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In the current issue of Zigzag (34.2) we reported in Splab on an altercation that took place at Glen Beach recently. Seems our journalist didn’t do his job properly. While there was a fight, and punches were thrown, there are two sides to the story as there usually are in a fight, and the Zag only reported on one of these sides.
It turns out the person we painted as the antagonist claims he was in fact the victim. We would like to unreservedly apologise to the parties involved for taking such an amateur and lame approach to journalism in a situation where there are criminal charges pending, and for any insinuation as a result thereof. We had no right calling anyone a tit, an idiot, or a fool. If anyone is a tit it is the journalist who wrote the story, if anyone is an idiot it is the editor for letting the story go through without double checking, and if anyone is a fool it is the publisher who pays the tit and the idiot their salary. In a gesture of good faith, we have also donated R1000 to the said person’s charity of choice, the NSRI on his suggestion.
Read below for the other party’s account:
What actually happened is that after a disputed wave in mixed-up conditions at the beach where I am the oldest and longest-surfing surfer, I was viciously head-butted despite directly warning the other party that if he touched me, I would lay charges. I then defended myself with punches much to the attempted bully's shock, he headbutted me again, I punched him back...etc. This was witnessed by many in the water.
You simple-mindedly stated that there were "witnesses" of my supposed misdeeds - giving your weight to the impression that the matter was cut and dried; it has been pointed out that the one witness's testimony seems inconclusive, while serious questions surround the credibility of the other alleged witness; including the documented fact that he once assaulted the person he is now testifying against.
Even the number of stitches inflicted by the headbutting - a simple matter of fact - was stated falsely (it was doubled from the actual number, no doubt to appeal to the worst instincts of the mob). These are serious allegations and you cannot gloss over them. And, fundamentally, you made no attempt to check with the other party, me, who after all laid the initial charges immediately after the incident. I believe you have let yourselves be used in the service of a vendetta and not in the service of justice. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the parties had reached agreement to have all charges dropped, with the headbutter agreeing to cover medical costs and expressing remorse; but your lapse forces much greater publicity on the subject.
Anyway kids, the positive side of all this is that you might get the idea that you shouldn't always take what you read or hear on face value - especially if it has a nasty tone! And the people in charge will think a lot harder about who they pick on, even when they are less able to defend themselves.
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