 2 2025)
Unique Number: 810716
Due date: 28 August 2025
FOR EXAMS, PORTFOLIO, AND ASSIGNMENT
ASSISTANCE WHATSAPP
083 286 8465 EMAIL:
Disclaimer: This document is provided for educational purposes only and represents the
original work of the author, intended solely for learning, research, and reference. No part of
this material has been generated using AI tools, and all sources, where applicable, have been
properly acknowledged to ensure zero plagiarism. By using or submitting this document, you
agree to use it only as a guide for academic purposes, accept full responsibility for any
academic or legal consequences arising from plagiarism, misuse, or institutional violations, and
comply with your institution’s code of conduct and academic regulations. Unauthorized
copying, distribution, resale, or commercial use of this material is strictly prohibited.
, QUESTION 1
1.1.
The media statement issued by Sgt Ngobese must be based on the principle of
equality and impartiality to ensure ethical, constitutional, and professional
communication with the public. Firstly, media communication by police officers must
not contain any discriminatory remarks or references to a person’s race, gender,
religion, political affiliation, or community background, as this may foster social bias
and undermine the dignity of individuals involved in criminal matters (UNISA,
2022:11). For example, mentioning the suspect's origin from “Mamelodi Extension 5”
without clear relevance may promote community stereotyping.
Secondly, impartiality is essential to prevent the SAPS from being perceived as
serving the interests of any specific political or social group. By stating that the
deceased was a “well-known politician,” Sgt Ngobese risked creating the impression
of political alignment or selective concern, which could damage public trust in police
neutrality (POL3702, 2022:11–12). Thirdly, the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa guarantees the right to dignity (section 10) and privacy (section 14), and these
rights extend to both victims and suspects. Revealing personal details before
informing the next of kin is therefore inappropriate and unconstitutional (Republic of
South Africa, 1996).
Fourth, the SAPS is required by Standing Order 156 to ensure that police
communication reflects the values of fairness, non-bias, and factual reporting
(UNISA, 2022:9). Any speculation, assumption of guilt, or unjustified disclosure may
prejudice future legal proceedings and infringe on the right to a fair trial. Lastly,
impartial communication supports transparency and accountability, while maintaining
the credibility and legitimacy of the SAPS as a public service institution (POL3702,
2022:6–7). Therefore, media statements by police officers should strictly adhere to
these principles to balance public interest, individual rights, and legal responsibilities.