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.
He stated that the alarming online publication to the effect that Molapisi will be executed was concerning. He said the reports were concerning more so that they were unverified and had caused panic. “We plead for sobriety during this challenging time for the Molapisi family and call on (online) media to be responsible and ethical in their reporting; to verify and ascertain content before publication,” he said. Mpuang stated that they hope online publishers took this as a lesson to ensure they improve on credibility henceforth. In an interview with the national radio broadcaster on Wednesday afternoon, Ambassador Mangole expressed worry over the misleading news reports suggesting that they defeated diplomatic efforts they are currently pursuing with Bangladesh.
He stated that there was no truth in the allegations noting that the government had appealed the sentencing in court and awaiting verdict. Molapisi was arrested and detained at an airport in Bangladesh in 2022 over allegations of drug trafficking. Resultantly, the Botswana government has been supporting her efforts to get a fair trial. Meanwhile, the misleading news of her execution spread in Botswana and beyond this week. Several online publications locally and internationally carried out stories that she had been executed contrary to official information.
