This call was made by media advocacy entities in the wake of circulating hoaxes to the effect that Moalosi was to be executed in Bangladesh this today (Friday). In some instances, it was reported that she had already been executed. In the case of Botswana publications, according to several online media reports, the story referred to a certain Grok Artificial Intelligence (AI) application developed by billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk. According to available data, Grok is defined as a generative AI chatbot developed by xAi, Musk’s other company in the AI space. Responding to these concerns, the Media Institute of Southern Africa Botswana Chapter chairperson,Thomas Nkhoma, said it was deeply concerning when individuals regarded as journalists spread unverified or misleading information especially on sensitive matters such as the Molapisi case. “Accuracy and responsibility are the cornerstones of credible journalism and reckless reporting not only misinforms the public but can also cause unnecessary panic and distress,” said Nkhoma.
According to Nkhoma, MISA upholds the principles of ethical journalism, which demand fact-checking and reliance on credible sources. [[[He said, in this case, the clarification by the Botswana Ambassador to India, Gilbert Mangole, this afternoon on national radio.]]] “Misinformation erodes public trust in the media and those who engage in it must be held accountable,” he said. For his part, the Botswana Editors Forum chairman, Lawrence Seretse, stated that online reports suggesting that Molapisi was to be executed on Friday have caused unnecessary panic and distress among her family, the nation and diplomatic stakeholders. “As the media fraternity, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism, ensuring that all information disseminated to the public is verified and accurate. The spread of false and unverified reports not only misleads the public but also risks undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at securing legal representation and support for Moalosi. It is concerning that a fellow Motswana can hoax about another human being getting killed to say the least. What happened to our sensitivity as a nation,” wkndered Seretse. He stated that publications that caused to publish such articles are irresponsible as they failed to verify. He further called on journalists to be careful when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps to avoid misleading the public without facts. Similarly, the Botswana Online Media Association (BOMA) chairperson, Letlhogile Mpuang, also shared his views.
