THE KILLING OF ANTON HAMMERL

The African National Congress is extremely saddened and shocked at the news of the death of one of the world's respected and outstanding journalists, Anton Hammerl.

We are gravely incensed by the senseless and indiscriminate use of deadly force against innocent civilians and members of the media by the Libyan government, which today has resulted in the death of one of internationally renowned journalists.

We are particularly disappointed by the dishonesty of the Libyan government, which assured our government that our citizen was alive and in custody. This raised our hopes and that of the family and friends of Hammerl, only to be crushed later. Had it not been for the journalists who were recently released from captivity in that country, we would not have known of Hammerl's death.

He was one of the finest and fearless photojournalists who risked his own life in a warzone to capture and expose the brutal reality of the Libyan situation to the international community. Hammerl had love and passion for his profession, and not even the bombs, bullets and missiles could deter his persistent and courageous spirit.

He lived through the lens, out of which he supplied the world with some of the greatest moments of our times, the tragic realities of our lives, as well as the gruesome times humanity had to endure. Through his trade he enlightened the world.

The ANC reiterates its call for the peaceful resolution of the Libyan conflict and once again appeals to the government of that country to immediately cease with the indiscriminate use of force against its people. No peaceful resolution can be borne out of the current situation of fierce and deadly crossfire.

We indeed extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, colleagues and the entire media fraternity for this painful loss.

Statement issued by the African National Congress, May 20 2011

CWU ON THE DEATH OF ANTON HAMMERL

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is saddened by the death of photographer and journalist, Mr Anton Hammerl, who is reported to have died in the hands of the forces aligned to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in Libya on 5 April 2011.

Anton Hammerl was an outstanding, courageous, dedicated and committed photographer.

As CWU, we condemn the killing of Hammerl and the continued onslaught on protesters by Gaddafi's forces in Lybia. We call on the South African's International Relations Minister to sanction an   investigation into the circumstances leading to the arrest and the subsequent killing of Anton Hammerl.

Our condolences go to Hammerl's family, friends and the media fraternity both at home and abroad.

Statement issued by Matankana Mothapo, CWU National Spokesperson, May 20 2011

Hammerl tragedy: DA sends deepest condolences to family

The Democratic Alliance (DA) wishes to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of photographer Anton Hammerl.

It was confirmed in the early hours of this morning that Mr. Hammerl died at the hands of Muammar Gaddafi's Libyan government forces on 5 April, the day he went missing. It appears, from this account, that Muammar Gaddafi's forces specifically targeted the journalists. This is a terrible and tragic development, made all the more devastating by the fact that, for 45 days, the Libyan and South African authorities both misled Mr. Hammerl's family on his condition.

Even now, the news only reached family members via three detained journalists, who were released into Tunisia on Thursday. Those journalists, who had been with Mr. Hammerl at the time of the incident, then contacted the family directly. The Libyan authorities would have known about Mr. Hammerl's condition, because the other three journalists were detained by the Libyan government.

It is unclear what the South African government did or did not know. It is, however, simply unfathomable, and difficult to contemplate, that the Minister of International Relations would have given the family false hope, by claiming Mr Hammerl was still alive, last week.

It is equally galling that the minister cancelled an emergency meeting on this matter because, in the words of department spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, she had "election commitments".

In the immediate aftermath of this sort of terrible news, our focus must fall on the family and friends, but profoundly serious questions need to be asked of Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, and indeed President Zuma, in the weeks to come.

We wish to convey our deep and sincere sympathies to Mr. Hammerl's loved ones, at this moment of profound grief.

Statement issued by DA leader, Helen Zille, May 20 2011

Sanef press statement on the death of Anton Hammerl's

We are extremely devastated about the tragic news of the death of Anton Hammerl.

He was a superb photographer and a brave journalist who always went out a thousand extra miles to bring home  news and images to the world.

South Africa 's journalistic community joins Anton's family and friends in mourning his death.

Statement issued by SA National Editors' Forum , May 20 2011

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