By Augustine Ehikioya
The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) has faulted what it described as persistent and unfounded allegations regarding ongoing investigations into the murder of renowned South African rapper, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
According to the SAPS, the media reports are detrimental to ongoing investigations.
This was contained in a statement by Colonel Robert Netshiunda of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner KwaZulu-Natal. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “Police in KwaZulu-Natal have once again noted with grave concern persistent, yet unfounded allegations regarding ongoing investigations into the murder of renowned South African rapper, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
“Some media houses, who clearly seem hell-bent to botch any Police endeavours in finding the killers and bring justice to the families of the victims, have started the day on Tuesday morning with unsubstantiated rumours and malicious allegations about the recovery of the so-called murder weapon.
“This insensitive, unethical and inconsiderate reporting has a great potential of arming the persons of interests with ammunition to further complicate the Police’s progress into the matter.
“Moreover, allegations of this nature also puts the investigating team under undue pressure and endangers their lives,” it stated.
According to the statement, the Police is making another appeal to members of the media to respect the process of investigation and refrain from publishing unfounded allegations and speculations, and “to realise the unintended consequences of their actions.”
It said further that the Police is making good progress into the investigation and when the time is right the public will be informed accordingly.
“Journalists are also advised against formulating uncorroborated allegations for the sole reason of triggering a reaction or solicit commentary from the Police. The zeal to break the story should never surpass the responsibility to report truthfully and ethically,” the statement said.
