The Media Complaints Committee received a complaint from Dr. Lawrence Otis Simbi Mantiziba, Chief Executive Officer of Mpilo Hospital, over a story headlined: “Outcry as Mpilo privatises” (12 – 18th December 2014).
Dr. Mantiziba says the newspaper misleadingly alleged in its article that, “All the little resources are channelled towards resource mobilisation activities with the CEO shuttling between Harare and Bulawayo every week using hospital funds”. The complainant feels that the article had an effect of tarnishing his image through portraying him as an irresponsible leader. He says that he never shuttled weekly between Bulawayo and Harare and that records are available to support his position.
STATUS: PENDING
B-Metro has indicated that the newspaper made an effort to grant Dr. Mantiziba the right of reply before publishing but that he declined to comment – hence the paper ran the story with his ‘no comment’ response.
However, apart from restating that the newspaper fulfilled its duty by seeking the complainant’s version of events, the B-Metro has indicated that they are willing to resolve the matter by giving the aggrieved party another opportunity to give his side of the story.
Dr. Mantiziba has however requested for time to analyse the B-Metro response and right of reply offer.
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