MINISTER MTHETHWA CONDEMNS SENSATIONAL SUNDAY INDEPENDENT ARTICLE ON "NEPHEW": Further congratulates police for arrest of suspect and encourages them to investigate more, to secure harshest convictions
PRETORIA - 22 April 2012. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa does not have a nephew known as Maga Musa Artwell, as alleged in today's Sunday Independent newspaper. To this end, once again he will lodge a complaint with the Press Ombudsman tomorrow against this paper for biased and sensational reporting, which negatively tarnishes his name.
The article, headlined: ‘Minister's nephew implicated' and written by Niyanta Singh, quotes: "a close relative of Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa was arrested this week in connection with the hijacking of a policeman in a Durban suburb. Maga Musa Artwell, 33, Mthethwa's nephew, made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday and was remanded in custody."
"I do not have a nephew by that name, and surely even if he was my relative a credible journalist would have contacted me to verify whether we are related or not. To my utter shock and dismay, such a basic journalistic principle was not followed. In fact, this story is an exact replica and the modus operandi is the same as that of last week's The Citizen article. In both instances, I was not contacted neither my office to verify the claims, yet my name continues to be dragged in the mud," stated the Minister.
"What is further annoying is the inconsistency on the part of Sunday Independent when seeking commentary from me or my office. In the past, when contacted for responses, we ensured that we revert with comprehensive responses, at times given very tight deadlines. Shockingly, on this specific story no effort was made whatsoever. Such gutter, low-level, biased and sensational journalism indeed confirms our previous assertions that there is a deliberate media campaign against me, which would even stoop to the lowest standards of journalism. I am saying not in my name, I will not allow that," added Minister Mthethwa.
It is quite bizarre that 48 hours ago (Friday, 20 April 2012) the Minister expressed his disappointment at the ongoing media campaign aimed at discrediting him. What is further common and strange with this tragic campaign, is the constant mentions of ‘faceless sources.' We suspect such sources are non-existent, imaginary and a fabrication of thoughts from this Niyanta Singh character.
As a matter of fact, Minister Mthethwa applauds the arrest of this suspect and would like to see justice prevail, so that it can send a message out there that crime does not pay.
"I have always and will continue to advocate that police must apprehend any person who breaks the law, without fear of favour. Such an arrest confirms that my message is heeded and well understood by my officers, and that is very much encouraging. Now whether any person who is arrested happens to be my friend, colleague or family member, I urge the police to do their jobs objectively. In fact they must not only arrest suspects, but ensure they conduct thorough investigations and good detective work, so that they can secure the harshest convictions," he concluded.
The Minister would, had he been contacted by Sunday Independent, have given the latter response; that police have a duty to arrest anyone irrespective of one's relations to him. Perhaps anticipating such as response, which in their view would not have made front page headlines or increase their circulation sales that is whySunday Independent did not contact him or his office for commentary. Instead they chose a one-sided and sensational approach. We find such opportunistic journalism a shame and unwarranted.
The Minister can easily contact and demand an apology from Sunday Independent however based on the ministry's respect and proper procedure on media ethics; the Minister intends to, again, write to the Press Ombudsman to investigate and determine a way forward on this matter.
Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police, April 22 2012
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