, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1
Sergeant Ngobese is a communications officer at the Sunnyside police station in Gauteng. On Friday,
5 July 2023, five incidents of house robbery were reported to the police. Items such as laptops,
televisions and expensive jewellery were taken. In one of the incidents, the neighbours mentioned that
they had heard gunshots being fired, followed by sirens from the police vehicles. When the police
arrived at the scene, they discovered two bodies, one of which is suspected to be the body of the
suspect. The other body was that of the owner of the house that was robbed. He was a well-known
politician and, as such, Sergeant Ngobese was summoned to the scene so that she would be able to
report on the incident to the media. Sergeant Ngobese informed the media that two males between the
ages of 40 and 50 had been found dead at the scene and she mentioned the names of the deceased.
Additionally, Sergeant Ngobese confirmed the personal particulars of the fatally wounded suspect and
that he was from Mamelodi Extension 5.
1. Based on the scenario above:
1.1. Write the reasons why the media statement made by Sgt Ngobese should be based on the
principle of equality and impartiality.
Sergeant Ngobese’s media statement should be guided by the principles of equality and impartiality
to ensure fair, unbiased, and professional communication. These principles are essential because
police officials must avoid statements that may be perceived as discriminatory, unfair, or prejudicial.
By revealing personal particulars of the fatally wounded suspect, including his residential address,
there is a risk of unfairly associating individuals or communities with criminal behavior. Such
disclosure could lead to public stigma or retaliation, particularly in a sensitive context where the
matter has not yet been concluded by judicial processes.
Additionally, referencing the victim as a “well-known politician” and revealing the names of the
deceased could give the impression of political bias or suggest that the police prioritize certain
individuals based on their status or affiliations. It is crucial that the police are seen as serving all
members of the public equally, regardless of political standing, and not appearing to act in the
interest of any political party or group. Maintaining neutrality in public statements helps preserve the
integrity of the investigation and public confidence in law enforcement.
Furthermore, impartial media communication prevents the perception that the police are punishing or
targeting specific individuals or communities. In this case, the identification of the suspect’s area of
residence could unintentionally stigmatize that community, especially if the public views it as a
breeding ground for criminality. Impartiality ensures that no assumptions or judgments are made
before facts are confirmed through proper legal processes.
Every official is responsible for ensuring that the information they provide to the public is accurate,
respectful, and neutral. Any public communication that appears biased, politically influenced, or
emotionally charged can undermine the credibility of the police service and harm relationships with
the community. Therefore, Sergeant Ngobese’s statement should have carefully balanced the need to
inform the public with the duty to protect the rights and dignity of all parties involved, ensuring that
the police remain a neutral and trusted authority in the eyes of society.
QUESTION 1
Sergeant Ngobese is a communications officer at the Sunnyside police station in Gauteng. On Friday,
5 July 2023, five incidents of house robbery were reported to the police. Items such as laptops,
televisions and expensive jewellery were taken. In one of the incidents, the neighbours mentioned that
they had heard gunshots being fired, followed by sirens from the police vehicles. When the police
arrived at the scene, they discovered two bodies, one of which is suspected to be the body of the
suspect. The other body was that of the owner of the house that was robbed. He was a well-known
politician and, as such, Sergeant Ngobese was summoned to the scene so that she would be able to
report on the incident to the media. Sergeant Ngobese informed the media that two males between the
ages of 40 and 50 had been found dead at the scene and she mentioned the names of the deceased.
Additionally, Sergeant Ngobese confirmed the personal particulars of the fatally wounded suspect and
that he was from Mamelodi Extension 5.
1. Based on the scenario above:
1.1. Write the reasons why the media statement made by Sgt Ngobese should be based on the
principle of equality and impartiality.
Sergeant Ngobese’s media statement should be guided by the principles of equality and impartiality
to ensure fair, unbiased, and professional communication. These principles are essential because
police officials must avoid statements that may be perceived as discriminatory, unfair, or prejudicial.
By revealing personal particulars of the fatally wounded suspect, including his residential address,
there is a risk of unfairly associating individuals or communities with criminal behavior. Such
disclosure could lead to public stigma or retaliation, particularly in a sensitive context where the
matter has not yet been concluded by judicial processes.
Additionally, referencing the victim as a “well-known politician” and revealing the names of the
deceased could give the impression of political bias or suggest that the police prioritize certain
individuals based on their status or affiliations. It is crucial that the police are seen as serving all
members of the public equally, regardless of political standing, and not appearing to act in the
interest of any political party or group. Maintaining neutrality in public statements helps preserve the
integrity of the investigation and public confidence in law enforcement.
Furthermore, impartial media communication prevents the perception that the police are punishing or
targeting specific individuals or communities. In this case, the identification of the suspect’s area of
residence could unintentionally stigmatize that community, especially if the public views it as a
breeding ground for criminality. Impartiality ensures that no assumptions or judgments are made
before facts are confirmed through proper legal processes.
Every official is responsible for ensuring that the information they provide to the public is accurate,
respectful, and neutral. Any public communication that appears biased, politically influenced, or
emotionally charged can undermine the credibility of the police service and harm relationships with
the community. Therefore, Sergeant Ngobese’s statement should have carefully balanced the need to
inform the public with the duty to protect the rights and dignity of all parties involved, ensuring that
the police remain a neutral and trusted authority in the eyes of society.
