25 Jun 2020

Francistown street photographers, commonly known as Blue Jacket Street Photographers, have been urged to comply with COVID-19 regulations.

This comes a week after some of the photographers were arrested and charged by Francistown Central Police officers.

Speaking during a briefing on June June 23, the Mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo said that the council and the law officials were not happy with how the photographers were conducting themselves amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said they were expected to be more vigilant with their work and comply with COVID-19 regulations of social distancing, sanitising, wearing of masks as well as keeping a register.

The Mayor said that although he was aware that the photographers were trying to sustain their living by taking photographs, they also ought to be professional and responsible for the welfare of their customers.

He thus asked them to refrain from operating their businesses on the walkways.

“Taking of pictures on the walkways obstructs people’s movements and it also destructs drivers and this is not safe for both the photographer and the customer,” he said.

The Mayor observed that the council and other stakeholders involved were however still in talks to map how the photographers could be assisted accordingly with a suitable location to conduct their business.

He advised the photographers to monitor one another to ensure that they comply with COVID-19 regulations. Botswana Police Senior Assistant Commissioner - Northern Division, Ms Cynthia Setilo also urged the photographers to comply with COVID-19 regulations to avoid breaking the law.

“We appreciate your efforts to eke a living, but at the same time, we have to make sure that there is compliance with the set rules and regulations,” she said.

Also, Ms Setilo called on photographers to respect the rights of other people while going about their daily business.

“Some of you capture pictures of people without their consent and use them on social media, which violates the law,” she said.

She therefore warned that the police would take to task those found to be on the wrong side of the law in this regard.

Speaking on behalf of photographers, Mr Augustus Phillimon said that they took full responsibility of their act of non-compliance and that they were determined to comply with the COVID-19 protocols. ENDS