No coverage of reported looting

I HAVE had a subscription for The Herald for years and over the last months I have started seriously to doubt your integrity in reporting.

Just an example with the devastating fires of the last week: I admired your reporting the efforts made by all the good people, donating even if they couldn’t or could hardly afford it.

These guys all hope that they will effectively help someone in need, someone who lost everything in the fires.

But what irks me beyond belief is that you do not report about the scumbags who loot the goods destined for these desperate people.

I know that the evacuation point (also serving as a massive drop-off point of relief goods) in Thornhill was looted over the weekend. The people in charge then moved the goods to another location where they were equally looted.

They needed protection to move the goods to private grounds for further distribution to the people who were desperate to get help.

Why don’t I see one word about these lowlifes stealing, to sell the goods, to buy tik with the money so they can get their kids also addicted?

Don’t tell me you don’t know about it.

If I – as a normal citizen – can get hold of this information, so can you, surely.

Disappointing and biased, your information. Shame on you!

Myriam Wambacq, Port Elizabeth

THE Herald executive news editor Brett Adkins comments: The Herald has been monitoring claims of looting closely. This is what has been established as well as a response from the police.

From Jonathan Fowke (who is a business owner at Thornhill and a farmer, and who is physically at the drop-off point/hall every day): “Being well managed by Patrick Sachs from Kouga Municipality. No looting or goods going to the wrong people.

“What I would like is if you could ask the people to stop bringing goods. Too much now. Save for another day.”

South African Police Service: “Did Ms Wambacq report it to the authorities? On Monday morning, no cases were reported to SAPS Thornhill.”