Jolie and Pitt Issue Privacy Plea

Mon., Apr. 24, 2006 1:25 PM PDT by Sarah Hall

As they await the birth of their first biological child together, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have officially put out the "do not disturb" sign.

The celeb duo, who are currently vacationing in Namibia, issued a joint statement requesting privacy for their family unit, according to the Sunday Times of South Africa.

"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 a security guard after he was discovered.

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 Swakopmund.

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.