Police in KwaZulu-Natal have noted with concern the ongoing media reports and speculations that are being peddled as a breakthrough in the murders of Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. Unconfirmed reports about the arrest of an ever-changing number of suspects have been doing the rounds and are misleading the public.
Although police understand that the matter attracted media attention and that the public awaits with bated breath for any developments, police are calling upon the media and everyone else to refrain from making reports that have the potential of jeopardizing ongoing investigations. Such reports also have the potential of putting at risk the lives of the people purported to have been arrested as well as endangering the lives of individuals who are portrayed as police officers in photographs and videos which have been doing the rounds on certain websites and social media platforms.
Police are appealing for space and time to investigate the matter without undue pressure and unwarranted scrutiny from armchair investigators, analysts, and faceless so-called sources who are claiming to be closer to the investigations. Police are duty-bound to keep the victims’ families abreast of any developments in the investigations. This irresponsible reporting rub salt into the fresh wounds of the family members who have put their faith in law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book and for justice to prevail.
Investigations into the murders are ongoing and police will keep the public updated as and when there is any breakthrough or development worth communicating about.