Police in KwaZulu-Natal say they have noted with concern the ongoing media reports that they have made a breakthrough in the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said reports of the arrests were “unconfirmed” and “misleading”.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that police had arrested five men in Cape Town.
Cellphone footage made the rounds on Twitter, claiming that police arrested three men at an ATM at Erica Square Mall in Belhar. Two other men were arrested in Belhar.
However, police have denied the arrests.
Netshiunda said social media speculation has led to reports that potentially jeopardised the investigation.
“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 jeopardising ongoing investigations.
“Such reports also have a 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,” Netshiunda said.
He said that the “armchair investigators” had placed police under scrutiny and he appealed for space and time so they could continue the investigation.
In light of all the speculation, the Forbes family released a statement, saying that accusations and assumptions from social media are doing more harm than good to the investigation. While they acknowledge the support from the “Megacy”, they asked for patience and space to allow law enforcers to do their job.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
