By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
FOLLOWING circulation of photographs and videos at accident scenes and posting them on social media platforms, police have warned of stern measures against anyone posting such material.
There is a growing tendency among members of the public whose immediate reaction is to resort to taking pictures of tragic incidents and sharing them on social media platforms instead of rushing to rescue people in such situations.
National police spokesperson (Press and Public Relations), Commissioner Paul Nyathi, warned would-be perpetrators that the police would not hesitate to let the law take its place.
“In light of the recent incidents, ZRP supports pressing of criminal charges against those who engage in this intrusive and harmful behaviour.
“Filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without their consent or consent of their families is unacceptable and warrants legal repercussions,” reads part of Commissioner Nyathi’s statement.
Recently a man drowned during picnic with friends. Instead of saving his life, the friends started filming him only to realise later that he was failing to swim.
He eventually drowned.
Commissioner Nyathi said in this regard, police strongly condemn the distressing behaviour of individuals who choose to film citizens during tragic incidents, such as accidents or drowning rather than offering assistance or calling for emergency services.
“This conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also constitute a violation of the dignity and privacy of the victims and their family,” warned Commissioner Nyathi.
In Gwanda, members of the public were seen recently taking pictures and videos of fire brigade when it was trying to put out fire from a car burning.
Unfortunately, the firefighters went to the scene with fire tender that could not use its pressure hose because it was faulty. Instead, the team resorted to using a dish to draw water from the fire tender.
The incidents has drawn wide criticism from members of the community, who say the local authority is not serious about people’s lives and their properties.
New Ziana
