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Zimbabwe police condemn filming of tragic incidents

by Staff reporter
18 Nov 2024 at 15:15hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has condemned the disturbing trend of individuals filming others during tragic events, such as accidents or drownings, rather than offering assistance or contacting emergency services. In a statement released on Sunday, ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, emphasized the moral and legal implications of this behavior, highlighting the violation of victims' dignity and privacy.

"ZRP strongly condemns the distressing behaviour of individuals who choose to film citizens during tragic incidents, such as accidents or drownings, rather than offering assistance or calling for emergency services," Nyathi said. "This conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also constitutes a violation of the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families."

Nyathi stressed that filming or sharing footage of people in life-threatening situations without their consent causes unnecessary harm, adding to the trauma faced by the victims and their loved ones. He called on the public to uphold basic human principles of respect and compassion during emergencies.

"Filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without consent is harmful and violates basic human principles," Nyathi stated. "This inflicts additional, unnecessary trauma on victims and their loved ones."

The police force has vowed to take legal action against individuals who film such distressing moments for personal gain or notoriety. Nyathi confirmed that the ZRP would fully support criminal charges against offenders and pursue all available legal avenues to hold them accountable.

"In light of recent incidents, the ZRP supports pressing criminal charges against those who engage in this intrusive and harmful behaviour," Nyathi declared. "Filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without their consent or the consent of their families is unacceptable and warrants legal repercussions."

The ZRP's statement reflects growing concerns about the ethics of capturing and sharing footage of people in vulnerable situations, particularly in an era where social media platforms often amplify such content.

The police force further urged the public to prioritize compassion and responsibility during emergencies. Nyathi emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of those affected, calling on citizens to act with integrity and humanity in times of crisis.

"We fully support law enforcement in taking appropriate action against those who exploit these tragic moments for personal gain or notoriety," Nyathi concluded, reiterating the call for responsible behaviour during emergencies.

The ZRP's stance is expected to reinforce efforts to curb the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and promote a more empathetic response during tragic events.

Source - NewZimbabwe
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