There has been a new development in the story of the “Tembisa 10” as Independent Media will now appoint an external, independent inquiry following the backlash the Pretoria News editor Piet Rampedi received.
This comes after the publication reported that Gosiame Sithole gave birth to decuplets on June 7. However, there are no medical records of Gosiame giving birth at any public or private medical facility, nor are there any physical signs that the woman has recently given birth.
Read also: #Tembisa10: physical exam shows no signs of birth
According to News24, executive chairperson Iqbal Survé, confirmed on Friday, June 25, that information including video, text and other details will be made available as one of six interventions the company would take following the backlash of the story.
In a statement, Survé indicated that the media group’s ombud has initiated a probe based on various complaints and it will establish whether there has been any violation of their Press Code, which pertain to the ethics related to the publication of the story.
A report compiled by Editor-in-Chief Mr Aneez Salie, which is in the process of being finalised, will be compiled in conjunction with Rampedi, outlining the facts behind the story. This will be used to determine whether press code terms were adhered to.
A separate investigation will be implemented as well, led by its investigations editor with the task of pertaining the legitimacy of the #Tembisa10 story. Rampedi will not be involved in any manner.
Survé added that the company would also oppose the litigation announced by the Gauteng government, which said it would take legal action against Rampedi.
Meanwhile, Sithole was admitted to Tembisa Hospital on June 18, where various medical tests were conducted on her to determine her state of health.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery