Manning urges responsible media reporting on Goilala killing

The recent footage of what is now being claimed as acts of cannibalism has stirred debates on social media.

Police Commissioner David Manning is urging the public and media not to circulate unverified information that can lead to violence and conflict.

He says the most sinister allegations published by one of the daily papers was not verified by authorities, which portrays a negative image of the country globally.

Manning said the media should be responsible in reporting such matters.

"This one-sided reporting by a media outlet without verification is damaging to the image of our country and does a disservice to our people," Manning said in a statement.

"I call upon the media to be responsible in it's work, to exercise journalistic skill, and not to perpetuate social media speculation."

He said what happened in Goilala was disgraceful and does not reflect the law-abiding Christian communities across the country.

However, Commissioner Manning said; "No reports have been made to police on this horrific incident, which occurred in December last year."

Meantime, police intelligence indicates this matter appears to be the outcome of isolated ethnic violence where individuals involved had consumed alcohol and drugs before engaging in this unacceptable conduct.

The public is assured that these matters are being fully investigated, and those depicted in the video will be dealt with accordingly.