Everson Luhanga
The Gauteng government has instructed state attorneys to institute legal action against Piet Rampedi and the Independent Media Group for the Tembisa 10 fake scoop saga.
Scrolla.Africa team spoke to Thabo Masebe, the Gauteng government spokesman who said the government will demand as a first step that Independent Media Group retract the story and apologise.
“Rampedi and Pretoria News are being asked to apologise to Gauteng Premier David Makhura, MEC for health Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi, CEO of Pretoria’s Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Dr. Mathabo Mathebula, the public and the international community at large,” said Masebe.
In a statement, released on Wednesday, Masebe said on 17 June 2021, the Pretoria News published a story based on a statement made by Independent Media alleging that Gosiame Sithole gave birth to decuplets at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and that government was trying to cover up medical negligence.
“These allegations are false, unsubstantiated, and only serve to tarnish the good reputation of Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the Gauteng Provincial Government.”
He said social workers attached to the Gauteng Department of Social Development made contact with Gosiame to establish her whereabouts to determine how the department could provide any assistance and care for her and her children.
Masebe said that Gosiame was admitted to Tembisa hospital on 18 June 2021, and various medical tests were conducted on her to determine her state of health.
“It has now been established by medical practitioners that Gosiame did not give birth to any babies in recent times.
“It has also been established that she was not pregnant in recent times.”
The Gauteng Provincial Government will continue to give medical, psychological, and social support to Gosiame and provide any counseling she might require.
The Gauteng Provincial Government is deeply concerned by the conduct of the Independent Media, particularly the editor of the Pretoria News, Piet Rampedi.
Meanwhile, doctors have recommended that Gosiame Sithole be kept at the hospital for another seven days for further observation.
This comes after her initial 72 hours lapsed on Tuesday.
Image source: @Mbatha10
