MiWay audit firm: ‘Baboons’ email is fake

Last week, insurance company MiWay came under fire after an email using racist comments was published on social media. After immediate investigation with the help of independent forensic auditors, the email purporting to be from a MiWay claims assessor was found to be fake.

Danny Myburgh, managing director of Cyanre – The Digital Forensic Lab – stated: “We can confirm, after a detailed investigation, that an email sent from a MiWay employee was manipulated by an external source. The image circulating on social media is a fabrication.”

Read More: MiWay under fire for fake ‘black baboons’ comment

Yesterday, MiWay CEO René Otto said: “We have received the full report forensic auditors, which conclusively proves that the email is fake and did not originate from MiWay or its staff. The audit has also identified the individual responsible.”

Regarding the publication of the report, Otto said: “To be fair, we have decided not to publish the report as yet, and provide the client with the opportunity to respond first. Once we have received feedback, we will be in a position to elaborate on the way forward.”

The furor on social media led Black First Land First (BLF) to head to MiWay’s head office to “get clarity on the company and its stand on racism”, according to a BLF statement.

Their press statement concluded by saying: “As a proudly South African company, MiWay takes a firm stand against any form of racism or racial discrimination and is transparent in all its dealings.”