"We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for
us," the statement said. "To the local people who have been so kind and gracious,
thank you for making us feel at home.
"As for the press, we kindly ask for privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful
country with our children."
In response to the privacy plea, Namibian officials began taking action against
some of the journalists attempting to shadow the couple's every move, using
the fact that they lack proper accreditation to work within the country against
them.
Three French photographers, as well as a photographer for the Sunday Times
were ordered to leave the country or else face arrest, the Sunday Times reported.
Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula told the Sunday Times he felt the move
was warranted.
"This lady is expecting," he told the paper. "You guys are harassing her.
Why don't you allow her some privacy? Harassment is not allowed in Namibia.
"If a person says they don't want to be photographed then, of course, that
person deserves protection."
The unfortunate shutterbugs ordered to leave the country missed out on the
opportunity to capture the latest stirring photos of the family paying a visit
to the local KFC, as well as a pet shop, where they apparently purchased a pet
turtle, and to a jewelry store.
Meanwhile, another photographer who attempted to get too close to the Jolie-Pitt
clan reportedly learned his lesson the hard way.
According to TMZ.com, the paparazzo hid in a ditch in order to snap shots
of Pitt playing with four-year-old Maddox and was subsequently beaten to a pulp
by one of the couple's security guards after he was discovered.
"The bodyguard literally beat the crap out of this guy," a source told the
Website, adding, "Brad and Maddox were right there watching."
Last week, Mickey Brett, the brawny head of Jolie and Pitt's security team,
issued a profanity-laden threat to those even considering approaching the couple
for a photo opportunity.
"If I find anyone getting a picture of Jolie, I will f--king smash someone
to pieces," he snarled to a reporter. "I'm not joking. I'll f--king put someone
in the hospital. Tell your friends."
It was unclear if Brett was the bodyguard who delivered the beatdown to the
unlucky shutterbug caught in the act.
When they aren't out on side trips to fast food eateries or game preserves,
Jolie and Pitt have holed up at the Burning Shores resort hotel near the colonial
German town of Swakopmond.
Last week, a Namibian official said the couple told him they planned to have
their child in the African nation and were even considering giving the baby
a Namibian name.
