11 Jul 2011

Sunday programme sparks police inquiry

9:01 pm on 11 July 2011

Police have launched an investigation into a Television New Zealand current affairs programme after it screened a story about an alleged looter.

The report on Sunday included allegations that Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp, a 25-year-old with intellectual disabilities, was assaulted by police and army personnel after he tried to steal two lightbulbs from an earthquake-damaged building.

The story also had an interview with the victims of the alleged theft who said they did not know about the case before Sunday contacted them and do not want any charges laid.

Police would not comment on the investigation, except to say they are looking at the actions of the programme in dealing with parties to the case.

TVNZ head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery says he stands by the story and is confident the Sunday team dealt honestly, openly and fairly with people involved in the case.