Your article is misleading

Date: 24 September 2010 By: Elmon Tshikhudo

In the edition of September 10, Limpopo Mirror published an article under the heading Reward for info regarding Chief´s death. The article states that the Netswera Royal Family still believes that Vhamusanda Vho Mphatheleni Vhulahani Netswera was killed for ritual purposes.

The article further reflects the views of the family of the late traditional leader, quoting family spokesperson, Dr Netswera Fulufhelo, who made a speech on behalf of the family during the funeral of Vhamusanda Vho Mphatheleni Vhulahani Netswera.

During the past week, we received a call from the police at Makuya, saying that there are some misleading statements. We promised the police to provide them the opportunity to give their side of the story and received the following report from WO Mashudu Madida. For further clarification, readers can phone WO Madida at 082 713 3056.

The SAPS views the contents of the report as something very relevant and important if the whole idea was to provide the public with the information related to the reward, which the family has allegedly decided to make available to assist the investigation process.

However, the SAPS is not happy when it goes as far as creating an impression that the matter regarding the mysterious death of Chief Netswera could not receive a due consideration. Police duties include, amongst others, ensuring that all people in South Africa are safe and secure and police at Makuya are dealing with this matter in a serious light. It is not true that there is an investigator from the provincial commissioner who took over the case. It lacks truth to create an impression that the SAPS is a fragmented structure, but it must be emphasized that the SAPS is united force, which provides professional service to the community as a collective.

It also needs clarity that during the operation when the Chief had disappeared police could not stop the community to conduct a door-to-door search, however, it was a voluntary exercise where it was highlighted that no one should be forced to be searched, when there is no search warrant.

During a briefing session there had been no indication of whoever failed to cooperate with the community members. It is also uncalled for to undermine the working relationship which is still strong between the family, police and community as the task team which is dealing with this case is working very hard to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this case are known.

The team is composed of all interested and affected parties. The police at Makuya are still investigating an inquest docket and anyone with information should come forward. The police telephone numbers provided to the family can be used 24 hours. Anyone who claims to be serious about this matter should come forward to assist easy the police investigations.

In conclusion police would like to advice in person with interest in this matter to avoid campaign which can only at the end achieve cheap personal popularity or political score, and it is wise to release statements which cannot mislead the public.

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Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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