Richard Chaka writes;

Once again, disappointingly, sections of the media, particularly eTV, appear determined to cling to a narrative that was built on unverified social media claims, even after arrests have been made and the matter is before the courts. Rather than correcting earlier inaccuracies, they continue to give prominence to a version of events that has increasingly been contradicted by the facts emerging from official investigations.

Our colleague brutally murdered…

When our colleague, Martha Mani Rantsofu, was brutally and senselessly murdered, these same media houses showed little interest in the story. It was only after discovering who her employer was, nearly two weeks later, that the matter suddenly became newsworthy. From that moment, the focus seemed to shift away from seeking justice for the victim and toward advancing a politically convenient narrative.

In their rush to be first rather than accurate, journalists amplified social media allegations linking Mani’s murder to so-called “ghost procurement” activities within the municipality. These claims were presented in a manner that suggested institutional corruption that led to Mani’s murder, despite the absence of verified evidence. For some, it appears easier to make allegations of corruption than to undertake the difficult work of investigating and verifying the facts.

An arrest made…

Now that an arrest has been made, one would expect responsible journalists to engage directly with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Instead, some continue to recycle claims about a R16 million transaction, an issue that was in fact uncovered by the municipality itself through its internal systems and led to the Municipal Manager opening a criminal case.

Reports have since indicated that Mani, in the course of her duties, identified fraudulent and falsified proof of payment documents submitted by external individuals seeking to qualify for municipal Rates and Taxes discounts. Acting in accordance with her responsibilities, she reported these irregularities to her superiors, resulting in a formal case being opened.

The suspect is believed to possess knowledge regarding the circumstances of Mani’s murder

Subsequent investigations and the arrest of a suspect have brought new information to light. It is alleged that a woman identified as Janitha acted as an intermediary, negotiating discounts on behalf of clients and allegedly benefiting from refunds paid into her account or accounts linked to her. More significantly, according to information presented by the NPA in court, the suspect is believed to possess knowledge regarding the circumstances of Mani’s murder and the individuals responsible.

These developments should compel the media to reassess their earlier reporting. Yet some continue to pursue a narrative that implicates Mani’s colleagues and employer, despite emerging evidence pointing investigators in a different direction. Such reporting not only undermines public confidence in journalism but also places an unnecessary burden on a grieving family that deserves the opportunity to heal without enduring constant speculation and misinformation.

The role of the media is not to amplify social media gossip…

The role of the media is not to validate rumours or amplify social media gossip. It is to inform the public accurately, fairly and responsibly. Journalists have both the means and the obligation to seek information directly from the relevant authorities. It should not be difficult to arrange engagements with the NPA and the PKTT investigative team to obtain verified facts about the arrest and the direction of the investigation.

At a time when truth matters most, responsible journalism requires humility, diligence and a willingness to correct the record when the facts change. The memory of Mani, the integrity of the investigation and the dignity of her family deserve nothing less.

Richard Chaka is an employee of the ELM, he writes here (this letter) in his personal capacity.